372 DEEP-SEA FISHING. 



The otter-trawl is constructed on mncli tlie same 

 princij)le as regards the shape of the net, but the well- 

 known otter-boards, kite-like in their action, are substi- 

 tuted for the hammers, and no poles are required ; a 

 single warp with a bridle to the two wings being all 

 that is necessary. The application of otter-boards to 

 the trawl — in fact, the invention so far of the otter- 

 trawl, originated, we were informed in Ireland, with 

 Mr. Musgrave. This trawl is much used by yachtsmen, 

 and is very suitable for vessels not solely employed in 

 fishing, as there is no trouble with a heavy beam, and 

 the net can be stowed away in a small compass when it 

 is not in use. "We have not liad much opportunity of 

 working with this trawl, but so far as our experience has 

 enabled us to judge of its merits, it appears to be very 

 efficient in fine weather, and can be shot without much 

 difficulty when there is plenty of light for the fishermen 

 to see what they are about. It is under such conditions 

 that the otter-trawl is used by yachtsmen ; but regular 

 deep-sea trawlers work both by night and day, and 

 in almost all kinds of weather ; and we can readily 

 believe there is some force in tlieir objection to this 

 particular form of trawl when they say that the otter- 

 boards will not keep on the ground when there is any 

 sea on. 



Another possible objection, and one supported by the 

 result of our short experience of this net, is that more 

 chance of escape is given by it to round-fish than is 

 the case with the beam-trawl. In the latter the beam 

 and upper front edge of the net are considerably in 

 advance of the ground-rope, so that fish when disturbed 

 by that rope cannot escape upwards ; but in tlie otter- 

 trawl the upper margin of the net is just over tlie 

 ground-rope, and there is very little to }»re\ent many 



