Fishing nets - Passive fishing gear

Underlying nets are used for careful catch of fishes from drained ponds, for partial removal of fish stock at ponds with high water levels (especially for fry) and for gradual catch of trout in pools and channels during sorting and selling. Fishes are lifted and gathered in the underlying nets without causing harm, contrary to using seine nets.

Fishes are in a good condition throughout the handling process. When the underlying net is used correctly, most of the stock is caught at once. When using a beach seine net, several hauls have to be done to catch most of the stock.

The net is set to the bottom of a water body. It is necessary to be sure that no fish remains under the net - the net is hauled under fishes. The net is anchored to the bottom or shores using handles when used in channels and small stew ponds.

When the net is used during high water level, the net is installed to feeding place and after installation fishes are attracted by repeated feeding.

When the net is used in drained ponds, it is necessary to ensure that no fish stays under the net (e.g. by frightening fishes). Fishes may die of they stay under the net.

Underlying nets are made from knotless netting to prevent harm of fishes. The net perimeter is strengthened by one or two lines of larger mesh sizes from thicker material. Along the perimeter, a rope is added. The strength of the rope is selected according to the net size. A lead line is connected to the rope and also the net area is divided to regular strips using the lead line. Size of strips depends on the net size and on mesh sizes used.

Underlying nets are available in sizes ranging from fry size to common carp size.