coming from a fishing background when we would collect bait to fish with
i had no care for the fish other then keeping them alive short term.
as of late these little fishes seem to be more then just bait.
the seine i now have damages the fishes slime coat and scale fall off.
is there a company we are affiliated with that sells a fish friendly net
material or a complete seine?

Are you using nylon or something more abrasive? I've had my share of fish lose scales, especially small shiners in the heat of summer, but it's rarely caused mass mortality if they aren't kept in water or wet. Memphis net makes a nylon coating, but I'm not sure how much I helps. The coated net is pretty unflexible, which I found to be a pain. Over the years I've tried various things to get fish out of nets and into a better environment, a small fine mesh dip net, a minnow bucket, a wide mouth 1 liter bottle, etc. Getting fish out of the net, off the mesh, and into something a little more friendly is really the best thing you can do.

Are you using nylon or something more abrasive? I've had my share of fish lose scales, especially small shiners in the heat of summer, but it's rarely caused mass mortality if they aren't kept in water or wet. Memphis net makes a nylon coating, but I'm not sure how much I helps. The coated net is pretty unflexible, which I found to be a pain. Over the years I've tried various things to get fish out of nets and into a better environment, a small fine mesh dip net, a minnow bucket, a wide mouth 1 liter bottle, etc. Getting fish out of the net, off the mesh, and into something a little more friendly is really the best thing you can do.

Hello ashtonmj, i will do a google on Memphis net.
i think its made from ployester brand name is douglas net co.

I would suggest just getting the basic seine that Jonahs offers. These are very soft and work very nicely. I am not at all convinced that the extra coating makes any difference, though the cheapy Frabill-type seines are rough on fish. It's all in how the fish are handled after they are out of the water. You need wet hands, a very soft touch and the fish need to be put in water as soon as possible. If it's more than 30 seconds or so, the fish are going to suffer, especially in the heat.

I have ordered nets from Memphis in the past and they make very nice products, but they have so many choices that making the right one can sometimes be difficult.

Dustin touched on a good point about Memphis Net and Twine. They make quality products, but be sure you make it clear as to exactly what you want. There are a lot of variables that go into net production, so be sure you tell the what you want, and then check your nets immediately when they come in the mail. That being said, it's all I've ever used working for the state and university, and have had no problems with them, which is impressive considering that we put them through hell.

If I'm looking to keep fish alive, I'll generally work the fish up over the water by having the two people on seine work towrds each other by bunching up the net, or if there's a third person, having them grab the fish. Bait buckets are great containers for the field since they allow water to flow through. I JB-Weld window screen across the holes so I don't lose anything.

Edited by rjmtx, 24 February 2009 - 02:11 PM.

Dustin touched on a good point about Memphis Net and Twine. They make quality products, but be sure you make it clear as to exactly what you want. There are a lot of variables that go into net production, so be sure you tell the what you want, and then check your nets immediately when they come in the mail. That being said, it's all I've ever used working for the state and university, and have had no problems with them, which is impressive considering that we put them through hell.

If I'm looking to keep fish alive, I'll generally work the fish up over the water by having the two people on seine work towrds each other by bunching up the net, or if there's a third person, having them grab the fish. Bait buckets are great containers for the field since they allow water to flow through. I JB-Weld window screen across the holes so I don't lose anything.

The old JB-Weld trick, that a new one to me.
JUST GOT LAID OFF @ 2PM. so what i have will have to do for now.
im just not willing to seine all day for food.looks like im off to the big ohio for some
blue cats that eat skipjack.

I got this net a few months ago:
http://www.nylonnet....c...160&cat=160

I bought a 4-foot Pennsylvania-legal net. It seems to be strong and soft. I am quite happy with it. I am about to order an 8-foot Ohio-legal net on my next payday.

I don't think Jonah's sells seines any more.

I got this net a few months ago:
http://www.nylonnet....c...160&cat=160

I bought a 4-foot Pennsylvania-legal net. It seems to be strong and soft. I am quite happy with it. I am about to order an 8-foot Ohio-legal net on my next payday.

I don't think Jonah's sells seines any more.

back to work all is good here,
nice tip on the net thanks.