CULLING NET - STEP BY STEP DIY

I made some traditional culling nets. They are quite a necessity during the ranchu culls. The nylon mesh is gentle on the fish and the net allows you to pick the fish up and observe it from the side.

Materials:

1. bamboo stick of ½ to ⅝ inches diameter cut to 11-12 inches length 
2. galvanized utility wire, 14 gauge 
3. nylon mesh with fine weave
4. twine
5. nylon thread for sewing

Equipment:

1. mold - any cylinder object of desired diameter (ex. coffee mug)
2. drill with a drill bit 
3. pliers
4. scissors
5. sewing needle

Bend the wire around a cylinder object of desired diameter to make a wire loop. Use pliers to bend the wire ends as shown

Drill two holes of the same diameter as wire in the bamboo handle

Place wire loop over the bamboo handle and insert bent wire ends into the drilled holes

Use twine to wrap over the wire firmly affixing it to the bamboo handle

Cut a circle from a nylon mesh that is ⅜ inches larger than the wire loop and sew it to the wire with a sewing needle, wrapping the mesh over the wire. Make sure that the mesh is not stretched too tight.

Finished culling net

Culling net detail