The Pushnet, a One-Man Net for Collecting in Attached Vegetation

Abstract

T HE pushnet, apparently unknown to most ichthyologists, is an efficient one-man net for collecting in shallow water and in attached aquatic vegetation, including cattails. Its operation (Plate I) is identical to that of a man-powered lawn mower, with the same ease of control and maneuverability. It operates much like a trawl but can be used in shallower water and its course is easier to control. A seine dragged in heavy vegetation tends to ride high off the bottom and to roll up, whereas the leading edge of a pushnet in the same situation stays on the bottom and the webbing remains fully spread from the start to the end of a push. Operating a pushnet in heavy vegetation is much less fatiguing than using a seine.