How to Fish With a Seine Net

Fishing with a seine net dates back hundreds of years. Though named for the French river, there is evidence of use of these nets throughout the world, including among Native-Americans before Europeans arrived. The nets hang vertically in the water with weights on the bottom and floats on top. Any animal surrounded by the net gets caught inside. As a result, fishing with a seine net is not allowed some places, so fishermen must check with authorities first. Legal seine-net fishing, however, is a wonderful way to learn about local species and catch a few for dinner.

Things You'll Need

  • Seine net
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Instructions

    • 1

      Walk into the water holding the net. This takes two or more people as the nets are long and someone must hold each end.

    • 2

      Walk away from each other until the net is completely stretched out.

    • 3

      Drop the weighted side of the net into the water, allowing the weights to sink naturally.

    • 4

      Hold the poles at an angle pointing away from shore.

    • 5

      Walk toward shore as you tap the poles along the bottom to distract the fish.

    • 6

      Keep the top edge of the net above the water and the bottom running along the floor.

    • 7

      Increase the angle of the net as you reach the shore, holding it like a hammock in the end. Once the net is completely horizontal you might see fish inside.

    • 8

      Secure the ends and pull out the fish, or have others pull the fish out while you hold the ends.