Pond Boss Forums INTRO Questions & Observations What have I got here?

I went out this morning to pick up some equipment, and one of my customers thought I should have this.....Outside of a hoop net, I don't know what to call it. It doesn't have the wings that I'm used to seeing on fykes, so I'm wondering what its application is?

It was free, and I can't find any damage to it, so maybe I can use it for something, sometime. It's 12' long, with the larger hoop measuring 40", and the smallest at 30".

Turtle trap? I think I remember seeing those used for turtles in shallow water...

Well, you can make a fyke net of this one with some work.
Similar things are often used as cages for keeping fish alive while fishing. This one looks way too big for such purpose, though.

Yep, a hoop net is what I would call it...Usually used for fishing/trapping in water with current like streams and rivers..

It is a hoop net we use them here in Arkansas. On rivers lakes about anywhere theres fish

So one of your customers knew what a FREAK you are and gave you a gift.

Good show!!

You got it Sunil! I live in a small community, where everyone knows everyone else. Around here I'm not just the equipment repair guy, I'm THAT equipment repair guy who talks about ponds and fish. Not only did I come home with the net, (he had 10 of these by the way) but he took me down to see his ponds and I made a suggestion or two, despite it putting me behind schedule.

Building that kind of rapport with my regular customers just comes with the territory.

Small town Americana!

Bill, there are two internal funnels. Thanks for the tip!

Sprkplug - how many funnels are in the net? Okay two. More than one means it is usable as a fish trap. Put some leads on it and your in business for sampling the fish in your pond. The leads would not have to be directly attached. YOu could set the side wing leads separate on stakes. Then at the back V end just set the trap and the center lead.

What is the mesh size. Large mesh of larger than 1" is often used for turtles.

That, I didn't measure. I'll check tomorrow. Seems it was on the large side however.

Sounds great. How were his ponds?

Will he be joining us??

His ponds looked good aesthetically, but I am concerned about his fish population. He mentioned that his bass and bluegills seemed to be smaller in size these days. I suspect a misaligned harvest strategy combined with what I thought looked to be relatively infertile water is working against him. The fact that he stocked crappie in two ponds of less than an acre each is probably not helping matters either.

When I take his equipment back, I will include a PB brochure also.

Spark, it is a hoop net. Used to be commonly used here by commercial fishermen in bayous, rivers and lakes and set with the throat facing the current, They don't work well in still water but might if baited.
If you set for turtles, be sure to leave the top of the net above water along the full length of the net or you'll have a lot of dead turtles to deal with besides being regarded as pretty cruel. Might find something of their use on youtube.