Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations Fisheries and

for a world without hunger Aquaculture Department

Fishing Gear Types

Hooks and Lines

Hooks and lines

Characteristics
Overview Hooks and lines are gear where the fish is attracted by a natural or artificial bait (lures) placed on a
hook fixed to the end of a line or snood, on which they get caught. Hooks or metallic points (jigs) are also
used to catch fish by ripping them when they pass in its range of movement. Hook and line units may be used
singly or in large numbers.
Handling Equipment These gears are hauled by hand in small-scale fisheries whilst in large-scale fisheries
vessels are usually provided with powered line haulers, automatic jiggers, line reels, line coilers and automatic
hook handling and baiting systems.
Vessel Overview Liners. These gears are suitable for almost any size or type of vessel that can operate in the
area being worked. They can be employed also without boat, directly from the coastline (jetties, rocks,
beaches, etc.).
Fish Operation The fish are attracted by the natural or artificial bait (lures), hooked, and held by the mouth
until they are brought aboard the operating vessel which periodically hauls the gear.
Target Species Pelagic, demersal and benthic species.

Water Area Overview All over the world.

Gear Environment Hooks and lines are generally operated in a very wide range of depths, either in inland and
sea waters. With line fishing it is possible to catch fish on rough ground, even in their hiding places between
the rocks.

FAO Fisheries and Aquaculture Department