Unusual Angling Method

[PeteC]

Did it look like this?

image.thumb.jpeg.b0a7769a9ddf6d28b1e24543e5224bab.jpeg (123.11 KiB) Viewed 171 times

[Big Boy]

Not exactly, but maybe my recollection is not accurate, or it was wet when I saw it. Whatever, it's a very close match, and I've never seen that before. What is it please?

[PeteC]

You cast it out with some kind of bait ball attached to that top thingy, the fish come along and get tangled in the net fibers. Apparently your rod twitches when that happens just like if the fish was on a hook. Looking at the package it seems they are commonly sold, and in different numbered sizes as well.

The photo and description of what it is/does was lifted off a 2016 post from another forum.

[Big Boy]

Google Images was my friend - yes, that is it i.e.:

the fish are attracted to the bait ball and the fine mesh net entangles them (sometimes several fish at once)

It sounds effective if you are fishing for food, but I practice strict catch and release. It isn't a method I will be using.

Thank you very much guys, another of life's mysteries solved.