Longlining (Commercial)

Commercial fishing with long baited lines carrying hundreds to thousands of hooks - a major method for tuna, swordfish, and Chilean sea bass.

Water: Saltwater Difficulty: Expert

📖 Overview

Longline vessels deploy mainlines that can extend for 50+ miles, with branchlines (gangions) carrying baited hooks every 100-300 feet. Sets are made at specific depths for target species. Longlining is efficient but historically has high bycatch (turtles, sharks, seabirds) - though modern circle hooks and bird streamers reduce this dramatically.

🐟 Target Species Notes

Tuna (yellowfin, bigeye), swordfish, mahi-mahi, opah, Chilean sea bass.

📋 Regulations

Heavily regulated internationally. Requires commercial permits, observer coverage, gear modifications, and closed areas. Recreational longlining is illegal in most jurisdictions.