Hollaars

Hollaars is a term that can refer to several things, primarily a surname and a type of fishing net. As a surname, Hollaars is of Dutch origin. Individuals bearing this name are found in various parts of the world, particularly in countries with historical Dutch emigration. The etymology of the surname is not definitively established, but it is believed to be occupational, possibly related to a trade or craft practiced by an ancestor.

In the context of fishing, a hollaar is a type of drift net, traditionally used in the Netherlands. These nets are characterized by their large mesh size and are designed to catch pelagic fish, such as herring. The hollaar net would be deployed at night, drifting with the currents, and then hauled in at dawn. This method was common in coastal waters and for certain types of commercial fishing operations. Over time, fishing regulations and the adoption of more modern techniques have led to a decline in the use of traditional hollaar nets in many areas.