Trek Net Fishing in Cape Town and False Bay
What is trek netting?
A fishing tradition that has been practiced in False Bay, Cape Town for centuries (evidence suggests trek netting is at least 320 years old). The families and crews that fish in this unique style have been doing so for many generations and have special permits that allow them to do so.
How do you trek net?
The mechanics of it is simple; a spotter sits up high looking for activity in the water to signify a shoal of fish, he will then radio down to the crew who will prepare the nets, they then row out with the nets and attempt to enclose the shoal of fish. Once back on land the nets are opened wide and slowly pulled in, hopefully with plenty of fish.
The trek net is a large fishing net, that is weighted at one end and fitted with floats at the other so that it hangs in the water vertically
What fish is caught in a trek net?
Typically in False Bay trek netting catches are focused on giant yellowtail, silver kob, white stumpnose and shad. All of these fish are commercially caught and fished and deemed to be plentiful in the waters around Cape Town
What is seine-netting?
The same as trek netting, just a different name
