Seine fishing net Drag

A drag net is a net operated from the shore. The gear is composed of a bunt (bag or lose netting) and long wings often lengthened with long ropes for towing the drag net to the beach. The headrope with floats is on the surface, the footrope is in permanent contact with the bottom and the net is therefore a barrier which prevent the fish from escaping from the area enclosed by the net. The fish are retained in the bag. It is not necessary for the bag to be exactly in the centre and in this case the wings are not of equal length. No specific gear handling equipment is required for fishing operations but 2 people for towing the net to the shore. A net of up to 40-metres length is allowed, with the mesh width and depth setting for your area. Once you have walked out, the second person walks the net out to the side – again, staying as deep as possible. It is important to check that the float and the lead lines do not twist over. Ropes of up to 8 meters in length are tied onto the lead line and float line (warps) and then tied onto a strong but lightweight pole. Next, simply walk straight in towards the shore. As you move in, the net will curve; it’s important to walk the net into the shallows – most fish will be funneled into the net’s belly. Be sure to cover new ground with each drag.