Your Free Guide to Netting

Introduction to Netting

Believe it or not, going fishing does not always require the use of a rod and reel. In fact, there are dozens of ways to catch fish. Using a fishing pole is fun, but it only allows you to catch one fish at a time. Spearfishing is exciting, but is often too expensive for many anglers. And, while hand fishing gets your adrenaline pumping, it tends to be a bit messy.

Maybe it’s time for you to try an old-fashioned fishing technique, like netting. All you need to do is grab yourself a fish net and head for a shoreline or open water. It’s important to get the correct size, so that you can release any fish that mistakenly swims into your lot without seriously harming them. This method of fishing truly takes it back to the basics.

As simple as netting sounds, there are some things you need to know before you start. First, you should decide which types of fish nets you will be using. They generally come in large or small sizes, and may be equipped with weights. Also, there are other considerations, such as knowing the types of fish you can catch with certain fish nets.

Once you’ve done all your research, it’s time to buy your fishing nets and any special equipment (such as extra weights), which can be risky if you don’t know what you’re doing. It may be a good idea to practice with your fishing equipment once you have it.

After doing all the preparation work and research, the last step is finding a good spot for your netting adventure. This part can be tricky, since many states have strict regulations about where you can use fishing nets. No one wants to drive out to a fishing spot and get everything ready only for the authorities to show up and ruin the fun.

The good news is you don’t have to start netting without any help. With this guide and a few other helpful resources, you can learn about the different netting techniques and decide which one works best for you. You can also find out what sort of equipment you may need for various kinds of netting and the best places to purchase it.

Once you’ve purchased your fishing nets and all the extra equipment, you can figure out how to start training and become a netting pro in no time. In this guide, you can discover some of the best places to go netting and the best times to visit for fishing. With this information, you’ll be ready to start netting and planning your first big netting trip.

Types of Netting

There are a few different kinds of nets you can use for net fishing. However, this guide does not include information on nets commonly used for commercial fishing, like trawling nets. The purpose of this net fishing guide is to provide information about the most common types of recreational fishing nets used to catch fish and remove them from the water.

Keep in mind that you should focus on catching only certain species and sizes of fish allowed by your state or county. If you accidentally catch a fish that does not meet the area’s fishing laws, you should release it back into the water.

Netting From Shore

The following netting techniques are reserved for those who prefer to fish from land. They involve walking along the shore or wading into shallow waters while holding fishing nets.

Cast Netting

A cast net is a type of fishing net with a drawstring and attached weights. The cast netting technique requires fishermen to toss the cast net into the water and let it sink to the bottom. As it sinks, it traps fish inside until the drawstring is pulled, allowing the net to close while the fishermen pull it from the water.

Cast nets are popular for catching shrimp and small fish that are commonly used as bait, like minnows. The types of fish you can catch with cast nets varies depending on where you are fishing. In Florida, for example, you can catch large fish with cast nets, as long as they are non-game fish.

Parts of the Cast Net

A typical cast net for recreational fishing is 6 feet by 8 feet. It has several different parts:

Handline – This is a rope that ends with a loop, which you’ll place around your wrist as you cast. The handline is attached to the net with a metal swivel hook to the braille lines.
Braille lines – These are monofilaments that are attached to each quadrant of the net.
Horn – The braille lines are kept untangled by the horn, which is a round plastic piece divided into four sections.
Mesh – This is the body of the net.
Lead line – Lead weights line the bottom of the mesh and allow the net to sink quickly.

How to Use a Cast Net

You can practice using a cast net on land until you get the hang of it. Here are the steps to use a cast net:

