Fishing from a swimming facility opens up opportunities for the fisherman, inaccessible to the coastline, but requires a special approach to the preservation of trophies. Fishing-garden It becomes not just an accessory, but a vital piece of equipment to keep the catch fresh until the moment it returns to base, and unlike fixed structures on the shore, the boat version must have specific specifications of strength, compactness and safety.
Many novice boaters underestimate the importance of fixing this equipment properly. Floating yardA sloppy sloshing on a rope overboard can cause an accident or loss of all catch in a sharp maneuver. In this article, we will discuss in detail how to choose a reliable model, what materials to prefer and most importantly, how to correctly integrate the cage into the design of your boat, whether it is lightweight. PVC catamaran Or a heavy aluminum boat.
The modern market offers many solutions, from simple mesh bags to complex structures with a rigid frame. For boats with outboard motors, it is critically important to place the cages so as to exclude it from falling into the rotor rotation zone.This is a key aspect of choosing and operating this indispensable fishing assistant.
Criteria for the selection of a quality cage for boat fishing
When choosing fish-cage For use from a boat, the first thing to look at is the material of the net. Synthetic threads, such as capron or nylon, must be resistant to rot, ultraviolet light and salt water. Cheap cotton thread models quickly become obsolete, absorbing the smell of fish and starting to break down, making them unsuitable for long expeditions.
The second important parameter is the availability and type of swimsuits. foam-melt Or durable plastic that doesn't absorb water, and the wooden blocks that are often found in budget models gain moisture over time, get heavier, and can pull the cage down with the catch. float It ensures that even a full cage remains on the surface.
The design of the neck is also crucial: it must be wide enough to fit fish comfortably, but have a reliable locking mechanism that prevents spontaneous opening. Hard hoop. At the entrance prevents the throat of the cage from collapsing, which is especially important when catching active fish that may try to escape.
- 🎣 Grid material: Prefer a capron twisted thread or fishing line, avoiding fast-rotting natural fibers.
- 🛡️ Type of float: Choose models with plastic or foam floats that do not absorb water.
- 🔒 Shut-off mechanism: The neck should have a reliable latch or lace to prevent the fish from escaping.
- 📏 Dimensions: for the boat is important compactness in folded form and sufficient volume in working condition.
⚠️ Attention: Never use cages with metal elements (other than stainless steel) in salt water, as corrosion will quickly destroy the structure and may injure fish or fishermen.
Design features and types of boat cages
All right. boat-cage And you can divide it into a few basic design types, round, square, telescopic. Round models are the most versatile and easy to make yourself, they fold easily into a ring. Square and rectangular versions, often called basketThey take up more space during transportation, but provide better water exchange and less injury to fish when extracted.
Special attention should be paid to models with a rigid frame made of stainless steel or aluminum. construction They keep their shape even on the current, and they don't let the net sag around, but they do require more storage space on board. PVC inflatable boats often use combinations where rigid elements are minimized to avoid damaging the cylinders.
The length of the cage should correspond to the depth of the reservoir and the size of the expected catch. Short models are good for small fish, but a large predator falls asleep in crampedness. Multi-section cages allow you to sort the catch right in the water, separating the trifle from the trophy specimens, which is especially convenient for sports fishing.
The table below compares the main types of cages for different operating conditions:
| Kind of cage | Frame material | Compactness | Reliability |
|---|---|---|---|
| Round (frameless) | Absent / Flexible wire | High. | Medium |
| Square (framework) | Stainless steel | Low. | High. |
| Telescopic | Aluminum/Plastic | Medium | High. |
| Mesh bag | Missing. | Maximum | Low. |
Methods of attaching the cage to the PVC boat and metal
Correct fixation hood For PVC inflatable boats, it is absolutely forbidden to use metal hooks or carbines that can puncture the balloon. The optimal solution is to use special plastic clips or tie to the cylinder. ryma and winch-spinnerlocated in the nose or on the transom, using a soft cord.
On metal boats, the mounting possibilities are wider: you can use welded rings, slats or even magnetic holders if the cage is equipped with a metal element.
The most popular and safe way is to use a separate fala that runs through a special block or ear on the boat. Holder It should be at least 1.5-2 meters from the transom to prevent the net from entering the rotor's operating area. For boats with engines, it is also important to consider the kilvater jet, which should not tighten the cage under the bottom.
- ⚓ Nose poop: Classic and safe place of attachment, excluding contact with the screw.
- 🪢 Quick removable assembly: Use a knot that can be untied with one hand in an emergency.
