Are you looking for a new way to catch flounder? Set-netting might just be the answer.
This easy and effective method involves placing a net in shallow water over mudflats and waiting for the fish to come to you. But how do you set up the net properly?
In this article, we’ll guide you through the process of slinging a flounder net, from finding the right spot to securing your catch.
So grab your waders and let’s get started!
How To Sling A Flounder Net?
First, you need to find the right spot. Look for flat sandy or muddy areas that hold crabs, worm holes, and snails, or discolouration and disturbances in the sand caused by flounder. At low tide, look for a main channel that feeds onto the flat area. These channels are normally very narrow and some can be surprisingly deep.
Once you’ve found the perfect spot, it’s time to set up your net. Set-netting involves placing a net of up to 60 metres long and 1 metre high in shallow water, up to 4 metres deep. The net is made of monofilament nylon and placed over mudflats.
To set the net, put the anchor of the net into the small channel and walk the net across the water line until you’ve reached the other end. Secure the anchor and tie a decent float at the other end. Now you’re fishing!
It’s important to note that if the net is not tied down properly, it will catch excessive numbers of undersized snapper and trevally. Legal sized snapper – and many other species – taken in a flounder net have to be returned unharmed to the sea because the minimum mesh size for set netting snapper is 125mm while the mesh size for flounder is 114mm.
The net should be set loosely in the water, not tight, as this is the most effective way to catch flounder. The net is left in the water for several hours to overnight. Commercial fish bins are very convenient for placing the net into.
Set-netting usually involves a dinghy when placing the net out, and can be put out by one person. The dinghy is slowly rowed along while the net falls out of the fish bin into the water. If wading in the shallows to place the net, then neoprene waders are useful. You then also need two people, one holding the fish bin (into which the net is placed) while the other person hauls the net in.
By-catch of trout, seabirds, seals and dolphins is occasionally a problem associated with set-netting for flounders. It is important to be aware that you are not allowed a set-net and trout in your procession at the same time.
Choosing The Right Location
Choosing the right location is crucial when it comes to flounder netting. You want to look for areas that have a flat, sandy or muddy bottom that holds crabs, worm holes, and snails. Discoloration and disturbances in the sand can also be a sign of flounder in the area. At low tide, it’s important to look for a main channel that feeds onto the flat area. These channels are typically narrow and can be surprisingly deep.
When choosing a location, it’s also important to consider the tide. A cunning little trick you can try is setting the net at low tide right on the waterline for three hours of the incoming tide, pulling it to see if you’re catching anything, and if not, moving to another area and fishing there for the last three hours. Two sets on one tide can help find where and when the fish are coming up out of the main channels and onto the flats.
It’s important to note that flounder netting should only be done in areas where it is legal and allowed. Make sure to check with local authorities before setting up your net. Once you’ve found the perfect spot and have ensured that flounder netting is allowed in that area, it’s time to set up your net and start fishing.
Selecting The Right Net
Choosing the right net is crucial when it comes to flounder netting. The right net will ensure that the fish are caught comfortably and safely, while minimizing damage to the fish and the environment.
When selecting a flounder net, size is an important consideration. You want a net that is big enough to accommodate the size of the fish you are targeting, but not so big that it becomes cumbersome to handle. A net that is too small will result in cramped and stressed fish, while a net that is too big will be difficult to maneuver and control.
Another important factor to consider is the mesh size of the net. The minimum mesh size for set-netting snapper is 125mm, while the mesh size for flounder is 114mm. It’s important to choose a net with the appropriate mesh size to ensure that only legal-sized fish are caught, and undersized fish are released unharmed.
The weight and float placement of the net are also important considerations. The net should have weights along the bottom and floats at the top to keep it open in the water. A piece of timber tied between the top and bottom ropes at each end can also help keep the net open. The longer the net, the more hands required to pull it. Two people can pull a net, but they need to be strong. If you’re working in an area with seaweed, you’ll need four or more people to help pull the net.