Clear the cast net. Lift the net vertically and pull it at each section to ensure that there are no tangles in the mesh or the lead line.
Load the rope and cast net. Doing this part properly will ensure that the net opens fully so you can catch the maximum number of fish. It has multiple steps.
- Place the handline loop around the wrist of your non-dominant hand (if you are right-handed, place it around your left wrist).
- Coil the rest of the handline in big loops and hold in your non-dominant hand.
- Grip the mesh about one foot below the horn with your non-dominant hand. With the other hand, grab the mesh around hip level and make a big loop with it. Hold that loop in your non-dominant hand.
- If you have done it right, with your non-dominant hand at waist level, the lead line should be resting on the ground with no slack.
Load the weights. This positions the weights for a good cast.
- Using your dominant hand, grab the lead line in the middle, straight down from your other thumb.
- Toss that section of the lead line and another adjacent section of the lead line over the shoulder on your non-dominant side (the side holding the net).
- Reach into the net under where the net is coming off your shoulder and gather about half of it in your dominant hand. Flip your wrist so that it is on top and hold the mesh with your back three fingers (pinky, ring and middle).
- With your thumb and pointer, grab the lead line that is right there.
Throw the cast net. This can be done in the following way:
- Turn your body sideways so that your dominant hand is facing the direction you want to throw the net (towards the water).
- Shift your weight away from the water.
- Shift your weight toward the water, releasing the net from your dominant hand. Release the lead line a moment later (like you are throwing a frisbee).
- If you have done it right, the net should open up and land in a circle. When practicing on land, if it makes any other shape, you need to go back to the beginning and keep trying.

Push Netting

Push netting uses a type of net known as a “push net,” which is a net that is attached to two pieces of crisscrossed wood or metal to form a triangle. The net stretches over the larger side of the structure to create a pocket. Some push nets are simpler, and look like a snow shovel with netting. Like cast netting, this is a very popular way to catch shrimp and small bait fish.

Parts of the Push Net

Mesh – The body of the net
Groundrope – The bottom part of the triangle has a groundrope attached to the mesh, which is either a chain or a rope weighted with sinkers to keep it on the bottom of the sea floor. Alternatively, some people attach wheels to their push nets so they don’t damage the seafloor as they walk.
Frame – Two crisscrossed pieces of wood or metal that are attached to each other at the apex and to the mesh along their lengths. For shovel push nets, the frame consists of two parallel pieces attached to the mesh, which are connected to a long handle.
Headrope (for triangle push nets) – This is rope that is attached along the lengths of the frame and is used to tighten the net.

How to Use a Push Net

Position yourself behind the push net with the smallest side next to you.
Walk into the shallows and allow the net to settle to the bottom.
Push the net along the bottom of the water in front of you. You can also consider attaching push nets to a small boat and letting it trail along the water behind you.
If you are using a triangle push net, pull on the headrope when you feel like you have something in the net.
If you are using a shovel type push net, bring the bottom part of the net above water and look inside.

Seining

A seine net is a long rectangular net with floats attached to the top, weights attached to the bottom and poles attached to the sides for gripping. Depending on the area in which you go netting, you can use seine nets to capture large fish species as well as shrimp and bait fish.

Seining typically requires two people to operate the nets together. It may also require you to buy more equipment and obtain a seining certification. In some places, you may need to purchase a specific fishing license.

Parts of a Seine Net

Head rope – The rope along the top of the net.
Ground rope – The rope along the bottom of the net.
Floats – These are attached to the head rope at intervals.
Weights – These are attached to the ground rope at intervals.
Mesh – The net itself.
Hauling ropes/poles – These are attached to both the head rope and ground rope. Sometimes, instead of ropes, there are wood pieces that are attached vertically to the mesh.

How to Use a Seine Net

Each person should grab one of the hauling ropes or wood pieces at the ends of the seine net.
Walk out into the shallow water.
One person will stay closer to the shore, while the other person walks deeper until the net is halfway extended (or it gets too deep to stand).
The person in the deeper part of the water walks parallel from the person who is closer to shore, so that the net is diagonal.
Then, the person in the deeper part of the water walks toward the shore so that the net makes a shallow “U” shape. The person closer to shore should continue walking slowly parallel to the shore.
Once both people are even, they bring the net up to shore as quickly as possible, keeping the bottom of the net (ground rope) closer to the shore than the head rope.

Be sure to use netting that blends in with the water color and attach labels with your name and address to both poles.

Lave Netting

Lave netting involves using a lave net, which is a Y-shaped net typically used in estuaries and other places with a swift current. Although it can be used for various species of fish, the traditional catch is salmon. Lave netting is very popular in certain parts of the United Kingdom.

Parts of a Lave Net

Rimes – These are the arms of the frame and are traditionally made from willow.
Rock staff – This is the long handle of the net and is traditionally made from ash or willow.
Headboard – This is a wooden spreader that keeps the hinged rimes apart during fishing.

How to Use a Lave Net

Walk into the water until you are about waist-deep.
Open the net and lower it into the water, facing the current or outgoing tide.
When you feel a fish, raise the net quickly.

