Fishing Operations Checklist ― Basic Steps
(Refer to the Wireline Fishing Manual for Complete Procedure)
Inspect Fishing Kit
Maximize distance between drillpipe and top-drive
(use long bails/links where available)
Apply tension of +1000 lbs over cable buoyant weight
Install T-bar; check for cable slippage
Lower elevators and cut cable
Relocate upper sheave to the derrick
Wireline crew builds rope sockets
Install and test spearhead with spearhead overshot
assemblies
Assemble drillpipe overshot; thread spearhead
overshot assembly through
Pick up drillpipe overshot
Spool up spearhead overshot assembly to
derrickman, feed into pipe, and lower to floor
Connect spearhead overshot to spearhead (inspect,
tighten and test connections frequently)
Pick up wireline and remove T-bar
Lower pipe into hole and place C-plate under the
spearhead
Slack off and disengage spearhead overshot
Flag cable at drum when spearhead overshot
reaches derrickman
Flag cable again when spearhead overshot reaches
bottom of pipe
Proceed cautiously until jars and BHA are in the hole
Halt operation; install “No-Go” hex adaptor (2 ¼-in OD)
Trip DP into hole; inspect the swivel every 10 stands
Install circulating sub 1 to 2 stands above expected
top of fish
Circulate to clean grapple and DP overshot
Remove circulating assembly and continue in hole
until tension increases
For Detailed Operational Procedures Refer to WL Fishing manual (InTouch 4172213)
Confirm fish engagement by:
● increasing and slacking off wireline tension
● picking up drillpipe (reduction in cable tension)
● circulating and comparing pump pressure.
Blow out the drain sub with pump pressure
With fish in overshot, install T-bar under spearhead
at surface
Break weakpoint with T-bar in elevators; do not
exceed cable SWL.
Install second T-bar at drillpipe and set on a C-plate
Lay out spearhead/overshot asemblies & cut cable
Tie loose ends together with a square knot (Fig, A)
Spool slowly and observe the knot tightening
Tension should not exceed 25% of ends-fixed break
strength. Two T-bars may be required to bring knot
back to winch.
Remove T-bar and carefully spool knot over sheaves
to drum; remove IDW/CMTD and spool knot onto drum
Re-install IDW, CMTD and reset depth including
cable footage cut out
Near surface, slow down and pull out of hole and
tie-off wireline
Ensure FE is on the rig floor w/ top of fish at 200’ and
POOH with DP
With tools at surface, install make-up plate
immediately below overshot and disconnect tools
Rig down remainder of tool
Disconnect downhole overshot from drillpipe and
remove tools with hand tools or send back to base.
Untie the cable, cut the rope socket, clear rig floor,
and pull cable over the top sheave by hand
Spool up the cable with the winch