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You know Sanke netting koi is an art. It can be make difficult by putting obstructions in the pond like plants (gag) of even something decorative like a bridge. My mate Bil has a bridge with a pergola across his pond and it can make catching his fish a very hard job indeed.
But normally a pond where you have room to work shouldn't pose a problem. A good diameter koi net (3'+) with a thick long pole is usually enough. Sometimes a helper to herd them in your direction helps.
I learned to net fish by spending an entire afternoon watching an English koi dealer I know net fish for his clients. After a while much became very clear indeed. It was one of the most fruitful 4 hours I have ever invested. With a little bit of practice I have gotten to the point where I can net any fish in my pond in under a minute. Mind you my pond is on the smaller side but I am confident I would be just as successful anywhere else.
A person who is good with a net doesn't scoop them but rather herds them toward the sides and surface so they end up on top of the net.It's all about moving the net horizontally through the water (thin edge first) and not trying to push the whole surface of the net through the water vertically.
I have a floating box that I throw in to place the fish in. Once the fish is on top of the net, I dip the short side of the box underwater with the rim of the net. The fish swims off the net and into the box. I can net a fish, look at it and release it without ever having to remove it from the water. Less stress, less injury and a more frequent ability to inspect the fish if need be.
B.Scott
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