Meet the Fleet
WATERDANCE
WATERDANCE
MEET THE FLEET
We have over 20 boats based in Devon and Cornwall including beam trawlers, netters, and potters. All of our boats use our own quota as much as possible and we trade quota domestically and internationally. Our boats land regularly at Brixham, Newlyn, Salcombe and Exmouth. These ports provide direct access to the western channel where clean deep waters and strong currents create the perfect environment for world-class seafood. Sustainable fishing methods ensure that these stocks remain intact.
TYPE 1
TRAWLERS
Trawling in Brixham has a strong history but today’s fishing gears bear only a passing resemblance to those of the past. Brixham’s fishermen in particular have played a leading role in developing beam trawl gear, increasing its selectivity while also minimising the effects of trawl gear on the seabed – as well as having the additional welcome effect of reducing fuel consumption.
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BOAT BUILDING
BUILDING FOR THE FUTURE
At Waterdance, we have been working to modernise our fleet for some time, and in the past four years we have commissioned four new fishing vessels. The Nichola of Ladram, a Crabber, built in 2019; the Georgina of Ladram, a Beam Trawler, built in 2020; the Amanda of Ladram, an Offshore Netter, built in 2021 and the Winter of Ladram, built in 2022. We have found the benefits of modernising the Waterdance fleet to be numerous. Click the link below to learn more.
TYPE 2
NETTERS
Gill netting and trammel netting are a static method, meaning that the fishing gear is placed and the fish then come to it, instead of pursuing a catch as a trawler does. Netting is carried out by a fleet of specialised fishing vessel operating mainly from Newlyn, and fishing over a wide area from deeps South of Ireland to out into the English Channel and beyond. The nets themselves are made from fine monofilaments, rigged to a buoyant upper line and a weighted lower line, and are placed in a tier of several joined nets stretched along the seabed, held in place with an anchor at each end.
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CAREERS
BECOME A FISHERMAN
The fishing industry offers a wealth of adventure and the potential to earn excellent wages. The industry also offers great potential for personal and professional development, and further career progression. The sea is a challenging and exciting working environment, worlds away from a ‘normal’ 9-5 desk job – tides, weather, seasons and the fish themselves ensure that no two days are ever the same. A career at sea can be financially rewarding, but it’s also valuable in many other ways.
TYPE 3
POTTERS
Fishing with traps is a method of catching fish that goes back to ancient times, although the willow that was used in the past to make crab and lobster pots has been replaced with modern materials, including steel bars for the frames and synthetic netting for the coverings.
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