Pond Boss Forums INTRO Questions & Observations Fish Cage

Does anyone know of a source for fish box that will be capable of holding “several” 5 to 6# channel catfish, as well as numbers of HSB and BG to hold for transfer?
Kits or plans would be appreciated, as well as source for materials.

I made one from Home Depot 1/2”x1/2” coated wire but finally bit the dust – I need something heavier.

Thanks in advance.
George Glazener

George :

Can't help much as I don't have the plan worked out. I have been thinking about buying what is called rigid plastic netting. It comes in different mesh sizes , lengths and widths. Large offshore pens are made from it for growing salmon. I have thought about taking a strip 6 feet wide and long enough to make a circle 20 feet across, covering the bottom with the same and attaching flotation to the top and using a light mesh top for easy access. With this approach you can make it what ever size you want with little or no corners to deal with. Just thinking out loud. ewest

I bought a 4'x4'x8' nylon holding box from Nylon Net Co.--www.nylonnet.com. Aquatic Eco-Systems has 3-way and 4-way pvc fittings--www.aquaticeco.com. I used 1 1/2" pvc from Lowe's. The net has sleeves the pvc fits thru. I built a frame out of pvc with the net fitting inside-- on the outside of the pvc I attached heavy duty plastic landscape net (from Lowe's-- Attached with plastic electrical ties). This is to prevent turtle troubles. I also covered about 1/2 of the top with porius tarp for shade. Attached the whole setup to a floating dock. Cannot report how it works --will wait until spring to try out. Hope this helps.

I believe I used the word "cage" when I should have used the word "box"
In other words, a "live well" for the pond to "overnight" fish until I have enough to transport.

Somerthing simple - about 2x2x4 ft - out of somthing like 1"x1" plastic coated wire?
Thanks,
George Glazener

George, I've made live wells before using Igloo ice chests and the aerators that you can get at Academy. This may not be what you are looking for but it worked using any 12 volt battery. I used them in the boat or on the dock.

Try a soft plastic mesh for the bream, and heavy duty wire mesh for the cats. If you were for any reason forced to keep these fish "captive" for an extended amount of time you would not want the different types together. Scaled fish will rub the wire (ripping scales) & skin fish will get all tangled in the soft plastic (just speaking from experience). Also use salt on them for a day or so to prevent any serious damage should they rub the walls anyway (also helps with stress as everyone knows by building slime)
On both cages you can lay out the size you need, then staple a sleeve at the top that has a 3" plus opening. Then simply run 3" PVC pipe through the sleeves and connect corners with elbows.
Sounds extremely simple, and it is, but it might be what you are looking for (might not).
Just remember large enough holes for water flow.

Deb

PS Make sure your stripes are eating pellet feed because I doubt any prey would swim into the cage to say hi!