Abstract: The present invention relates to trawl doors used in trawl fishing, including shallow water trawl fishing applications, deep water trawl fishing applications, bottom trawl fishing applications as well as at pelagic trawl fishing applications. The invention also relates to seismic surveillance line spreading and spreading of other items towed in water. The present application provides a novel trawl door design with improved stability and efficiency. The inventors are able to demonstrate smaller angles of attack using the trawl door of the present invention, which is as little as 7.5 degrees.

Abstract: The present invention relates to trawl doors used in trawl fishing, including shallow water trawl fishing applications, deep water trawl fishing applications, bottom trawl fishing applications as well as at pelagic trawl fishing applications. The invention also relates to seismic surveillance line spreading and spreading of other items towed in water. The present application provides a novel trawl door design with improved stability and efficiency. The inventors are able to demonstrate smaller angles of attack using the trawl door of the present invention, which is as little as 7.5 degrees.

Abstract: A wear shoe apparatus for protecting the bottom of a trawl door used to open a trawl being pulled behind a fishing boat. A lower wear shoe is provided with a bottom and two walls extending upward therefrom to define a channel sized to accommodate therein an upper wear shoe. Holes in the side walls are aligned with each other and with a corresponding hole in the upper wear shoe, with such holes permitting an elongated fastening member to pass therethrough for fastening the wear shoes to each other. The wear shoes are constructed of a very wear-resistant and durable material, such as manganese steel alloys. A mudshoe can be made an integral part of the lower wear shoe. Wear shoes and mudshoes can be installed, removed and replaced with greater ease and in less time.