In the eerie and atmospheric world ofDredge, acquiring specialized fishing equipment is key to survival, progress, and profit. One of the most useful and sought-after tools in the game is the Trawl Net. It allows players to passively catch a wide range of sea creatures while continuing to explore or complete other tasks. Unlike active fishing tools, the Trawl Net operates as you sail, making it extremely valuable for maximizing efficiency. However, unlocking and using it correctly involves a few critical steps. This guide will walk you through exactly how to get the Trawl Net in Dredge, upgrade it effectively, and make the most of it during your dark maritime journey.
Understanding the Trawl Net’s Purpose
What Is the Trawl Net?
The Trawl Net is a passive fishing apparatus inDredgethat allows players to continuously gather fish from specific environments while sailing. Once equipped and deployed, the net catches fish without requiring active input, which saves time and makes multitasking easier.
- Works best in coastal, shallow, or mangrove areas, depending on the type
- Requires installation on your vessel’s trawl slot
- Must be researched before purchase
- Requires maintenance as durability decreases with use
For players looking to optimize their fishing routines and income, learning how to get the Trawl Net and use it properly can dramatically improve their experience.
How to Unlock the Trawl Net
Step 1: Complete Early Missions and Upgrade Your Boat
To access the Trawl Net, you need to progress through the initial stages of the game, completing key quests in the starting area. Most players will gain access to new boat slots, equipment, and the Research system after completing early tasks for the Fishmonger and the Mayor.
- Upgrade your hull at a Dry Dock to unlock trawl net slots
- Complete the Pursuits journal quests to advance core gameplay features
- Start gathering Research Parts by salvaging shipwrecks or completing missions
The Trawl Net feature only becomes usable once your boat has a dedicated net slot and the item has been researched. Without these two conditions, you won’t be able to equip or benefit from any trawl gear.
Step 2: Use Research Parts to Unlock Trawl Net Models
The next step is to invest Research Parts into the Trawl Net category via the Research tab in your menu. You’ll see several different nets listed, each with distinct requirements and performance stats.
- Basic Trawl Net: Suitable for shallow waters, with limited durability
- Coastal Trawl Net: Offers better coverage for coastal biomes
- Mangrove Trawl Net: Designed for catching species in swampy environments
Choose the net that aligns with your intended fishing area. Researching a net makes it available for purchase at local Shipwrights. Note that different regions may sell different net models based on your current location and progress.
Purchasing and Installing the Trawl Net
Buying the Net
Once researched, go to any Shipwright shop and view the available inventory. The Trawl Net will now appear for purchase. Make sure you have enough gold and an open trawl slot before buying. Prices and availability may vary depending on the region you’re in.
Installing the Net
When you buy the net, it will automatically be added to your inventory. Open the equipment screen and drag the net into the appropriate trawl slot on your boat. The size of the net must match the size of the slot.
- Make sure the slot is not already occupied by incompatible gear
- Check net stats for durability and catch capacity
- Repair the net at a Shipwright when durability drops too low
Once equipped, the net will begin fishing automatically when you’re sailing in suitable waters. You’ll see an icon or alert when it starts catching fish.
Maximizing Efficiency with the Trawl Net
Best Locations for Passive Fishing
The Trawl Net performs differently depending on where you use it. Knowing which areas provide the best yield is essential for catching valuable species quickly.
- Coastal Waters: Ideal for standard nets, yielding bream, mackerel, and cod
- Mangrove Zones: Best for unique and rare species with high sale value
- Shallow Reefs: Provides a diverse mix of small fish for quest fulfillment
Try to plan your route around these biomes to keep the net active at all times while heading to your next destination.
Watch the Durability
Every Trawl Net in Dredge has a durability meter that decreases over time as it catches fish. If the meter hits zero, the net becomes ineffective until repaired.
- Visit Shipwrights frequently to repair your net
- Avoid dangerous routes that may cause unnecessary wear
- Monitor the net’s performance and remove it for repairs when needed
Keeping your equipment in top condition ensures maximum profits and efficiency while reducing the chance of breakdowns in dangerous waters.
Combining Nets with Other Equipment
Multitasking While Fishing
One of the biggest advantages of using a Trawl Net is the ability to perform other tasks while it works. Here are some activities you can do simultaneously:
- Complete side quests and deliver items
- Explore new islands and hidden locations
- Dredge for relics and Research Parts
- Collect crab pot yields for additional income
Combining net fishing with active tasks helps you maximize every moment spent sailing, making your trips more rewarding.
Using Nets with Crab Pots and Rods
Equipping a Trawl Net doesn’t mean giving up other tools. A well-outfitted boat should include a balance of gear to catch a wide range of marine life. Consider adding crab pots, trolling rods, and even explosives for clearing wreckage to round out your fishing strategy.
Advanced Tips for Using the Trawl Net
- Plan long routes through rich biomes to maximize net usage
- Keep spare Research Parts to unlock stronger nets as soon as possible
- Sell excess catches before storage fills up overcrowding causes rot
- Upgrade your boat’s cargo hold to store more fish caught by the net
- Check your encyclopedia to track what species you still need
With these strategies, you’ll get the most out of your net and build a stronger economy to support repairs, upgrades, and quest progression.
Getting the Trawl Net inDredgeis a turning point in your maritime journey. It enhances passive income, makes exploration more efficient, and opens up new ways to experience the game. From researching the first net model to sailing across dangerous waters with a steady stream of fish flowing into your hold, every step adds value to your adventure. Focus on upgrading your ship, collecting Research Parts, and maintaining your gear to make the most of this powerful fishing tool. Whether you’re dredging for treasure or dodging monstrous sea creatures, the Trawl Net is an essential piece of equipment for any seasoned captain in the world ofDredge.