Fishing North Atlantic offers a detailed and immersive commercial fishing experience, allowing players to explore realistic fishing methods used in the cold waters off Canada’s coast. One of the more complex and rewarding methods in the game is trawling. Trawling involves dragging a net through the water to catch large quantities of fish like redfish, pollock, and haddock. This process requires precise control of your vessel, a clear understanding of the equipment, and good timing to maximize your haul. Learning how to trawl effectively can boost your earnings and add depth to your fishing journey.
Understanding Trawling in Fishing North Atlantic
Trawling is a mid- to late-game activity that requires the right boat and gear. Not all vessels support trawling, so it’s important to choose a ship equipped with a trawl winch and net. Once you’ve got the right equipment, you’ll need to learn how to operate it efficiently, manage your net depth, and track fish behavior.
Selecting the Right Vessel
To get started with trawling, you must own or lease a trawler-class vessel. Some of the popular trawlers in the game include:
- Hermes
- Moonshine
- Notka
These ships come with trawl winches, sonar, and fish holds large enough to store your catches. If you’re just getting into trawling, consider starting with a mid-sized trawler that balances size and maneuverability.
Installing and Preparing Trawl Gear
Before heading out to sea, ensure that your vessel is equipped with:
- A functional trawl winch
- A properly attached trawl net
- Winch and net maintenance in good condition
You can purchase and install the necessary gear at the harbor upgrade menu. Always check the durability of your gear before sailing out, as damaged equipment can result in lost catch or even net failure.
Locating the Best Fishing Zones
Finding a good location to trawl is crucial for a successful trip. Use the sonar and fish-finding equipment onboard to scan for dense schools of fish. Trawling works best in deeper waters, so pay attention to water depth and seabed composition on your map.
Reading the Sonar
The sonar display helps you identify fish density beneath your ship. Look for thick, yellow-to-red clusters which indicate a higher concentration of fish. Align your net depth with the fish location for an optimal catch.
Time and Weather Conditions
Certain fish species are more active at specific times of day or under particular weather conditions. For example, haddock may be more abundant in the morning, while redfish are more likely to appear in the afternoon. Check the fish species info in your logbook before choosing your trawling route.
Deploying and Managing the Trawl Net
Once you’ve located a promising area, it’s time to deploy your trawl net. This process requires careful handling to avoid damaging the gear and to maximize your catch.
Step-by-Step Trawling Process
- Slow your vessel down to trawling speed, usually between 3 to 5 knots.
- Open the winch interface from your control panel.
- Lower the trawl doors and deploy the net gradually.
- Monitor the net depth and sonar to ensure the net stays within the school of fish.
- Adjust net depth using winch controls if fish shift vertically.
- Continue trawling through the fish-rich area for about 10-15 minutes.
Net Depth and Tension
Managing your net’s depth and tension is crucial. If the net drags too deep or becomes too shallow, you’ll miss fish or risk snagging the seabed. Watch your tension meter if it turns red, reduce winch power or slow the vessel to prevent gear breakage.
Retrieving and Sorting Your Catch
Once the trawl net has collected enough fish, you must retrieve and store the catch. This step is where your trawl winch and storage hold come into play.
Hauling the Net
- Return to the winch panel and slowly retract the net.
- Ensure the boat remains steady during the retrieval process.
- Once the net is secured, begin unloading the fish into your hold.
Depending on your vessel, this can be an automatic or manual process. Make sure your hold has enough space, or you risk losing excess catch.
Using Crew Members
If your boat supports a crew, assign them to winch and sorting stations. A skilled crew member can speed up the process and reduce mistakes, especially during long hauls. Train them to operate the winch, manage gear, and sort fish based on species and size.
Maximizing Profits From Trawling
Trawling can be a profitable venture if managed correctly. Once you return to port, you’ll need to offload your catch and sell it to the appropriate fish market.
Fish Quality and Pricing
The quality of your fish depends on the length of the trip and how well they were stored. Use refrigerated holds and avoid overfilling your cargo to preserve freshness. Each harbor offers different prices for various species, so visit your map and compare rates before docking.
Maintaining Your Gear
Regular maintenance is vital for long-term profit. Repair your winches, replace worn-out nets, and upgrade components when possible. A damaged net catches fewer fish and is more likely to break mid-trawl, costing you time and money.
Tips for Efficient Trawling
Here are some final tips to help you master trawling in Fishing North Atlantic:
- Always check the fish forecast before departing.
- Keep an eye on fuel consumption during long trawling runs.
- Don’t overextend your net depth shallow or rocky waters can damage gear.
- Use a combination of sonar and visual map markers to find fish hotspots.
- Upgrade your storage and engine when you have enough funds to increase efficiency.
Trawling in Fishing North Atlantic is a rewarding but demanding task that adds depth to the game’s fishing mechanics. By learning how to control your equipment, read sonar effectively, and manage your net properly, you can haul in massive quantities of fish and turn a significant profit. With the right strategy, vessel, and timing, you’ll become a master trawler navigating the cold, profitable waters of the North Atlantic.