Fishing more precisely via automated try-gear
Implementing automatic try-net systems in trawl fishing can significantly enhance precision and efficiency. These systems perform short sampling deployments while the main trawl operates over extended periods, providing real-time data on target species catch rates and bycatch levels. This information allows fishers to adjust operations for optimal results.
Benefits of Automatic Try-Net Systems:
- Standardized Sampling: Automation ensures consistent sampling protocols, leading to more reliable data.
- Reduced Crew Effort: Automated operations decrease manual workload, allowing crew to focus on other tasks.
- Enhanced Data Resolution: Shorter, more frequent sampling intervals offer finer spatial and temporal data, improving decision-making.
- Bycatch Reduction: Real-time feedback enables immediate adjustments to maximise target catch rates and minimize unwanted bycatch, promoting profitable and sustainable practices (a win win).
Current Implementations and Research:
While specific systems for automated try-net operations are not widely documented, related technologies and research indicate a trend toward automation and precision in trawl fishing:
- Scantrol Autotrawl Systems: These systems automate trawl control, maintaining optimal net configurations and adapting to sea conditions, thereby enhancing fishing efficiency. National Fisherman
- SeaTrex HD Trawl Net Camera: Provides real-time underwater visuals, allowing fishers to monitor net performance and catch composition, facilitating immediate operational adjustments.
These advancements suggest a movement toward integrating automation and real-time monitoring in trawl fishing, aligning with the goals of automated try-net systems to improve precision and sustainability.
Precision Fishing with Automated Try-Gear System from TEK50
Automating try-net operations is a game-changer for trawl fishing, improving accuracy, reducing crew effort, and providing high-resolution real-time data. The Tek50 Automatic Try-Gear Timer simplifies and standardizes sampling while the main gear operates, allowing for maximised target-catch rates and bycatch reduction.
Key Benefits for Fishers:
✅ Stress-Free Operation – Automates try-net deployment and retrieval with precision.
✅ Accurate, Repeatable Sampling – Ensures consistent, reliable try-gear deployment based on easily adjustable settings.
✅ Optimized Performance – Automatic 4-second wind-back after deployment guarantees consistent operation.
✅ Reliable Timing – Precisely controls fishing duration for standardized data collection.
Why It Matters:
By automating try-gear operation, fishers can achieve:
🔹 More precise realtime catch indication, increasing efficiency and profitability.
🔹 Reduced workload for crew, enhancing safety and ease of operation.
🔹 Improved data resolution, allowing for better decision-making on the best times and areas to fish.
🔹 Minimized bycatch through real-time feedback, supporting sustainability.
#FishingInnovation #TrawlTechnology #PrecisionFishing #SustainableFisheries #Automation

Hi Dave. An intriguing development full of possibility. Noting the range of potential benefits, do you have a sense for what is stopping fishers from moving in this direction? Cheers
Hi Steve — I think two main barriers are limited awareness of products like this, and the difficulty of making business models around such innovations thrive in a small, stressed market. These are the sorts of challenges that a well-functioning community of practice could help to ease, by providing space for knowledge-sharing and confidence-building around new approaches.