Abstract: A trawl's mesh cells include at least three mesh bars. A cell's first mesh bar includes a first product strand formed by a core product strand enclosed within a sheath. The sheath resists sliding along the core product strand during the trawl's assembly and field operations. The first product strand also mechanically connects to a second product strand forming the mesh cell's second mesh bar. The mechanical connection includes a clamp which encloses at least the slide-resistant, sheathed portion of the first product strand. A particularly preferred embodiment for the sheath includes at least one spiraling product strand interwoven with other encircling product strands. The spiraling product strand has a diameter that is larger than a diameter of each of the other encircling product strands. An improved method for catching fish with a trawl system includes a step of assembling the trawl system by combining selected trawl components.

Abstract: An improved self-spreading trawl (13) includes first panels (56T, 56B) which when towed through a body of water (12) separate on opposite sides of the trawl's central axis (62). Portions of panels (56T, 56B) form portions of the trawl's mouth (26). The trawl (13) also includes second panels (56P, 56S) which separate on opposite sides of the central axis (62) from the sides occupied by the panels (56T, 56B). Portions of panels (56P, 56S) form portions of the trawl's mouth (26). Regions of panels (56P, 56S) generate more outwardly directed lift than corresponding regions of the panels (56T, 56B). When towed through the body of water (12): a) a distance separating the panels (56P, 56S) exceeds; b) a distance separating the panels (56T, 56B). Also a braided product strand which includes at least 3 plaits (76, 102), at least one (76) of which is larger than the others (102), advantageously exhibits less drag and vibration.