~Gillnetter~

G is for ~Gillnetter~


Washington is one of the major fishing areas. One of the more common methods of fishing off the coast is Gillnetting. Gill nets are vertical panels of netting normally set in a straight line. Fish may be caught by gill nets in 3 ways : (1) wedged – held by the mesh around the body (2) gilled – held by mesh slipping behind the opercula, or (3) tangled – held by teeth, spines, maxillaries, or other protrusions without the body penetrating the mesh. Most often fish are gilled. A fish swims into a net and passes only part way through the mesh. When it struggles to free itself, the twine slips behind the gill cover and prevents escape.

I used to go Gillnetting with my brother in law years ago. It's a tough way to make a living. Lots of hard work, bad weather and no sleep.

I prefer pole fishing off the dock or a small boat. This is something we do every summer. Can't say I catch many fish but I do enjoy the sport.