Abstract: A fishing apparatus comprises a floating platform and a transfer conveyor mounted at a forward end of the platform. The transfer conveyor extends downwardly and forwardly through a channel formed in the bow of the platform. The barge includes forwardly converging side portions which terminate at this channel. Forwardly extending and laterally spaced support arms are pivotably connected to the platform for up and down swinging movement. Laterally spaced pontoons are secured to forward ends of the support arms. A series of contiguously arranged side nets and floor nets form a forwardly open scoop extending from the pontoons into the mouth of the transfer conveyor for capturing and conducting fish upwardly into the transfer conveyor. Mechanism is connected to the pontoons for selectively varying the ballast thereof to raise and lower the scoop.