Underwater Basket Weaving

[Legionnaire]

I was just sitting here at work watching golfers pretend to golf and was reminded of my childhood on the nearby rivers where I used to fish. The problem was fishing with lure and line was too difficult due to the current in most spots, also I hadn't learned to fly fish yet. So what did my 11yr old self do? I made fish baskets. I learned how to make one from some indian I met on a field trip when I lived in the Bay Area, go figure. Now that I had moved to the woods I tried it out. I was no good at weaving anything tho so I used what I had. Two 1 liter soda bottles. Cut the bottom off of one just above the legs and the top off the other at the end of the bend. Then insert the top, neck first, into the bottom of the bottomless bottle. Then poke several holes along the bottom and insert some sticks to keep them together. If you have them you could use twisty-ties or string whatever works. Then place in in the stream of choice with a little bait and a bottle cap on one end and leave over night. I never caught anything other than minnows and one small crawdad but thats all good bait for fishing. Also you can use this template with bigger items to make a full sized fish basket. A good idea is to tie it to a branch/tree/rock near the stream or in it because I lost my basket when it got loose and swam away.

Here's a link I saw after posting this for a bigger version.

http://www.ehow.com/how_2154384_make-fish-trap-river.html

[Diesel]

I've often thought about valuable it would be to just have a big fishing net in my kit as opposed to even a fishing kit, sometimes no matter what you do it's impossible to fish for fish... a net almost guarantees it if set right...

[Legionnaire]

Nets are a good call. It would be handy to learn how to make/repair them as well. One thing I like about the fish basket idea is you can make several and they work while you are away. So you can still net fish or use your fishing kit while your baskets are going hard at it. Also you don't really need any supplies you can make them from things just lying around.

[Legionnaire]

On an added note are there any fly fishers here? I've never done it, but want to learn. I understand the casting I just don't know the knots or which pole/reel to buy. I'd like a 5-piece pole if I could to store in my pack but I can lash it to the outside if it's a 4-piece. Any help would be great.

[Applejack]

This is a good post to bring back up.. I have done fly fishing but it has been years ago. But the interesting part is the basket weaving. Has anyone tried it?

[Morgan101]

To say my weaving skills were bad would be an indication that I had any at all. My weaving skills are non-existent. I have seen a few products like this, and I can't find the You Tube video where the guy tried it, and it seemed to work. For $15-$20.00 I don't think you would break the bank if you tried it.

https://www.walmart.com/ip/Portable-...3983?wmlspartn

Here is a link for a similar product: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WNq1EfbOC6M

[Applejack]

I used to do basket weaving but not for fishing. My daughter and I when she was in her teens we used to do it for the fun of it. We also braided rugs. I have a fishing net now that needs to be restrung. If my hands will behave, I am going to try to restring it.. So many old skills that I haven't done in many years that I want to try to start doing again.

[GrizzlyetteAdams]

I've often thought about valuable it would be to just have a big fishing net in my kit as opposed to even a fishing kit, sometimes no matter what you do it's impossible to fish for fish... a net almost guarantees it if set right...

Nets are a good call. It would be handy to learn how to make/repair them as well. One thing I like about the fish basket idea is you can make several and they work while you are away. So you can still net fish or use your fishing kit while your baskets are going hard at it. Also you don't really need any supplies you can make them from things just lying around.

100% to that ^^^


I am in the process of gathering various materials for learning how to make fish baskets (for trapping and holding) and for net making... (https://gladragsplymouth.wordpress.c...try-materials/)

I know how to make cordage/rope from plant fibers but have not yet made an honest net. I will learn (but it will have a much smaller weave than the one shown here).

I wish I learned how to make a net from old Papere when he was alive...I have fond memories of him sitting near the bayou, repairing his trawl nets by hand, similar to this:





https://alabamanewscenter.com/2016/1...ayou-la-batre/

[Murphy]

Fishing net sounds like a good idea... but that said, I think I would just grab some of that deer or bird netting and use it instead. Probably not as durable but a lot more common and easy to find.

[GrizzlyetteAdams]

Yes, have that for my garden, and some storebought fishnets, too. But, I am learning how to make them in the event I can no longer buy more. It could happen one day, and until then it will be a relaxing hobby. ;)

[Applejack]

I am getting ready to try to redo our fishing net. The rope dry rotted on it. So this is something to keep in mind. It will be a bit hard for me with my hands but I am determed to do it.