National Fisherman

Paul Molyneaux

Editor

Paul Molyneaux is the Boats & Gear editor for National Fisherman.

Author Archive

Karl Senner installed a fixed propeller system and Reintjes WF 570 gear in the Kodiak, Alaska-based trawler, Elizabeth F., after the vessel’s controllable pitch propeller system failed late in the 2024 season. Credit: Karl Senner

Reintjes drives innovation in marine propulsion

Greg Sharrow studied to be in the music industry, but in an effort to make a quiet drone to use filming an orchestra, he realized the he need to eliminate the tips of the blades. He extended the blades and bent them back to the hub, and the sharrow propel

A new twist on propellers brings greater fuel efficiency

Gregory Brooks has been shrimping in North Carolina’s Pamlico Sound for 30 years. With his uncle, Tommy Brooks, on this mid-August day, they land 2,200 pounds of brown and white shrimp after less than 24 hours fishing. Paul Molyneaux photo.

Storm warnings for Carolina shrimpers

Packed with gear and supplies, the Heart of Gloucester carried Sarah LeWine and Jim Tarentino on a 24-day journey of over 400 miles, powered only with a pair of 10-foot oars for Tarantino, a pair of 9-footers for LeWine, and a little sprit sail. Sarah Le

Two Gloucester rowers cross the Gulf of Maine in a dory

The Wanchese commercial fleet has been shrinking for years, but Mark Vrablic at Willie Etheridge Seafood believes that if Trump administration starts telling Americans about the value of domestic seafood it could strengthen US fisheries. Paul Molyneaux ph

Fighting for a fishing future

With only a few significant initiatives to reduce microplastic contamination of the oceans, some commercial fishermen are recycling gear and collecting plastic. Suzuki has installed microplastic filters in some engines, a small but symbolic effort. Suzuki

The microplastics battle

Everyone who knew Baxter Cox speaks of his dedication to Alaska’s commercial fishing industry, and his girlfriend reports that they were planning to marry. His loss in an accident doing what he loved is a tragedy for all. Baxter Cox Instagram.

The loss of a young fisherman

Aboard his 43-foot tuna longliner, the Provider II, Marty Scanlon, president of the Blue Water Fishermen’s Association and past National Fisherman Highliner, talks about the challenges the East Coast tuna fleet faces. Paul Molyneaux photo.

Tuna meltdown

The closed cod end on the FloMo with its reduced flow allows fish to swim naturally rather than being exhausted and crushed in a standard cod end. Holes in the retention modules (extension) can be adjusted to allow bycatch to escape. FloMo photo.

The gentle net

Fire Suppression Industries began making the Suppressall FS2-Max fire suppression tool in 2025, after launching the FS2 in 2024. Company partner Joe Kuesis, fishing boats on all coasts are adding the FS2-Max to their firefighting toolkits. Suppressall pho

Fire in the hole