trawl-line
Definition
- Noun:
- A long fishing line with many hooks: "trawl-line" refers to a type of fishing gear consisting of a long main line (often several kilometers in length) from which numerous shorter lines with baited hooks are attached at intervals. It is used to catch fish in deep waters, particularly for species like cod, halibut, or tuna.
Usage Examples
- Noun:
- The fishermen set out a trawl-line at dawn, hoping to catch a large haul of cod. (A long line with many hooks deployed for fishing.)
- Modern trawl-lines are often equipped with electronic monitors to track their position. (The fishing gear is now technologically advanced.)
Advanced Usage
"to fish with a trawl-line": to use this specific method of fishing.
- They prefer to fish with a trawl-line rather than nets because it targets larger, bottom-dwelling fish. (They use the long-line technique.)
"trawl-line fishing": the practice or industry of using such lines.
- Trawl-line fishing is common in the North Atlantic for catching halibut. (The method is employed in that region.)
Variants and Related Words
Trawl (n): a large net dragged behind a boat to catch fish, distinct from a trawl-line.
- The boat used a trawl to scoop up shrimp. (A net, not a line.)
Longline (n): a synonym for trawl-line, often used in commercial fishing.
- Longline fishing is another term for trawl-line fishing. (The same gear type.)
Synonyms
- Longline: a fishing line with many hooks, used in deep-sea fishing.
- Setline: a stationary line anchored to the seafloor with hooks.
- Trotline: a similar line used in freshwater fishing (e.g., for catfish).
Related Idioms
"to trawl for something": to search or look for something in a broad, systematic way (extended from the fishing method).
- The recruiter will trawl for new candidates at the job fair. (Search broadly, like using a trawl-line.)
"to be on the trawl": to be engaged in searching or gathering (informal).
- The detective was on the trawl for evidence in the old files. (Actively searching.)