What type of nets are used for fishing?

Fishing nets come in various types and designs, each suited to different fishing methods and target species. Here are some common types of nets used for fishing:

1. Gillnets: Gillnets are large, vertical panels of netting that hang in the water. Fish become entangled in the mesh of the net as they try to swim through, catching them by their gills. Gillnets are often used for catching larger fish species like salmon, tuna, and swordfish.

2. Trammel nets: Trammel nets are similar to gillnets but have an additional loose inner netting called a "trammel." The fish passes through the outer mesh and becomes trapped in the loose trammel, preventing it from escaping. Trammel nets are versatile and can catch various fish species.

3. Seine nets: Seine nets are large, encircling nets that are deployed in a semicircle or U-shape. They are often used in shallow waters near shore or in lakes. Once the net is deployed, it's gradually drawn closed, trapping the fish inside.

4. Cast nets: Cast nets are circular nets with weights at their perimeter. Fishers throw cast nets by hand, spreading the net in a circular motion over the water. The net sinks and covers a large area, capturing fish beneath it. Cast nets are primarily used for smaller fish species.

5. Trawl nets: Trawl nets are large, cone-shaped nets that are towed behind fishing vessels. They can be bottom trawls, which are dragged along the seafloor, or midwater trawls, which operate higher in the water column. Trawl nets have various mesh sizes and are used for catching a wide variety of fish and marine species.

6. Scoop nets: Scoop nets are small, handheld nets with a circular or rectangular frame and a short handle. They are commonly used for catching small fish, baitfish, and other aquatic creatures near the surface or in tide pools.

7. Fyke nets: Fyke nets are fixed, cylindrical traps with one or more funnel-shaped entrances. Fish enter the trap through the funnels but are prevented from escaping by the narrowing design of the net. Fyke nets are commonly used in freshwater environments for catching eels, catfish, and other species.

8. Trap nets: Trap nets are enclosed, box-like structures with one or more entrances. Fish enter the trap nets through the openings but cannot find their way out. Trap nets can be used for catching various fish species and are often used in combination with other fishing methods.

The type of net used depends on factors such as the targeted species, the fishing environment (freshwater or saltwater), the scale of the fishing operation, and local fishing regulations.