Here are some common types of fishing nets

Fishing nets are essential tools used in various forms of fishing to capture or trap fish and other aquatic organisms. These nets come in different types, sizes, and materials, each designed for specific fishing methods and target species. Here are some common types of fishing nets:

1. Gill Nets:

  - Gill nets are vertical panels of netting that are set in the water to entangle fish by their gills. They are commonly used in both marine and freshwater environments. The size of the mesh can be designed to target specific fish species.

2. Trammel Nets:

  - Trammel nets are similar to gill nets but have multiple layers of netting. The central mesh is usually finer than the outer layers, which helps in capturing fish more effectively. They are often used in shallow waters.

3. Seine Nets:

  - Seine nets are long nets with floats at the top and weights at the bottom. They are deployed from boats and used to encircle schools of fish. Seine nets can be either purse seines, which draw closed like a purse, or beach seines, which are pulled ashore.

4. Cast Nets:

  - Cast nets are circular nets with weights around the edges. They are thrown by hand, and when they sink, the weights cause the net to spread out, trapping fish within. Cast nets are commonly used in shallow waters.

5. Trawl Nets:

  - Trawl nets are large nets that are dragged through the water by boats. They are used in commercial fishing to catch a variety of species. Trawl nets can be designed for bottom trawling or mid-water trawling.

6. Drift Nets:

  - Drift nets are long nets that are set adrift in the water, relying on the current to carry them. They are typically used for pelagic species and can be controversial due to their potential to catch unintended species (bycatch).

7. Landing Nets:

  - Landing nets are small, handheld nets used by anglers to scoop fish out of the water. They are commonly used in recreational fishing to assist in safely catching and releasing fish.

8. Purse Seine Nets:

  - Purse seine nets are large nets used by commercial fishermen to encircle schools of fish. After encircling the fish, the bottom of the net is "pursed" closed to trap the catch.

9. Lobster Pots:

  - Lobster pots, also known as lobster traps, are cage-like structures made of netting or mesh used to catch lobsters. They are baited, and once the lobster enters the trap, it is difficult for them to escape.

10. Tangle Nets:

   - Tangle nets are designed to entangle fish rather than trap them in a mesh. These nets are often used in salmon fisheries.

It's important to note that the use of certain types of fishing nets can raise environmental concerns, especially if they result in high levels of bycatch or habitat damage. Regulations and sustainable fishing practices aim to mitigate these concerns and ensure the responsible use of fishing nets in commercial and recreational fisheries.