Netting From Open Water

Netting can also be done in the open water. Instead of wading by the shoreline, fishermen use a boat to drop off and retrieve the fish nets.

Trammeling

Trammeling involves using a trammel net, which has three sections designed to trap fish. They are most commonly used to catch salmon and herring. You can place trammel nets under your boat and carry them along, or leave the boat stationary and wait for fish to come to you.

Trammel nets allow you to catch many different types of fish at the same time, which is why they are only legal in certain areas. Before using a trammel net, it is important to make sure it is legal in the area.

Fishermen may leave trammel nets in the water and return to them at a later time. However, if they are not marked, they may get lost. This can lead to “ghost fishing,” which happens when the nets continue to catch fish but the fishermen do not collect the harvest. If you plan to leave a trammel net in the water, it is important to use a buoy and mark its location.

Parts of a Trammel Net

Outer mesh – This netting has larger gaps in the weave and is used on the outer parts of the trammel net.
Inner mesh – This netting has smaller gaps in the weave and is used between the outer mesh layers.
Head rope – The top rope, which is attached to the floats.
Floats – Small solid floats that keep the net vertical in the water at the desired depth.
Ground rope – The bottom rope, which is attached to the weights.
Weights – Small lead weights that keep the net spread out and untangled.
Marker buoy – A floating buoy with a flag that is attached to the net, marking the location on the surface of the water.

How to Use a Trammel Net

To use a trammel net, you may need two or more people. Here is how to operate one:

Place the net at the back of your boat.
Anchor the trammel net on one side of the shore or in a shallow marsh.
Drive the boat parallel to the shore until the net is extended and is fully in the water.
After the net is in the water, you can drive the boat between the net and the shore and slap the surface of the water to drive fish into the net. Or, you can leave it there for a while and check it later.
When you are ready to collect the net, place one person at each of the two head ropes.
Grab the head ropes and slowly haul the net into the boat.

Lift Net Fishing

A lift net is a type of fishing net with a light frame. The netting stretches over a wide area before becoming submerged under or alongside a boat. The lift net moves with the current ,and the upturned edges keep fish from swimming out of it.

Fishermen often use lift nets to catch catfish, crappie and various bait fish. They can also be used from a bridge or other on-land surface.

Parts of a Lift Net

Mesh – The net itself, which may be flat or bag shaped.
Frame – A rigid material, which may be wood, metal or plastic, that attaches to all corners of the mesh.
Boom – A pole that is attached to the frame and is used to bring in the fish.

How to Use a Lift Net

Lower the net into the water to the desired depth.
Use bait to lure fish to the area.
Haul up the net with the boom.

Gear You’ll Need to Get for Netting

While netting is a less rigorous method of fishing than some others, you’ll still need a proper set of tools to help you succeed. Here are some of the most important pieces of equipment you can expect to purchase before your first big netting trip.

Netting Certificates and Permits

Depending on the types of fishing nets you use and the location of your netting adventure, you may need to buy fishing licenses or permits. These permits protect certain endangered fish species and ensure that fishermen practice safe methods of fishing.

You can find your location’s netting regulations by contacting the local department of wildlife and fisheries. Depending on your age, the type of license you buy and other factors, fishing licenses can cost anywhere from $5 to well over $100.

Various Types of Nets

There are plenty of nets you can use to go fishing. Before you buy any fishing nets, though, it is important to consider a few factors, such as:

Netting material
Material strength
Mesh weave

You should also be careful to buy exactly the style of net you want, since there are hundreds of varieties available. Nobody wants to spend their hard-earned money on a net, only to discover that it is the wrong kind.

Typically, a high-quality fishing net costs anywhere from $30 to $200. You can find nets at various outdoor sporting goods stores as well as online. Check Amazon to search for deals – it could save you hundreds.

Tools for Maintaining and Repairing Your Nets

Netting requires less gear than angling or spearfishing, but you still need some basic tools to maintain your fishing nets. Netting needles (also known as shuttles) are important, as you can use them to repair or sew new sections of netting onto your fishing nets. A typical netting company like Memphis Net & Twine or UXCELL sells single netting needles for $5 or less, and a complete pack for under $20.

Over time, your net may tear or become weak in certain sections. You can buy a special type of string to supplement the net and repair it. Tarred nylon twine is one of the strongest materials and reduces knot slippage. You can buy this online for between $5 and $15, depending on the quantity you get.