- 🚫 Metal ban: Avoid contact of metal parts of the cage with PVC tubes in order to avoid punctures.
Operational safety and protection against screws
The main enemy of any hood The impact of a net on a propeller can not only cause loss of catch, but also cause damage to the engine of a lower unit, or even damage to the boat when it stops abruptly, and to prevent this, the length of the rope must be strictly regulated: it must allow the cage to be in the water, but not reach the propeller projection even when the boat is reversing.
There is a special installation technique breakaway Or protective arcs per trench that physically prevent the grid from coming close to the rotating blades, and for motors with a short leg, the risk is higher, so the control of the position of the cage should be constant. Visual control The best way to prevent accidents is to never leave the cart unattended if the engine is running.
If you use a wax cage that only dips into the water in parking lots, make sure that before starting the engine it is removed from the water and securely fixed on board. A wet net hanging overboard can slip below the waterline and wind down on the shaft.
⚠️ Attention: Before starting the engine, always conduct a visual inspection of the stern of the boat. Make sure that no ropes, nets or cages hang in the water in the area of operation of the propeller.
Use a bright signal rope to tie the cage - it is easier to see in the water and against the background of the dark hull of the boat, which will reduce the risk of accidentally cutting it with a screw.
Carcass care and storage in the off-season
After every fishing trip fishing-garden You need to wash thoroughly with fresh water, especially if the fishing was carried out in salty or polluted water. Mucus residues, scales and organics are the ideal environment for the reproduction of bacteria that destroy the structure of the thread.
Storing a wet cage in a rolled-up state is a sure way to get it to wear out quickly. Mold and fungus reduce the strength of the capron to tear, making it tense. net For long-term storage in the off-season, it is recommended to treat the net with special compounds to prevent rotting, unless the manufacturer has declared the presence of such impregnation.
Regularly check the mounting places of the floats and knots. Weakened knots can untie at the most inopportune moment, and a cracked float can lose buoyancy. Repairs minor damage to the net is better to carry out immediately, using a capron thread of the same diameter as the base of the cage.
☑️ Post-fishing care
Independent manufacture of a cage for a boat
For fishermen who love to make DIY, the creation of hood It's not difficult. It's going to be a 10- to 15-mm grid that's sold in the fishing shops, and you can use 4 to 5 mm aluminum wire or PVC pipe for the frame if you want flexibility. Strength of construction It depends on your preferences and the type of boat.
The fabrication process begins with the formation of a hoop for the neck. If wire is used, the ends are carefully cleaned and soldered so that there are no sharp edges. The net is pulled on the hoop and fixed with a capron cord in 2-3 cm. The bottom of the cage is formed by sewing the net into a bag or installing a second, smaller hoop for the bottom.
An important step is the rigging floatingThey can be made from pieces of foam by fastening them symmetrically around the top hoop. To fasten the trunks, use stainless bolts or a strong adhesive that is resistant to water. The finished product is tested in a bathtub or bucket for buoyancy and stability.
⚠️ Attention: When soldering a metal frame, make sure that the solder does not form sharp burrs that can cut the net or the fisherman's hands.
The secret of the durability of a homemade cage
Treat the finished capron net with a hot solution of tannin or use special impregnations for fishing nets - this will increase the service life of the product in water by 2-3 times.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the best size of the cage cell for pike and pike?
For pike and pike, a cell of 12-15 mm is considered optimal. A larger cell (20 mm and above) can lead to the fact that the fish will try to squeeze through it, damaging the gills and scales, and a small one (less than 10 mm) worsens water exchange, which is critical for a predator needing a lot of oxygen.
Can I use a boat for the winter?
You can use a standard cage in winter, but with limitations. The capron thread becomes brittle in the cold, so you need to lower and lift the cage very carefully, without jerking. You should use models with a monolesh grid that retains elasticity at low temperatures.
How to prevent the cage from entangled on the anchor phalanx?
To avoid confusion with the anchor thack, they should be carried on different sides of the boat. If the boat is narrow and cannot be broken, use an anchor buoy that holds the thack vertically, or lower the cage strictly from the nose and anchor from the stern, controlling the drift.
Do I need to remove the cage when transporting a boat on a trailer?
Yeah, garden Even when it's dry, the net can catch on to foreign objects when you're driving, and the moisture residue will cause a bad smell in the car, and in the wind, wet netting can damage the paintwork of a boat or awning.
A properly selected and installed cage keeps the catch alive and fresh, and also ensures the safety of the angler and the integrity of the boat.