River Severn (Upper Long)-Net Punt
In the Severn, from Gloucester down to around Framilode, the fishermen used long-nets which were a form off river seine-nets to catch salmon. For this they used a Severn punt, these being flat-bottomed, square-shaped boats of a very ancient design, and built from pitch pine, oak and Archangel whites. They were almost symmetrical either end with a rise enabling them to land quickly against the riverbank. The three-inch thick Archangel white bottom boards were bolted together, the ends were bent oak scarfed and riveted to the bottom whilst the pitch pine sides are nailed to the bottom and ends.
Two known survivors at about 22ft in length on a for foot beam were built by Prossers of Minsterworth, one in the National Maritime Museum whilst the other has been restored and occasionally used, though not for fishing. McKee gives a good description of the fishing method (p.167)
These able craft were capable of working in very shallow water and could also carry very heavy loads. Usually their work was not confined to fishing as they were just as likely acting as ferry, animal transporter, reed-cutting boat and general work craft.
Sources: 1, 5
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