How to Catch Fish as an Agricultural Project
Agricultural projects allow conservationists, biologist as well as state regulatory agencies the ability to evaluate the status of fish populations to manage better streams, rivers, lakes and ponds. In order to collect data on fish, institutions and agencies must use various methods to catch fish without harming them. Specialized equipment such as hoop nets, casting nylon nets and electro-shockers are the sort of equipment that is right for this task.
Things You'll Need
- Hoop net
- 2 ropes
- Rocks
- Bread, chum, a dozen minnows and night crawlers
- 2-gallon bucket
- Electro fishing shocker
- Dip net
- Casting net
- Bass boat
Instructions
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A Hoop Net
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1
Set a a 5 ½ -foot long mesh style hoop net in the water. Place one or more long wooden stakes within the water, attach a rope to each end of the net and fasten to the stakes.
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2
Place medium to large size rocks within the hoop net or tie two-ropes that are 4-feet long to the ends of the hoop net as well as long wooden stakes. Place bait such as bread, chum (dead fish), a dozen night crawler, and assorted collection of goodies that will entice fish into the net. Allow the hoop net to sit for several days.
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3
Collect the net by pulling on the open end of the hoop net. Once, you get the net into your boat or onto shore, untie the drawstring to release the catch.
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4
Gather up the fish, and evaluate them on site or place the fish in buckets for transport.
Electro Fishing
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5
Insert the electro-shocker, which extends from the boat's platform into the water, as the boat travels along the electrical poles extending outwards and will discharge a small pulse that will shock a fish, rendering it helpless.
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6
Scoop the fish up within a long net (3-to-5 feet in length) and place the fish into a live well. Measure and weigh the fish for data collection purposes.
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7
Watch the fish for signs of fatigue or stress before returning them back into the water. If you see signs of fatigue and stress, (the fish floating on their sides) hold the fish in a fast, strong current where it can receive an amply supply of oxygen. Allow the fish to rest within your hand for 2 to 3 minutes before releasing it.
Casting Nylon Net
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Obtain a casting net, with long string. You can purchase this type of fishing set up at a fishing retailer or bait and tackle shop. In addition, buy a 2-gallon bucket of chum (ground pieces of fish) and 2 dozen dead minnows. These items are normal sold within tackle and bait shops for a few dollars.
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Secure a bass boat. Motor or paddle the boat 5 to 10 feet from shore where you believe a large fish maybe lurking. Concentrate your efforts near weeds, submerged logs and areas where small bait fish school.
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10
Throw 1-quart of chum into the surrounding water. Allow the fish particles to drift several yards within the water, before throwing another quart of chum within the same general area. Let, 5 minutes pass before tossing 5 to 10 dead minnows in the center of the chum. Dead minnows will float to the top and drift with the prevailing current.
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11
Scan the water with your eyes look for dark moving shadows and water formations. Be ready for a quick smack noises followed by the swirling of water. This sound and the following water pattern will be an indication that a large fish has surfaced and gulped down a minnow.
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12
Wrap the string around you hand. Get into a position to toss the net, allow the net to drift to the bottom, before you start retrieving the net.
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13
Pull the string, as you pull the net. The net outer edges will collapse within and capture whatever is in the net.
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14
Lift the net within your boat, and loosen the rope to allow the fish to fall out of the net.
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15
Gather up the fish and place the fish you are interested in the live-well.
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References
Resources
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