Photos by Rodger Schmidt.

To run a set net operation you don't need a lot of people, but the ones you do have need to know what they are doing at all times. No two fishermen are alike and they all seem to run a different version of set netting.

Every once in a while Cook Inlet can be very calm, but sometimes Cook Inlet is so rough that people set the nets near shore instead of out into the ocean with the boat. If the crew doesn't have enough hands they go out and hire some more.

Each net has a lead line, which is at the bottom of the net and the cork line which is at the top of the net. If you have your permit, you can fish three nets.

Photos by Rodger Schmidt.

Commercial fishing is a business, a way to make a living. Here is a list of requirements:

#1. A limited entry permit This permit must be bought. It is the license required to fish a set net in Cook Inlet waters.

#2. A shore fishery lease This is a small area of Cook Inlet shore which provides a place to position the set nets.

The minimum equipment necessary to set the nets and harvest salmon is listed below:

a. set (gill) nets To set a net you need a pickup truck, large tires are preferred.

b. gill nets Usually three thirty five fathom nets per permit are fished on a shore fishery lease.

c. Driven stakes or anchors These hold the net in a stationary position.

d. Skiff It needs to be equipped with an outboard motor, oars, fish brailer, guide posts, radio, life ring ,etc.

e. A way to unload the fish brailers, usually a large truck equipped with a boom.

f. A pick-up truck with totes to deliver the fish to the processing plant.

g. A crew of experienced helpers.

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LAYING OUT THE NETS RIGHT FROM THE BOAT

QuickTime movie = 98 k  

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