Electrofishing Tools

Backpack Equipment

• Backpack models for electrofishing have a use in smaller, shallower bodies of water that boats cannot access. The equipment includes a backpack unit containing the electrical circuitry and the battery that provides the tool with power. A trailing cathode line attached to the backpack hangs permanently in the water, and the operator activates the machine by dipping an anode pole in the water. In many cases, the anode pole can have a telescopic design to enable the person fishing to set it to a comfortable length.

Generator Powered Equipment

• Generator powered equipment is used to conduct surveys of water bodies from the shore. This equipment can also sit on a barge for greater maneuverability. Mounting it on a barge allows the person fishing to tow it by hand enables in shallower water. This makes it a versatile piece of electrofishing equipment.

Boat-Mounted Equipment

• Specially designed electrofishing boats typically come with equipment, such as anode, cathode, generator and associated controls integrated into the design of the craft. These tools allow a person fishing to survey larger and deeper water bodies. Most of these boats come supplied with a wheeled trailer to make them easier to transport, although some models can have wheels designed into the hull of the craft.

Catching Nets

• Nets used while electrofishing should have poles made from non-conductive materials. This ensures the user will not suffer an electric shock when placing the net in the water. The netting should contain materials, such as soft nylon mesh, to ensure that fish do not suffer damage when netted and removed from the water. Typical styles can include the standard pole and net as well as fish cradle nets for larger fish.

Other Equipment

• Other tools typically required for an electrofishing survey include holding buckets where fish can be placed after netting. This provides a suitable location for them to recover. Holding buckets need to have a suitable size to accommodate the fish. Field measurement tools will also be required, and this includes equipment such as fish length measuring boards.