Shallow Waters
Lift nets can be used in shallow waters, where schools of crappie, catfish and bait fish including minnows are generally found. Lower the net into the water from the side of your boat allowing it to slide under the current. Be gentle to avoid frightening skittish fish. Use fish innards, dead minnows or breadcrumbs to attract fish to the net. The setting and retrieval process only requires one person and can yield a high number of fish without the need for multiple reels (trolling).
Different Species of Fish
Lift nets allow anglers to take advantage of predatory fish that feed on schools of smaller fish. Look for circling sea birds who are attempting to feed on blood, oils and scraps of carcass from bait fish that have been caught from larger fish. Lift nets allow anglers to fish different species of fish in one location without making provisions for bait, presentation or water depth.
Zero Tackle
Lift nets only require minimum tools. Anglers need a lift net, lights (optional) attached along the side of the netting, skinning tools, buckets and fish innards (optional). Once the net is lowered into the water, the angler can concentrate on steering the boat and covering the area he wants to cover. Unlike pole fishing, which requires anglers to entice a fish to strike, lift net fishing only requires an initial set up. The rest of the process is navigating the boat so the net can sweep across the current and collect fish. Zero tackle is required to lift net fish.
