Trawling
Trawling is the operation of towing a net to catch fish and the basic requirements for operating the trawl-net are sufficient power to tow the net, a means of holding the mouth of the net open while towing, a system of wires to connect the net and gear to the sources of towing power and the ability to cast and haul the net. Trawls may be towed over the seabed, or at any depth, in mid-water, according to the target species sought, by one or two vessels. In single-boat trawling otter boards are used to spread the connecting wires and hence hold the net open horizontally. In two boat or pair trawling the wires that connect each vessel to the net are held open horizontally by the vessels keeping station some distance apart when towing.

• Demersal Pair Trawling
  Nets used for pair trawling are of similar design and netting material but tend to be much larger and heavier than comparable single boat gears. As otter boards are not required to provide horizontal spreading forces vessels of relatively modest horsepower can tow a considerably larger gear between them. A rockhopper footrope is frequently used to protect the net from bottom damage and the gear is usually shot and hauled in the rig between the warp and bridles to ensure good bottom contact. At the end of the haul both parts come together again and the previously transferred bridle is passed back to allow the first vessel to complete hauling operations.
  
• Beam Trawling
  Beam trawls are used to harvest whitefish, mainly flatfish such as sole, plaice or megrim together with angler and other species found on the seabed. The beam, 9-12m in length, is constructed from heavy steel tube and supported on each side by rugged steel trawlheads which slide over the sea bottom. Ahead of each groundrope several tons of tickler chains or chain mats are used to disturb fish causing them to rise up and be taken by the trawl following immediately behind. Towing speeds are generally higher than otter trawling, reaching 6 or 7 knots on clean ground with ticklers, whereas on rough ground stone mats are towed at around 4 knots. Beamers usually operate on the continental shelf (200m).

Scallop Dredging
Each dredge consists of a ruggedly constructed triangular steel frame and tooth bearing bar or sword, behind which a mat of linked steel rings is secured. A heavy netting cover or back is laced to frame, sides and after end of this mat to form a bag in which the catch in retained. Scallops, which usually lie recessed in sand and fine gravel, are raked out by the teeth and swept into the bag. Large vessels generally tow two bars, one on each quarter. The number of dredges used varies with towing power, handling capabilities and area, with fourteen (seven on each side), a fairly typical number, although the largest vessels may deploy more.

Potting and Creeling
Creels and pots are small traps baited with fresh or salted fish which are set down on the seabed to catch crabs, lobsters and Nephrops. They may be fished singly but most commercial fishermen use them in strings.