Tickler Chain . —Some boats customarily tow a tickler chain. 

 Formerly, the chain vas secured to the bottom of the net and on many 

 vessels this procedure is followed today. However, greater success 

 wltn tne tickler chain has resulted from towing it ahead of the net 

 and separate from it. The chain is towed along the bottom to stir 

 up tne shrimp so that the net, which is carried 1 foot to iiJ Inches 

 above tne bo t ton, will pick up the shrimp after they have been stirred 

 up. The Chain serves a dual purpose inasmuch as it tends to level off 

 the irregularities on the bottom and destroy growths which otherwise 

 mlgnt be caught in the net. By towing the tickler chain ahead of the 

 net, it is possible to tow the net without touching the bottom. This 

 results in cleaner catches as far as mud and debris are concerned, and 

 in many instances this practice is believed to minimize the amount of 

 trash rish caught. In addition to the tickler chain, short lengths of 

 chain are secured to the bottom of the net and allowed to hang down 

 towards the bottom. The latter are from 12 to 21; inches in lengtn and 

 are used to measure the distance between the bottom of the net and the 

 ocean floor. The depth is ascertained by the length of chain which 

 becomes shiny as the result of being dragged on the bottom. 



FIGURE II - 21.— Florida shrimp boats with nets 

 and outriggers at bow for sports fishermen. 

 Fishing Gazette. 



Gear Used in tne Bait Fishery 



Several types of gear are used by bait snrimp fishermen 

 throughout tne United States, but the bulk of the catch is taken by 

 trawl nets. In certain areas other types of gear may account for the 

 total catch or aay be predominant in the fishery. These types of gear 

 are pusn nets, cast nets, channel or lift nets, dip nets, and bridge 

 nets. 



89 



