How do I catch fish in reeftank?

[ponokareefer]

The fish that you guys catch don't die through all of this? I mean, I've fished for a lot of years and know that the fish you release swim away, but after that, who knows. Plus, it's a lot different when you might be dealing with a $100 fish. I don't doubt you do it, but I'd just be scared I'd kill it. Has anyone ever bought a fish from someone who caught it for you like this?

Ryan

[Scavenger]

Originally Posted by ponokareefer

The fish that you guys catch don't die through all of this? I mean, I've fished for a lot of years and know that the fish you release swim away, but after that, who knows. Plus, it's a lot different when you might be dealing with a $100 fish. I don't doubt you do it, but I'd just be scared I'd kill it. Has anyone ever bought a fish from someone who caught it for you like this?

Ryan

I've kept wild caught fish in the past like this. I think it's better for the fish than a net any day. If you net a fish, you can rub off its protective slime, remove scales and the fish will be suseptable to fungus and decease. If you hook him, well, all he has is a pierced lip which should heal in short order. In the end, it's your call.
In order of less damage to fish, the first is trap. Next hook, followed by net in my opinion.

[ponokareefer]

I would agree that a net is much worse for a fish than a hook. I wonder if we'll see the day LFS's using hooks instead of nets, to save the fish.

[fishmaster]

Just make sure you don't use cheap line. A break off could be bad. Metal desolving into the tank ect...

[bubblepuffer]

A fish sonar might help if the tank is too deep