You’ll also need a way to keep all the holes in the netting the same size, especially since different hole sizes can affect the kinds of fish you’ll catch. To measure your hole sizes, you can wrap the string around your fingers (one finger for small holes, three fingers for larger holes, and so forth).

You can also use net gauges, also known as gauge blocks, which are bits of wood cut to specific sizes. While there are a few specialty shops that make netting gauges, you can easily make your own from repurposed wood or sticks.

As you set up your string, you’ll need a strong pair of scissors to cut the string into the correct lengths. You can get a good pair of scissors on Amazon for anywhere between $5 and $20.

After mending your net, you may want to use acrylic spray glue to cover the new sections. You can purchase quality cans of acrylic glue from brands like Mod Podge or Loctite on Amazon for $10 or less.

A Boat

If you choose to go netting in the open water, you’ll need a sturdy boat to carry you out to the area you plan to fish. Usually, your best option is to rent a boat at first. This way, you can save up some money to purchase a boat when you’ve become proficient at netting.

Since you’ll likely be doing a lot of standing as you retrieve your fishing nets, a canoe probably isn’t your best bet. Kayaks or motorized boats offer the most stability.

Many companies that specialize in outdoor products have a solid line of kayaks, such as Hobie and Wilderness Systems. They usually cost between $1,000 and $5,000. Check Amazon to view any deals on boats and kayaks; if you’re lucky, you may be able to find one for as little as $400.

Motorized fishing boats cost quite a bit more than kayaks. The average motorized fishing boat will set you back anywhere from $20,000 to $60,000. Mako and Nitro are two of the top motorboat companies out there. However, if you hunt around Amazon and other fishing websites, you may be able to get a deal and find a good quality motorized fishing boat that only costs about $15,000.

How to Prepare for Netting

Once you determine the type of netting you want to try and purchase all the necessary equipment, it’s time to get ready for your first big netting trip. Just because netting uses less gear than other types of fishing doesn’t mean you’re off the hook with packing. It’s important to take some time to prepare for your trip so that you have a successful netting adventure.

Find Other Netters

While web tutorials and other online resources can be helpful, nothing beats finding people with a little more experience who can give you great fishing advice. Look up national and regional organizations or local fishing clubs you can join as a way to meet other netters. Some organizations you may consider joining include:

American Sportfishing Association
U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance Foundation

You can also try to connect with netters on various online forums devoted to fishing. Some popular websites include the following:

Fishing.net.nz
Bassresource.com
In-depthoutdoors.com

There are many fishing organizations that promote environmentally-friendly fishing techniques and provide information about fishing methods without causing unnecessary harm.

Research Fishing Regulations in Your Desired Location

Once you have decided where you want to go netting, it is important to research the rules and regulations for the area. Be sure to find details about the following information:

Any fishing licenses, permits and other certifications you may need
How to get these credentials
The types of fish you can catch with fishing nets
The specific areas in which you can use fishing nets
Seasons during which you cannot use fishing nets

Learn How to Repair Fishing Nets

The more you fish, the more frequently you may need to repair your nets. This process involves cutting nylon string and tying it back together.

It can be helpful to learn how to measure the string with your hands or how to use a netting gauge. Also, you may want to learn how to tie certain types of knots that won’t easily break. Practice putting nets together with acrylic spray glue until you’ve found the most efficient way to do so.

You can find information and tutorials about all these actions (including how to tie different kinds of knots) on YouTube or on fishing and outdoor sports websites, such as Trails.com and Goneoutdoors.com.

Practice Handling Fishing Nets

It takes some practice to figure out how your fishing nets work and how to best handle them. If you’re using a net that you throw into the water (such as a cast net), practice throwing it and pulling the cord to bring it back in. You can practice these motions on your lawn if you don’t have a lake or pond nearby. If you’re using a net that requires some assembly, like a seine net, practice building it and disassembling it until you’re familiar with all of its parts.

Also, you may want to spend some time figuring out how to retrieve your fishing nets. Lost or abandoned nets (commonly referred to as “ghost nets”) cause many environmental problems and give netting a bad name.

Learn How to Carefully Handle Fish

If you pull in your nets and find some fish you’re not allowed to catch, either because they’re the wrong size or the wrong species, it’s important to learn how to release them back into the water. If you don’t know how to recognize fish by species, you can use a visual aid to help. There is even a mobile phone app that can identify fish for you, called FishVerify.

