Pond Boss Forums INTRO Questions & Observations Fyke Net Usage Tips

Look here:

http://www.wildlifedepartment.com/fishing/contactus.htm

Most states they're legal to use in private waters. Some states are ridiculous and force you to follow state season, creel and length limits and methods, even in private ponds.

Minnesota would fall under the "ridiculous" states. Very frustrating. Of course you could pay a yearly tax (or as the state calls it, a fishery permit)to get exemptions.

I typed some suff last night, venting on my part, then deleted the post. Public formum and all

I read it last night. Wise man!

State regulations have always made a major impact on my management strategies on ponds. Just because I built everything from the ground up with my bare hands, hard earned capital, uphill both ways in 3' of snow doesn't mean the State can't dictate management practices on my private land of my private resources!

Would these nets work for removing CC, GC, or Tilapia?

Yes to CC and Tilapia, I don't know on the GC. They work on bullheads too. The mesh has to be sized so the fish don't swim thru it. As to what size, that all depends on the size of the fish that you want to let swim out of the net.

I am thinking of getting one similar to this one but better hurry and order or it may be too cool to get in the water by the time they get it made and shipped out.

My fear is if they do trap some of the CC or GC from one pond it could get crazy to pull them in as some of the CC are over 5 pounds if not more, and I bet some of the GC are pushing 25-40 pounds.

Of course we can sample the BG, GSF, HBG and let the largest of them go along with the healthy females.

Just pray there are not any bullheads in any of the waters but this net will probably let us know.

I wonder if it would help at all to bait the nets?

There is no need to bait fyk nets... The leads are there for a reason.

Even large fish shouldn't be an issue in a fyke net.

Depends on which way the fish are swimming and if they're right or left handed.

Its cold here and trying to keep my mind occupied while waiting for ice off....

Last season I found some limitations with my new net. I found it challenging at times to set it up properly (net pulled tight). So, I added an outside frame that stretches and holds the net open. Kind of a hybrid of a fyke and box net. This should make setting and retrieving the net a whole lot easier. Once the season is over, the outside frame is removed and the trap is collapsed for storage.

In case anybody is interested, here are some pics.

Good idea!

I just use a heavy weight at the end, with a "longer than the water is deep" rope and a decoy at the end. I keep the boat in gear to pull the net tight, and drop the net to the bottom, pulling on the rope/weight to keep the net tight.

What size is the basket (H, W, and length) on your Fyke Net, and what is the mesh size? What size is the lead?

Essup - net specifications

Mess size: 3/8"
Net total length: 7.5'
Lead Length: 20'
Front box dim: 2'x4'x1' rectangular section
Hoops: 2' dia

Thanks! How does it work for you? Would you change anything? Do you know how big the throat size is? (opening where the fish swim thru to get trapped)

It definitely works when set up properly. My biggest challange was keeping the net tight with one person. Using a boat and motor on my little ponds is not an option. I did try stakes and anchors just a little cumbersome for my liking.

I think this setup will be the ticket for my requirements. Pretty light and not to bulkey. I will be able to walk it out and set it or throw it off my little 12' row boat. Then stretch and anchor or stake the lead. The worry of the net being stretched properly has now been eliminated. 40-50 days from now, I will know how well it works and report the findings here.

I will measure the exact throat dimensions when I get home and post. The front is a rectangle of like 2"-3" wide , 2' tall and the hoop throats, which are circles are like 3".

Well done, I too will face the challenge of installing. So, how much for shipping? I'll PM you my address.

Sorry TJ... I don't understand the question about shipping.

For all those on this formum please remember...my parents raised both ugly AND stupid children.

I think he's (TJ) is fixin' to put in an offer on buying it.

LOL - sorry I was so vague. What I meant to convey was:

I have been watching your fyke net project with great interest as we have common goal and challenges working it solo, and I especially admire your new design to help overcome some of your challenges of solo installation. In fact, I like it so much that I wish you could simply ship it to me!

You are breaking new ground here with fishery management tool design - I can't wait to see how it works for you. Seriously cool setup.

Ok...now I get it! Thank you for the design compliment. I might not be able to get it to you....BUT. If the design doesn't work, you get to learn on my nickle. If it works, I will post all the engineering specs so you can build one for yourself. Win/Win for ya.

It stinks that I have to wait so long to get it wet. I have tried a lot of different setups on my pond. All have failed or didn't meet my expectations for one reason or another. Maybe this is the one.

Tonight I'm adding skids on the bottom along with a pull rope. The thought being that I will be able to pull it in from shore when its full of fish or turtles or muskrats The less I have to do from the boat the better.

Love it, great job - and specs on how you designed it would be fantastic. I think you might have a product of interest to other solo pond managers like ourselves always short another couple hands and strong back. If this setup were available online, I'd buy it today.

TJ, send me 25 dollars, I will start working on it as soon as your check clears.

LOL - think the net cost is $300 alone

TJ,I have been a contractor for 37 yrs., starting and finishing are very different.

LOL, ok - now I understand! I feel I'm at a severe disadvantage here [more than usual]!