Maintaining Your Smelting Nets

By A. Sayward Lamb

Get out your smelt nets well prior to smelting season to check them over carefully. This prevents last minute rush jobs to repair the nets that have been torn and worn, while dipping smelts. Sometimes it may take only a few short pieces of nylon line to make the repairs while other times you may have to replace the net. Don't forget to check the net handles, especially if they are made of wood, to be sure they don't have any splinters sticking out. If this is the case sand them off and apply a couple of coats of finish on the handle.