In addition to these factors, it’s also important to choose a net made of high-quality materials that will withstand the rigors of fishing. Monofilament nylon is a popular choice for flounder nets because it is strong, durable, and resistant to abrasion.
Setting Up The Net
To set up the net, start by unfolding it and walking it across the water line until you reach the other end. The anchor of the net should be placed in a small channel, and a decent float should be tied at the other end. Ensure that the net is tied down properly to avoid catching undersized fish.
The net should be set loosely in the water, not tight, as this is the most effective way to catch flounder. The net should be left in the water for several hours to overnight. Commercial fish bins are very convenient for placing the net into.
If you’re using a dinghy to place the net out, slowly row along while the net falls out of the fish bin into the water. If you’re wading in the shallows to place the net, neoprene waders are useful. You’ll need two people – one holding the fish bin into which the net is placed, while the other person hauls the net in.
It’s important to note that by-catch of trout, seabirds, seals, and dolphins is occasionally a problem associated with set-netting for flounders. Also, remember that you are not allowed a set-net and trout in your procession at the same time.
Securing Your Catch
After you’ve caught some flounder in your net, it’s important to properly secure them for transport or release. Here are some tips for securing your catch:
1. Handle with Care: Flounder have a delicate skin and can easily be damaged if not handled carefully. Use wet hands or gloves to handle them and avoid touching their gills.
2. Remove from the Net: Once you’ve caught a flounder, carefully remove it from the net using a rubber fishing net to avoid damaging its skin. If the flounder is too large for your net, use your hands to gently lift it out of the water.
3. Measure and Check: It’s important to check the size of the flounder before keeping it. If it’s undersized, release it back into the water immediately. If it’s legal size, measure it accurately and keep it in a cool, dry place until you’re ready to transport or cook it.
4. Use a Sling: If you plan on weighing your catch or transporting it, use a sturdy weigh sling made of soft material to keep the fish secure and comfortable. Wet the sling before use and zero the scales before weighing.
5. Release Carefully: If you plan on releasing the flounder back into the water, make sure to handle it gently and carefully remove any hooks or lines before releasing it. Hold it in the water until it’s able to swim away on its own.
By following these simple steps, you can ensure that your catch is secured properly and released or transported safely. Remember to always handle fish with care and respect for their delicate skin and natural habitat.
Tips And Tricks For Successful Flounder Set-Netting
1. Choose the right net – It’s important to use a monofilament nylon net that complies with MPI’s specifications. A 30-meter cord drag-net is best for most situations, while a 40-meter net can be used with four people. Make sure the net is big enough to catch the flounder and has a fish-friendly, hook-resistant landing net.
2. Check the weather and water conditions – Don’t set your net in fast currents, areas covered in oyster shells, or areas where weed is prevalent. Heavy rain often brings big clumps of grass, weeds, and trees offshore and into the channels. Don’t set nets until the flotsam in the water clears after a storm.
3. Find the right spot – Look for flat sandy or muddy areas that hold crabs, worm holes, and snails, or discolouration and disturbances in the sand caused by flounder. At low tide, look for a main channel that feeds onto the flat area.
4. Set the net properly – Put the anchor of the net into the small channel and walk the net across the water line until you’ve reached the other end. Secure the anchor and tie a decent float at the other end. The net should be set loosely in the water, not tight, as this is the most effective way to catch flounder.
5. Wait patiently – Leave the net in the water for several hours to overnight. This gives enough time for flounders to swim into it.
6. Haul in smoothly and steadily – Flounders may not be tangled in the drag-net but may be sitting on the net mesh, so it’s important to smoothly and steadily haul the net ashore. Afterwards, check for any holes and have a repair kit on hand to stitch any damage done on the spot.
7. Be mindful of by-catch – By-catch of trout, seabirds, seals, and dolphins is occasionally a problem associated with set-netting for flounders. It is important to be aware that you are not allowed a set-net and trout in your procession at the same time.
By following these tips and tricks for successful flounder set-netting, you’ll increase your chances of catching flounders while minimizing harm to other marine life.