SHOULD EVERY ANGLER HAVE A FISHING NET?
Fishing nets are an important tool for fishermen because they allow them to catch large quantities of fish efficiently. These nets are considered to be an essential tool for commercial fishermen, allowing them to readily capture large schools of fish - an important fact for not only their livelihood but for meeting the demand for seafood as well.
Recreational fishermen, also known as sport fishermen, may use fishing nets in a variety of ways, depending on the type of fish they are targeting and the type of fishing they are doing. Some common ways that recreational fishermen use nets include:
- Bait fishing: Recreational fishermen may use small landing nets to scoop up baitfish, such as minnows or shad, which they can then use as bait to catch larger predatory fish.
- Fly fishing: Some recreational fly fishermen may use small, hand-held landing nets to gently scoop up and release the fish they catch.
- Tidal fishing: Recreational fishermen who fish in tidal areas may use small seine nets to catch baitfish and other small species.
- Ice fishing: Some recreational fishermen who fish through the ice may use small, hand-held landing nets to scoop up the fish they catch.
HOW CAN ANGLERS BENEFIT FROM FISHING NETS?
There are several benefits to keeping a fishing net on your boat. Fishing nets allow you to catch large quantities of fish efficiently, which can be especially useful if you are fishing for commercial purposes or if you want to catch a lot of fish in a short amount of time. Additionally, fishing nets can be used to catch a wide range of species, depending on the type of net you use. This versatility allows you to target different species of fish depending on the conditions and your personal preferences. To keep both yourself and the fish safer than when using hooks and other types of gear, fishing nets can be used to scoop up and release fish gently. Having a fishing net on your boat allows you to have a versatile and efficient tool at your disposal whenever you need it. This can be especially useful if you are fishing in unfamiliar waters or if you are targeting a specific type of fish.
WHAT TYPES OF FISHING NETS ARE AVAILABLE?
There are several types of fishing nets, including gill nets, seine nets, and trawl nets - each of which is designed for a specific type of fishing.
Gill nets are used to catch fish by entangling them in the mesh. They are typically set in a stationary position in the water, and are effective for catching a variety of species, including salmon, halibut, and cod.
Seine nets are used to encircle and capture schools of fish. They can be set in a stationary position or dragged through the water. They are often used to catch herring, anchovies, and other small schooling fish.
Trawl nets are large, cone-shaped nets that are dragged through the water by a vessel. They are effective for catching a wide range of species, including shrimp, crabs, and groundfish.
In addition to these types of nets, fishermen may also use other specialized gear, such as longlines and purse seines, to catch specific species of fish.
HOW ARE FISHING NETS CONSTRUCTED?
Fishing nets are typically constructed from synthetic materials such as nylon, polyethylene, or polypropylene. These materials are strong, durable, and resistant to wear and tear, which makes them well-suited for use in the marine environment.
The mesh of a fishing net is typically made from a series of interconnected knots, which form a series of interconnected squares or diamonds. The size of the mesh can vary depending on the type of fish being targeted, with smaller mesh sizes being used for smaller fish and larger mesh sizes being used for larger fish.
The construction of a fishing net is typically divided into three main parts: the body of the net, the headrope, and the footrope. The body of the net is the main part of the net that is used to catch the fish. The headrope is a rope that runs along the top of the net, and the footrope is a rope that runs along the bottom of the net. The headrope and footrope are used to support the weight of the net and to anchor it in place.
In addition to these main parts, fishing nets may also have additional components, such as floats and sinkers, which help to keep the net in the desired position in the water.