tips on netting fish?

[patoloco]

Siphoning a fish seems like cruel to me, and might end up with your fish stuck in the hose.

For fast moving fish, I use a clear jar for picking them up, and the net is the boo-thing. :shark:

You should see how "fun" it's to net a 6" stingray that panics a lot and shakes like crazy. I had a hard time netting him last time. He even got his spine caught in the net and is now swimming with a piece of it in his tail. Hope he sheds the barb soon.

 

[Raskolnikov]

I like the bottle trick. I've posted this before, but cannot find the old thread. Anyway:

1) Obtain an empty clean water bottle.
2) Cut off the top as shown
3) Place stones (for weight) in the bottle

4) Invert the top of the bottle and fit it snugly as shown
5) Place some bait in the bottle, and tie a string around the whole contraption for easy retrieval.

It's easy for fish to find their way in, but much harder to find their way out. Larger bottles are useful for larger fishes, and feel free to make the opening a little larger as well if you feel the need. Do maintain the funnel shape of the entrance, though.

 

[nursie]

Great ideas!
I have a square clear box that hangs on the side of my tank I use for various things. I have used it to catch fish...kinda corner them in it and scoop up, capturing the fish and water.
The denser the plants grow in my tank..the harder this is. I'm glad to see other tips. I'm with Patoloco on this..I think syphoning might be hard on the fish.

 

[FreddytheFish]

Hey, Raskolnikov: Antitang and I used that same bottle trick with a 2 liter for a minnow trap for fishing. Its pretty funny, they swim in but can't swim out.

 

[ddayton21]

Raskolnikov, the bottle trick is a great idea! haha i would have never thought of that. Engineering at it's finest