You can find statewide departments of wildlife and fisheries websites, fishing forums and other sources that explain how to carefully place fish back in the water without hurting them. Some sources you can consult include:

Takemefishing.org
The National Park Service
Fishingplanet.com

Do a Dry Run

Once you’ve practiced mending and handling your nets, find a body of water where you plan to do some netting. This can give you a chance to find out what netting actually feels like.

If you can, bring some more experienced netters along so you can learn from an experienced fisherman. Even if you don’t catch anything, you’ll have a better understanding of what the sport entails and will be better prepared for your first big netting trip.

Top 5 Netting Locations in the U.S.

Here’s a look at some of the best places for netting in the United States. As you read, keep in mind that these places may have special regulations for netting, such as limitations on net sizes, so be sure to check each state’s regulations before you set out on your voyage.

Jacksonville Beach, Florida

Situated within the larger city limits of Jacksonville, Jacksonville Beach is a great spot for seine netting. Shrimp is the most popular catch, but you can also have some luck with non-game fish, such as:

Whiting
Flounder
Drum
Crab
Various baitfish

A good spot to go seining is the St. Johns River, near where the water turns brackish near Palatka or Green Cove Springs. You will need a saltwater fishing license to fish in brackish water.

In Florida, using a seine net made from monofilament (which is the most common kind) is prohibited. Regulations also specify that the net construction cannot be anymore than 500 square feet and the openings no more than 2 inches stretched. On the float line, there can be no more than 14 meshes tied in one linear foot when using the 2-inch stretched mesh.

Non-residents ages 16 and older using beach or haul seines for recreation are required to have a commercial saltwater products license. Fishermen must also legibly mark the seine at both ends with their saltwater product license number.

Plan your visit around one of Jacksonville’s annual events, such as the World of Nations Celebration in May or Springing the Blues in April. Jacksonville provides plenty of great lodging options, from luxurious hotels like Ponte Vedra Inn & Club or One Ocean Resort & Spa to more affordable options like Baymont Inn & Suites Jacksonville. If you enjoy camping, you’ll love pitching a tent or setting up your trusty RV at Flamingo Lake RV Resort, Little Talbot Island State Park, or Kathryn Abbey Hanna Park.

Be sure to leave room for other activities in your schedule, like taking nature walks through Cradle Creek Preserve, going for a bike ride through Mike McCue Park, taking a swim at the beach, or even trying your hand at kitesurfing or windsurfing.

For more urban activities, drop by Beaches Museum and History Park, catch a show at Players by the Sea, watch a game at Jacksonville Veterans Memorial Arena, or take the family to play putt-putt golf and other games at Adventure Landing. You can also check out Jacksonville’s great landmarks, like the Riverside/Avondale Historic District, the Friendship Fountain, or the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception.

Chesapeake Bay, Maryland

Chesapeake Bay is a great place for seine, push, or lift netting for grass shrimp and menhaden. Grass shrimp, which are abundant in mid-summer, are used as bait for white perch, crappie, largemouth bass, and channel catfish. The best netting locations include submerged grasses, areas around wood pilings, and the edges of marshes.

If you’re lucky enough to visit during the right season, you can also experience popular annual events, such as the Delmarva Eastern Shore Sea Glass & Coastal Arts Festival in April or the Watermen’s Appreciation Day in August. Book your stay at the luxurious Black Walnut Point Inn in Tilghman or the Osprey Point Inn in Rock Hall. If you’d rather go camping during your stay, take your pick from the Roaring Point Campground in Nanticoke, the Elk Neck State Park Campground, or the Paradise Grove Campground in Patuxent River.

Visit Baltimore or Washington D.C., explore historic Annapolis, or visit one of the numerous charming towns along Chesapeake Bay. St. Michael’s has museums, boutiques, and delicious gourmet food. Chestertown is home to restored 18th and 19th century row houses. Nature lovers can look for bald eagles or the myriads of waterfowl that come through Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge.

Peoria, Illinois

Located in Illinois’ central region, Peoria is home to a generous section of the Illinois River, making it a great spot for cast netting. Crawfish, shads, and minnows are extremely popular catches, but new regulations to eliminate invasive Asian carp allow you to catch as many silver and bighead carp as your heart desires. Try to schedule your trip during one of Peoria’s annual events, like the Annual Fine Art Fair in September or the River City Jazz Festival in June.

