Lift net

A lift net is a type of fishing net that is submerged in water and then lifted vertically to capture fish or other aquatic animals. The basic design consists of a net suspended horizontally, often from a square or rectangular frame, that can be raised and lowered using ropes, levers, or powered winches.

Lift nets are employed in a variety of forms and sizes, ranging from small, hand-operated nets used by individual fishermen to larger, mechanized nets used by commercial fishing operations. The mesh size of the net is selected based on the size of the target species.

The operational principle relies on attracting aquatic life to the area above the submerged net. This attraction may be achieved through natural occurrences or by actively luring the target species using bait or artificial light. Once a sufficient number of fish are present, the net is rapidly lifted, trapping the fish within the enclosure.

Lift nets are typically used in calm waters such as rivers, lakes, and sheltered coastal areas. Their effectiveness can be influenced by factors such as water clarity, current, and the behavior of the target species. They are often used to catch schooling fish such as sardines, anchovies, and squid, as well as crustaceans like shrimp and crabs.

Different variations of lift nets exist, adapted to specific environments and target species. These variations may include specialized frame designs, lifting mechanisms, and baiting strategies. The terminology used to describe specific lift net types can vary regionally.

The use of lift nets is subject to regulations in many areas to manage fishing pressure and ensure sustainable harvesting practices. These regulations may address net size, mesh size, fishing seasons, and allowable catch limits.