Catching Fish

[mrtrumpet]

So, I'm almost embarrassed to admit this, but I've never been very good at catching my koi. Nets, hands, doesn't matter. They get away. I've got 2 12" 3 8-10", and 1 tiny guy.pond is about 6X8 and 4.5 ft deep.

I'd like to do some spring cleaning. Any tips for easier catching?

Thanks.

 

[Meyer Jordan]

Take the water level down to 6" - 8" deep. You will catch them much quicker with actually less stress to the fish.

 

[j.w]

Lower the water level in you pond and it will make it much easier. You can use a pillow case w/holes open on each end and lift them out so they don't get hurt.

 

[j.w]

Oh sorry @Meyer Jordan we both had the same idea at the same time

 

[Meyer Jordan]

Oh sorry @Meyer Jordan we both had the same idea at the same time

You know what they say about 'great minds'.

 

[barryian]

So, I'm almost embarrassed to admit this, but I've never been very good at catching my koi. Nets, hands, doesn't matter. They get away. I've got 2 12" 3 8-10", and 1 tiny guy.pond is about 6X8 and 4.5 ft deep.

I'd like to do some spring cleaning. Any tips for easier catching?

Thanks.

I've got a 30" net! Works every time without chasing them and stressing them. You can come up under them with a net that size and have him in a minute or so. As Meyer( @Meyer Jordan ) said, 8-10" is the other option and works well but can do a number on your water parameters setting the clock back...

 

[CountryEscape]

Another way I found worked really well was when the water was colder (late fall, early spring, not winter) go out at night with a flashlight. If you go slow with the net, and shine the flashlight at them, they are easy peasy to catch. I don't think the flashlight hurts them in any way either ... at least I hope it doesn't!

 

[peter hillman]

Worm on a hook!

 

[Meyer Jordan]

Another way I found worked really well was when the water was colder (late fall, early spring, not winter) go out at night with a flashlight. If you go slow with the net, and shine the flashlight at them, they are easy peasy to catch. I don't think the flashlight hurts them in any way either ... at least I hope it doesn't!

The flashlight won't hurt them, but they will stress just as easily in cold water. They are less able to handle stress as the water temperature drops.

 

[sissy]

Remind me not to ask PETER to help me catch fish in my pond

 

[Nepen]

I've got a 30" net! Works every time without chasing them and stressing them. You can come up under them with a net that size and have him in a minute or so. As Meyer( @Meyer Jordan ) said, 8-10" is the other option and works well but can do a number on your water parameters setting the clock back...

where did you buy the 30" net?

 

[Faebinder]

Well if push comes to shove go swimming in the pond.

 

[barryian]

where did you buy the 30" net?

Here are several... Forgot the site as it was years ago ... I couldn't get along without it, just for examining a fish. Using a
blue rectangular recycling bin sold at HD, you can come up under the fish and gently get him/her into the bin and remove the bin and koi from the water.

http://www.amazon.com/Koi-Net-Inch-Diameter-Handle/dp/B004SIDBMO

http://www.thepondoutlet.com/koi-smart-nets

http://www.newenglandkoi.com/Koi-Pond-Nets-c-4.html

 

[addy1]

Well if push comes to shove go swimming in the pond.

I can pick up the fish by hand when I am in the pond. They come swimming around my legs, nibbling, just reach down and lift out.
No guarantee that you will get the one you want though.

 

[CountryEscape]

My goldfish are that way, too, Addy, but the koi are a totally different story. They don't come near me when I'm in the pond. They are totally hidden, and on the farthest side from where I am.

 

[HARO]

You know what they say about 'great minds'.

They waste a lot of time on the internet?
John

 

[HARO]

Worm on a hook!

John

 

[sissy]

Not calling Haro either

 

[mrtrumpet]

Thanks, guys. Great ideas (well mostly)

Meyer, I always thought lowering the water would be very stressful on the fish, especially at 6 to 8" which, in my pond, means it's mostly rock and a small area of water. Is it less stressful because they are still in water and not being chased?

Thanks again.

 

[Meyer Jordan]

Thanks, guys. Great ideas (well mostly)

Meyer, I always thought lowering the water would be very stressful on the fish, especially at 6 to 8" which, in my pond, means it's mostly rock and a small area of water. Is it less stressful because they are still in water and not being chased?

Thanks again.

Yes, the capture and release process is a lot quicker. 6" - 8" depth was only an example. The point is to limit the fish to only horizontal movement.