The coasts of Britain and Ireland are surrounded by some of the most tempestuous waters in the world and are among the most diverse too. As a result of the diverse nature of the coast, each area has developed its own unique fishing craft suited to its own local environment. This book examines the roots of each native design.

The purpose of this book is to assist fishermen in their choice of the most suitable design, construction (or adaptation) and equipment for a fishing boat not exceeding 70 feet (21 m) in length.

Britain has a history of a wonderful array of sailing fishing boats, some of which still sail under private ownership. These older vessels developed in their own unique ways which were dependent on local traditions, the type of fishing, their place of operation and, lastly, innovation from fishermen and boatbuilders alike. With motorisation they changed dramatically through the steam era until the advent of the internal combustion engine. In time they became known as the motorised fishing vessel (MFV) and today some of these still work. Today fishing boats still attract all sorts of people to fishing harbours everywhere and many are drawn to the new breed of ubiquitous boats that compete for ever decreasing stocks of fish.

The definitive volume on Britains traditional fishing boats, by the author of Herring: A History of the Silver Darlings.

The first history of traditional fishing boats of Europe.