Salmon fishing nets

Types of Salmon Fishing Nets

Salmon fishing nets are used to capture salmon fish in sport and commercial fishing. Different types of salmon fishing nets are available, such as:

• Gill Nets

  Gill nets are a type of net used to catch salmon by entangling them in the mesh panels. Gill nets are made from monofilament, which is invisible to the naked eye. They are set in different water columns, such as the surface, mid-water, and bottom of the sea, to target different salmon species. Gill nets are an effective tool for capturing salmon, but they require careful management and monitoring to minimize bycatch and reduce environmental impacts.

• Purse Seine Nets

  Purse seine nets are large-scale commercial fishing gear designed to encircle schools of fish. They consist of a vertical wall of netting suspended by floats at the top and weighted down by lead sinkers at the bottom. Once the net is deployed and the fish are trapped inside, a series of ropes are pulled tight, forming a "purse" at the bottom of the net to trap the fish. Purse seine nets are highly efficient and can capture large quantities of fish in a single set. However, they are also expensive to operate and maintain, and their use can result in significant bycatch and environmental impacts if not managed sustainably.

• Trammel Nets

  Trammel nets are a type of fishing gear used to catch salmon by entangling them in two outer layers of netting. The outer layers of netting are usually made from thick twine, while the inner layer is made from fine mesh. When the net is set in the water, the salmon become trapped in the mesh panels. Trammel nets are an effective tool for capturing salmon, but they require careful management and monitoring to minimize bycatch and reduce environmental impacts.

• Barrier Nets

  Barrier nets are a type of fishing gear used to catch salmon by directing them into a trap. The nets are installed in river systems to intercept migrating salmon. Once the salmon swim into the trap, they are captured. Barrier nets are an effective tool for capturing salmon, but they require careful management and monitoring to minimize bycatch and reduce environmental impacts.

Scenarios of Salmon Fishing Nets

Salmon fishing nets are versatile tools that can be used in various fishing activities. Here are some common usage scenarios:

• Commercial Fishing

  Fishing companies utilize salmon fishing nets for large-scale salmon harvesting. They use gill nets, purse seines, and trap nets to catch salmon for processing and distribution. Gill nets are often set in key migration routes or spawning areas where salmon are abundant. Purse seine nets are used to encircle and capture schools of salmon, especially during feeding migrations. Trap nets are fixed in strategic locations to attract and capture salmon over an extended period.

• Recreational Fishing

  Anglers use salmon fishing nets for sport and recreational fishing. Landing nets are used to catch and land individual salmon after being hooked. Drift nets are used to passively catch salmon while fishing for other species, providing an additional catch opportunity. Salmon fishing nets are essential tools for recreational fishing.

• Aquaculture

  Fish farmers use salmon fishing nets in salmon farming operations. They use cage nets to enclose and rear salmon in controlled marine environments. Harvesting nets are used to collect and harvest salmon from aquaculture facilities. Salmon farming requires specialized nets to ensure the health and productivity of the farmed salmon.

• Research and Conservation

  Salmon fishing scientists and conservationists use salmon fishing nets for monitoring and research purposes. They use trap nets to capture and study salmon populations, monitor their health, and assess their migration patterns. These studies are crucial for developing effective conservation strategies and managing salmon fisheries sustainably. Additionally, trap nets are used in salmon conservation efforts to capture and relocate salmon or monitor their populations in specific ecosystems.

• Environmental Monitoring

  Fishing agencies use salmon fishing nets for monitoring water quality and fish populations in aquatic ecosystems. They use various types of nets, including trap and gill nets, to sample fish populations, monitor their health, and assess the overall health of the ecosystem. This monitoring is essential for maintaining balanced ecosystems and ensuring sustainable fishing practices.

How to Choose Salmon Fishing Nets

To effectively choose salmon fishing nets, one must consider several critical factors as given below:

• Fishing Method

  Salmon fishing is done using different methods, including trolling, gillnetting, purse seining, and fly fishing. Every method uses a specific net. For instance, gill nets are used for commercial fishing, while landing nets are used for recreational fishing. Therefore, one must choose a net that matches their preferred fishing technique.

