How to Catch Natural Eel Fry? Three Methods Explained

There are mainly the following three fishing methods:

1. Stake net

The stake net is trumpet-shaped, generally 9 m long with a mesh circumference of 6-7 m, and can be woven from polyethylene twine. It gradually narrows from the mouth to the rear end, and the tail end of the mouth is connected to a floating fry collection box. The mesh of the fry collection box is 50-60 mesh. The stake net should be fixed on the beach far from the sluice gate, and it collects and catches eel fry with the tide. It can be harvested during both the rising and falling tides. With two people working, one rows a small boat, and the other regularly lifts the fry collection box with a small white porcelain basin, scoops out the eel fry and puts them into the fry box. This fishing method is relatively convenient to operate. Two people can manage 5-6 stake nets, operate four times a day and night, and each net can produce about 1 kg of eel fry, with a high survival rate as well.

2. Lift net

When in use, spread the net near the sluice gate, and prepare a small long-handled dip net. When the net is about to leave the water, use the small dip net to scoop up the eel fry in the net bag and put them into a small bamboo basket lined with linen cloth. This net is relatively handy to use, and the yield is also relatively high. There are few miscellaneous fish among the eel fry, the fry quality is good, and the survival rate is also relatively high.

3. Light trapping

Eel fry are phototactic at night. At night, hang a light under the pole of the lift net for light trapping. You can also use a light to attract the eel fry together and scoop them up with a hand net. In this way, both the amount of fry collected and the survival rate are relatively high.