How Much Fish Does A Trawler Catch? [Facts!]


Sharing is Caring


A trawler is a fishing vessel with a highly specialized hull design that was originally used to catch fish primarily in the North Sea, but are now found worldwide. They are named after the fishing nets (known as trawls) that were used in their original purpose with the word โ€˜trawler’ being short for โ€˜trawl boat’. These days, they are mostly used for recreational fishing, although some larger ones continue to be used for commercial fishing. While mostly associated with fishing, trawlers have also been used to fish for sharks, rays, and large turtles. There are also a few fictional examples of trawlers in literature and film such as Jaws and The Princess Bride.

How Many Fish Can A Trawler Cope With?

The largest recorded catch made by a trawler was 567.8kg (1,250lbs) of flounder by the German trawler GNYG. When hauling in this giant catch, the crew of GNYG reportedly had to use an airborne helicopter to lift the boat above the surface of the water to avoid complications from large sea monsters known as barracudas.

This record was recently broken by the Greek trawler Katerinis in 2006 when she hauled in 658kg (1,400lbs) of fish, including 31kg (68lbs) of halibut and 104.8kg (228lbs) of flounder. Other records for fish caught per trip include 500kg (1,100lbs) by Sea Breeze in 2003, and a whopping 1,200kg (2,600lbs) by the Norwegian vessel Gullfisk in 1964.

The smallest recorded catch was 0.9kg (2lbs) of rockfish by the New Zealand trawler Tamahii in 1988. This record remains unbroken to this day.

How Many People Can Fit On A Trawler?

The number of people that can fit on a trawler varies by boat size. Smaller ones can hold up to four or five people, while larger ones can accommodate up to eight or nine. In both cases, the crew typically consists of the captain (usually a man), the mate (a middle-aged man), and the cook. For recreational fishing, two of those three positions are usually filled by experienced fishermen who own the boat.

The U.S. Coast Guard has established specific weight regulations for recreational boats. An adult male can weigh up to 300 lbs without being over the maximum weight limit for the vessel, and 100 lbs for the rest of the crew. This means that a four-person boat can weigh up to 400 lbs, and a five-person boat can weigh up to 500 lbs. If the boat is more than 10 years old, it also has to be over 21 feet in length.

What Is The Price Of A Trawler?

The price of a trawler depends on several factors including its size, whether it is new or used, and the market currently. Smaller boats can be bought for as little as $2000, while larger ones can cost up to $200,000 or more. When purchased new, they also typically cost a lot because they are extremely expensive to build. To put this in perspective, it would cost $150,000 to $200,000 to build a comparable sport fishing boat.

Interestingly, the world’s most expensive boat is not a trawler, but it is a paddle wheel boat built in 1975 called the Songster that currently resides at the New York Museum of Naval Maritime History. This particular boat cost the estate of one Mr. Harold S. Vanderbilt $200,000 in 1975 ($400,000 in today’s money). It is made entirely of wicker, teak, and has a steel frame.

Where Do They Fish?

Fishing is mostly a summertime activity outside of North America and Europe, although it can be done year round in some parts of the world. The biggest catch currently comes from the North Sea in the summer, and the Antarctic Ocean in the winter. However, as technology advances and ice fields melt, fishing opportunities may shift to other parts of the world.

In the summer, anglers go after various fish species, with the most popular being striped bass, followed by yellowfin tuna and big-game fish. The world’s most famous beach is named after a type of fish called a pompano that is abundant there. In the winter, the main target is Antarctic fish called toothfish, followed by minke whale, fin whale, and giant squid. Some anglers also go after shark and manta rays in the winter, especially in the Indian Ocean.

Is It Worth It?

The price of a trawler largely depends on three factors: how much it costs to build, how much it costs to operate, and how much it will eventually cost to maintain. To put this into perspective, it would cost a lot more to own a yacht than it would to own a trawler. In both cases, the cost of maintenance is high because they need constant repairs and fuel. In addition, large commercial trawlers often need an additional crew member to operate them. Finally, larger boats are more difficult to maneuver, especially when fishing inclement weather conditions, and they cost a great deal more to purchase.

The bottom line is that it is largely a case of buyer beware when it comes to buying a used boat because there are a lot of unknowns regarding its past, present, and future. However, if you are purchasing a new boat, ensure that the builder provides a warranty and that the boat is in good condition.

To learn more, check out the links below.

Craving More Content?

Fishy Features