Peoria offers plenty of great lodging options, from luxurious places like the Residence Inn Peoria or Staybridge Suites Peoria Downtown to more affordable options like Red Roof Inn or Baymont Inn & Suites. Those with a thing for camping can get their kicks at Carl Spindler Campground, Mill Point Campground & RV Park, or Camp Wokanda.

Looking to add other activities to your schedule? Look no further than Peoria’s city limits. You can hike through Forest Park or tour Luthy Botanical Garden, drive down the historic Grand View Drive, or visit the famous Peoria Zoo. For other activities, drop by the Peoria PlayHouse Children’s Museum or the Peoria Riverfront Museum, catch a show at the Corn Stock Theater, or catch a ballgame at Dozer Park. You can also see some great landmarks in Peoria, such as the Dan Fogelberg Memorial and the Peoria Holocaust Memorial.

Toledo Bend Reservoir, Louisiana

The Toledo Bend Reservoir is found along the Sabine River and forms part of the Louisiana-Texas border. Trammeling for largemouth is extremely popular among locals, but you can legally use a trammel net (in certain areas) to catch any species of freshwater finfish, including catfish, white bass, and crappie. Allowed netting areas include:

False River Lake, Lake Bruin, Lake Providence, and Poverty Point Lake: Trammel nets only between October 1st and the last day of February. Net mesh must be at least 3.5 inches square (7 inches stretched). You are allowed to leave gear overnight but can only legally remove fish during daylight hours.
Fool River: All nets other than seines are allowed.

You can also experience annual events like the Sand Bass Tournament held every March in Logansport or the Zwolle Tamale Fiesta held every October in Zwolle. The cities in the Sabine Parish area have many options for lodging. Choose from luxurious places like Cypress Bend Resort or Fin & Feather Resort, or relax in a more affordable abode like North of the Border Motel or Church Street Inn. If you’d rather go camping during your stay, pitch your tent or park your RV at locations such as Twin Island Campground, South Toledo Bend State Park, or Happy Trails RV Park & Boat.

If you want to add other activities to your schedule, the Sabine Parish area provides plenty of opportunities. You can go hiking or biking through North Toledo Bend Park, go swimming and boating on the reservoir, or take a tour of the Cane River Creole National Historical Park. Head downtown and drop by Cypress Bend Golf Resort to play some holes or catch a show at the Sabine Theater in Many. You can also see some historical landmarks, such as the Fort Jesup State Historic Site or the Los Adaes State Historic Site.

Tybee Island, Georgia

Located on Georgia’s western shore, Tybee Island is a great spot for seine netting and cast netting. Shrimp and baitfish are two of the most popular catches, but don’t be surprised to find some blue crabs in your lot once in a while.

Dip nets and cast nets may be used to take threadfin shad, gizzard shad, and blueback herring for bait. However, cast nets are not allowed in state park lakes. Seines may not be used in designated trout areas or in certain other bodies of water. See Georgia fishing regulations for more information.

Take advantage of one of the many annual events during your trip, such as the Tybee Island Irish Heritage Parade in March or the Annual Festival of the Arts in October. Relax in comfort on Tybee Island as you rest in one of the area’s luxurious places, like Admiral’s Inn or Sandcastle Inn. For those sticking to a budget, choose from more affordable options such as Desoto Beach Hotel or Royal Palm Motel. If you’d rather go camping during your stay, set up a tent or RV at the Rivers End Campground & RV Park. You can also try campgrounds in nearby Savannah, such as the Red Gate Campground & RV Park or Biltmore RV Park.

Don’t forget about some of the other amazing activities the area has to offer. You can visit the Tybee Island Marine Science Center, book a trip with Captain Mike’s Dolphin Tours, or go swimming, surfing, whale watching, or paddleboarding at one of the many beaches around.

For more city-specific activities, drop by Gallery by The Sea to see some locally crafted artwork, book tickets to a show at the Tybee Post Theater, take a stroll along Tybee Pier, or get some food at the renowned Sugar Shack at Tybee Island Beach. You can also see great landmarks like the Tybee Island Lighthouse or the nearby Fort Pulaski National Monument and Cockspur lighthouse, both located on Cockspur Island.

