Trap nets are generally for commercial fishing, but there are scaled down versions used in fishery research. They work best for capturing migratory fish, which tend to follow the shoreline. Trap nets are less size and species selective than gill net, though only fish large enough not to pass through the net will be sampled.

The trap net is used near shore or in shallow areas, in up to 12 m of water. They work well on clean, soft bottoms, soft bottoms will not allow the net to be anchored properly. There are many different designs of trap nets, so a general description only will be given. It consists of a central lead that extends to the shore and directs the fish towards the trap. The net consists of a series of funnels that lead the fish into a collection chamber. The trap is then lifted into a boat, to check it.

© 2009 Veins of Life Watershed Society / All Rights Reserved / if you wish to use any info for commercial or non commercial usage you must obtain permissions from The Veins of Life Watershed Society