• Net Material

  The material used in the salmon fishing net construction affects its durability and performance. Common materials include nylon, polyethylene, and polypropylene. Nylon nets are strong, durable, and resistant to UV and chemical damage. Polyethylene nets are lightweight and have excellent abrasion resistance. Polypropylene nets offer good strength and are resistant to moisture and weather conditions. Consider the material based on the intended use, whether commercial or recreational, and the expected environmental conditions.

• Mesh Size and Type

  Another important consideration is the type and size of the mesh. Smaller mesh types are more suitable for smaller salmon since they allow the net to capture juvenile fish. On the other hand, larger mesh types are ideal for fully grown salmon. The choice of mesh type should also consider the target salmon species and fishing regulations.

• Net Size and Depth

  The size and depth of the net are also important factors to consider. Larger nets are ideal for capturing large quantities of salmon, while smaller nets are suitable for personal use. The depth of the net should match the swimming depth of the target salmon species. It is important to measure the fishing area and determine the appropriate net size and depth accordingly.

• Ease of Use and Storage

  Salmon fishing nets should be easy to use and store. Look for nets that come with a folding or retractable design, as they are lightweight and portable. This feature makes them easy to transport and store in small spaces. Additionally, consider nets with ergonomic handles and comfortable grips for ease of use during fishing.

Functions, Features and Design of Salmon Fishing Nets (Combined)

Salmon fishing nets come in different designs, with each having unique features and functions tailored to various fishing methods and environments. Here are some common designs, their functions, and features:

• Cast Nets

  These nets have a circular design with weights on the edges to enable them to sink quickly upon casting. They are usually hand-thrown by fishermen to catch fish that swim near the surface or close to the shoreline. The design and the weights make it easy for the net to spread out and form a tight circle around the fish.

• Trammel Nets

  These are multilayered nets with two outer layers of mesh with small mesh openings and a middle layer of fine mesh. They are used to entangle fish by trapping them between the meshes. The design effectively holds larger fish while catching smaller ones.

• Lift Nets

  These are large horizontal frames supported by poles with nets hanging under them. The nets are manually or mechanically lifted to harvest fish. They are used in areas where fish concentrate, like underlights at night.

• Dip Nets

  These have a large net bag attached to a long pole and are manually dipped into the water to catch fish. They are used to catch fish in shallow waters or during fish spawning. The design allows fishermen to have a direct catch control.

• Seine Nets

  These are long nets with floats on one end and weights on the other end and are used to encircle fish. They are commonly used in commercial fishing to catch large quantities of fish. The design and weight distribution enable the net to sink and remain vertical in the water.

• Harp Nets

  These are vertical nets supported by poles with lines that are set in water to catch fish. They are used in areas where fish migrate through narrow passages. The design creates barriers that direct fish into the net openings.

• Trap Nets

  These consist of enclosures with funnel-like openings that lead into the traps. They are used to capture fish in large quantities. The design of the openings leads fish into the traps, making it difficult to swim back out.

• Fyke Nets

  These have a series of hoops with attached nets that form a funnel-like structure. They are used to catch fish. The design and the net openings guide fish into the traps.

Q&A

Q1. What is the right mesh size for salmon fishing nets? 

A1. Mesh size is vital to the type of salmon to be fished. A smaller mesh size is used for juvenile salmon, while a larger one is for adult salmon. Fishermen use different mesh sizes to catch various salmon types.

Q2. How are salmon fishing nets maintained?

A2. Salmon fishing nets should be rinsed and dried to remove debris and saltwater. They should also be inspected for tears and holes and repaired or replaced.

Q3. What is the environmental impact of salmon fishing nets?

A3. Salmon fishing nets can have an environmental impact if they are not used sustainably. They can trap and kill non-target species and lead to overfishing. However, when used sustainably and managed properly, salmon fishing nets can have a minimal environmental impact.

Q4. What is the best time of year to use salmon fishing nets?

A4. The best time to use salmon fishing nets depends on the salmon type. For instance, the salmon migration season is the best time to fish for sockeye salmon. It occurs during spring and late summer. On the other hand, the best time to fish for Chinook salmon is during late summer and fall when they are spawning.