Preliminary report of side-setting experiments in a large sized longline vessel

Experiments on side-setting methods were conducted in April-May 2006 using a large-sized longline research vessel (total length 54 m, 450 GT) to examine the applicability of side setting to large distant-water-type Japanese longline vessels. Two sets of line setting equipment were installed at the end and side of the stern deck, and the performances of stern setting and side setting were compared. Preliminary analysis of the results indicated satisfactory performance of side setting in practical feasibility and in improvement of sink rates of baited hooks.