May 2008 Table of Contents |
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Boaters: Steer Clear of Trap Nets As boating season arrives, Michigan Sea Grant reminds recreational boaters to steer clear of commercial fishing trap nets anchored in Great Lakes waters. Boaters should give the nets a wide berth to avoid getting tangled in supporting lines. To help recognize and avoid the nets, Michigan Sea Grant and its The brochure explains how the nets are used to catch lake whitefish and how they’re marked at the water’s surface. Flags and buoys are common, says Michigan Sea Grant’s Chuck Pistis, but markers may look different depending on location. “Net markings may vary by color and type,” explains Pistis. “If boaters are in the vicinity of a net, no matter what the markers look like, they need to stay a safe distance away.” Trap nets sit on the bottom of the lake. They have long leads or sections of net made up of thick 14-inch mesh that can be as long as 1,250 feet. Trap nets may be anchored in place for extended periods of time — sometimes an entire season. They are typically fished in water less than 90 feet deep. Leads on shallow water trap nets are generally set in water 15 feet deep or less and may extend to the surface. The revised trap net brochure features a diagram of a trap net, explains how the nets work, and describes what boaters should do if tangled in a trap net. The brochure is sponsored by the Little River Band of Ottawa Indians, Ludington Area Charterboat Association, Michigan Boating Industries Association, Michigan Charter Boat Association, Michigan Fish Producers Association, and the Michigan Steelhead and Salmon Fishermen’s Association. Some organizations provide detailed local information on net locations. Before fishing or boating in the following waters, consult these websites for net coordinates:
To request copies of Don’t Get Trapped, visit the Michigan Sea Grant bookstore. See: Bookstore |
partners recently updated the popular brochure Don’t Get Trapped! What Recreational Anglers and Boaters Should Know About Commercial Fishing Trap Nets.