The Art of Wherrying: A Traditional Fishing Method with a Rich History

Wherrying is a traditional method of fishing that involves using small, open boats called wherries to catch fish in shallow waters. The wherries are typically rowed or sail powered and are equipped with nets or lines to catch the fish.

Wherrying has been an important part of the fishing industry in certain regions of the world for centuries, particularly in the United Kingdom and Scandinavia. However, with the decline of traditional fishing methods and the rise of modern fishing techniques, wherrying has largely disappeared from many areas.

There are still some places where wherrying is still practiced today, such as in the East Coast of England and in the fjords of Norway. In these areas, wherrying is often done using traditional wooden boats that have been passed down through generations of fishermen. The boats are typically small, with a length of around 10-20 meters (30-60 feet) and a beam of around 2-4 meters (6-12 feet). They are powered by oars or sails, and are equipped with nets or lines to catch the fish.

Wherrying is a labor-intensive and time-consuming process that requires great skill and patience. The fishermen must carefully navigate the shallow waters and avoid obstacles such as rocks and reefs while also trying to locate schools of fish. Once the fish are caught, they must be carefully handled and brought back to shore for sale.

Despite the challenges involved in wherrying, it remains an important part of the fishing industry in certain regions and is highly valued for its cultural and historical significance. Many fishermen continue to use traditional wooden boats and techniques passed down through generations, and there are also efforts to preserve and promote this unique and disappearing way of life.