Koi

Sock nets are shaped like a table tennis bat with a long, open-ended, sock-like net trailing behind them. Like bowls and nets, they are available in various sizes so you should always find one that is of a large enough diameter and length for the largest fish in your pond. Once you’ve moved a Koi from your pond into a bowl using a net you should never use a net if you need to move the Koi again – you should always use a sock net. This will ensure that you do not cause your Koi any unnecessary stress or damage.

Step one: Net and bowl first
Sock nets are useful ways of moving Koi quickly and safely over short distances. Before using a sock net you will need to catch the Koi you want to move and place it in a suitable bowl – use the technique on the opposite page.

Step two: Wet your sock
It’s important that you choose a sock net of a suitable diameter for the Koi you intend to move. Once you’ve got your net to hand, submerge it in your pond and pull it through the water to make sure that it is wet before use.

Step three: Head first
Take hold of the handle of the wet sock net with one hand while you hold the end of the sock net with your other hand. Once you’re comfortable, place the sock net into the bowl vertically and coax the Koi into the sock net head first.

Step four: Keep it straight
Once the Koi is in the sock net you can lift it from the water. Make sure you keep the sock net as straight as possible – you can do this by using one hand to hold each end of the sock net. You should keep the sock net in this position while you move the Koi.

Step five: Framed end first
Once you’ve moved the Koi you’re ready to release it from the sock net. To do this, place the sock net in the pond then remove the framed end from the pond slowly. The Koi will swim out of the end of the sock net into its new home.

Written by Keith Holmes

Photos courtesy of Keith Holmes