Top 3 International Netting Locations

Here’s a look at some of the best places for netting outside the United States. As you read, keep in mind that many of these places may have special regulations (such as only allowing certain net sizes), so be sure to check each area’s regulations before you go.

Kalvholmen, Finland

An island off the southern coast of Finland, Kalvholmen is a great spot for lift net fishing or trammeling. Whitehead and perch are the most popular catches, but you can catch almost any fish in the waters, as long as you get the correct permits.

Plan your trip so that you can also experience the nearby town of Porvoo’s annual events, such as the Summer Sounds festival in late June through July or the Christmas markets and concerts in December. Porvoo also provides plenty of great lodging, from luxurious places like Villa Anttila and Guesthouse Stranda to more affordable options such as Gasthaus Villa Svensk or Porvoo Hostel. Or, if you prefer, you can set up a tent or RV at locations such as Skeppars, Pellinki Caravan, or Sun Camping Kokonniemi Porvoo.

Other than fishing, there are many other activities you can enjoy in the Porvoo area. For example, you can go hiking on Ekudden nature trail, tour Bosgård manor and organic farm, go geocaching, paddle boarding or horseback riding, or take a walk through the Old Porvoo district.

For more urban activities, play a few rounds of golf at Kullo Golf Club, take a guided walking tour through Porvoo, take a ride on the Porvoo museum railway, catch a concert or exhibition at the Art Factory, or get a bite to eat at Bistro Sinne.

Black Rock Lave Net Heritage Fishery, Wales

Black Rock Lave Net Heritage Fishery on the southeastern coast of Wales is a great spot for lave netting. In fact, it is a local tradition and considered to be a vital part of the culture. Salmon is the traditional catch. Although strict new local regulations require fishermen to catch and release, the experience is well worth it.

If you come during the right season, you can participate in many annual events, such as the Monmouth Festival in July or the Wye Valley River Festival in May. The nearby city of Caldicot provides plenty of great lodging options. Choose from luxurious places such as Llansantffraed Court Hotel or Llanwenarth Hotel & Riverside Restaurant. If you’re looking for more affordable options, try the Premier Inn Abergavenny or Raglan Lodge. Campers can pitch a tent or park their RV at locations such as Pont Kemys Caravan & Camping Park or Blossom Touring Park.

Fill your schedule with other activities found in the neighboring city of Caldicot. You can go stargazing at Black Rock Picnic Site and other locations, go hiking along the Wales Coast Path, go canoeing along the River Wye, play a round of golf at Monmouth Golf Club, or go paragliding with Axis Paragliding and Paramotoring.

Head to the heart of the city and drop by the Usk Farmers’ Market, or take a swim at Caldicot Leisure Centre. Be sure to tour the Nelson Museum & Local History Centre and get a bite to eat at the Wye Valley Hotel Pub and Restaurant. You can also see great landmarks, such as St. Mary’s Church or Caldicot Castle.

The Wadden Islands, Netherlands

As a country with an abundant coastline, the Netherlands has plenty of spots to fish. Large fish are abundant, including European sea bass, zander, pike, carp and perch. A lovely spot to fish with a net, especially a seine net, is the Wadden Islands in the north part of the country. In particular, the islands of Texel, Vlieland, Terschelling, Ameland and Schiermonnikoog are popular fishing destinations. In the summer and fall, you can catch sea bass from shore with a seine net.

You can plan to stay at Hotel Texel, where you can enjoy the hotel spa’s famous “wool bath.” Or, try Sea Lodges Ameland, which features modern seaside rooms. For a more rustic adventure, get an insulated and fully furnished yurt at Texel Yurt, or pitch a tent among the flowering fruit trees and vegetable gardens at Eco-camping Lauwersoog.

While you are there, take a stroll along the mudflats during low tide, when you can enjoy nature while walking to the other islands. This is a strenuous walk, as you will sink in spots and part will be partially underwater, but it is a popular pastime for visitors to the Wadden Islands. For even more adventure, go parachute jumping above Texel or take an airplane tour. Animal lovers will be able to see and interact with seals and birds at the Ecomare zoo and sanctuary.

Near Apeldoorn, the largest city in the area, you will find the former royal palace Het Loo, famed for its beautiful gardens, impressive stables with carriages and classic automobiles, and a unique collection of historic items. Culture lovers will want to visit the Kröller-Müller Museum, which houses a large collection of Van Gogh’s paintings.