Solheira

By ahcravogorim

The Solheira:
A Traditional Trammel Net

The "solheira" is a trammel net consisting of three juxtaposed layers—two outer large-mesh walls ("albitanas") and a fine inner mesh—commonly known as a triple-layered gillnet.

The "solheira" gear is composed of a specific number of net sections, referred to as "andares" or "rações". The mesh sizes and total length are defined in the "Gillnet Fishing Regulations."

Every eight sections, a buoy is deployed to mark the position, serving as a reference for other boats while maintaining alignment with the initial buoy.

The sections feature a float line running along the top and a lead line along the bottom. According to modern designs, the lead line consists of a rope with the lead weight running through its core.

In this way, the net sits on the seabed to entangle fish: cuttlefish, sole, and occasionally white seabream—though the first two are the primary targets.

This video, one of the first I ever made, dates back to 2010. It features the collaboration of my friend Alberto Trabalhito (nicknamed "Trovão") and Necas (both now deceased), who took me along for a brief set near the harbor.

I dedicate this presentation to the fishermen of Torreira, and especially to Alberto Trabalhito (Trovão) and Necas. Necas was more than just a dog; he was a dear friend to Trovão and his wife, Linda. Besides guarding the nets and the boat, he would even go fetch one of his owners when needed. Many times Trovão would tell Necas, "Go get Linda," and Linda would say, "Go get Trovão," and off Necas would go. If you hear him barking in the film, it’s because other boats are passing by, and like a good guard dog, he is warning them that this is his owners' home.

Thank you, Trovão, for taking me with you, and thank you, Alfredo Miranda, for the documentation on fishing gear.

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The Haul

The gear is set between thirty minutes and an hour before the end of the flood tide and is hauled in one hour after the ebb tide begins.

Both setting and hauling the nets are always done in the direction of the current. For example, if I am making a set in the main channel of the estuary in Torreira, I would set the net moving South to North and haul it moving North to South.

Given this timing, a single solheira set lasts no more than three hours. Occasionally, when there are many fishermen in the estuary, extra time is spent "holding a spot" at a location each fisherman deems ideal for a successful catch.

Usually, between setting and hauling, the fisherman does not return to shore to save on fuel. He only does so if he needs to pick up partners—such as his wife or son—to help with the haul.

Thank you, Carlos Gamelas, for the reminder on how to properly make the set.