FAQs | Electrafish

Question 1

How does electric fishing work?

Accepted Answer

Electric fishing equipment is used to create an electric field in the water. When the electric field is turned on, fish within range of the electric field are immobilised allowing them to be caught. When the electric field is turned off, the fish recover and swim away unharmed.

Question 2

What is electric fishing used for?

Accepted Answer

Electric fishing is used in Fisheries Management to conduct surveys of fish populations, collect samples for health monitoring, to move fish from one site to another or for population control.

Question 3

Is electric fishing safe?

Accepted Answer

Electric fishing is safe provided that the correct procedures are followed and the correct protective equipment is used. Training is essential to ensure that the procedures are fully understood and followed by all staff involved in electric fishing.

Question 4

Do I need permission to operate electric fishing machines?

Accepted Answer

Yes. In the UK, permission must be obtained from the Environment Agency (Tel: 03708 506 506).

Question 5

Do I need training to operate electric fishing machines?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Electric fishing is dangerous if not carried out by trained personnel. Training is offered by the Environment Agency and the Institute of Fisheries Management (IFM) as well as several colleges and other electric fishing experts.

Question 6

What equipment do I need for electric fishing in small streams?

Accepted Answer

Backpack machines are particularly useful for electric fishing in small streams up to 2 metres wide and 300 mm deep but are not suitable for water deeper or wider than this due to power limitations from the smaller battery capacity. Due to their consistent popularity, we now manufacture a range of backpack models for high and low conductivity waters. (see Backpacks).

Question 7

I want to carry out electric fishing in rivers. What do I need?

Accepted Answer

For electric fishing in rivers a generator powered machine will be required. Depending on the width of the river, our control boxes type EFB2, EFB3, and EFB4 with 2, 3, 4 or more anodes would be recommended. The power rating of the generator required would depend on the water conductivity.

Question 8

What can I use to carry out electric fishing in lakes?

Accepted Answer

We manufacture a special lake fishing set – the EFB1L Lake Set, which was originally developed in 1980, but has seen significant improvement since its first design. It comprises a power transformer in waterproof case, electric fishing generator, anode, cathode and full instructions and is designed primarily for use in boats. However, for shallow lakes the equipment can be bankside mounted and used with a long cable anode.

Question 9

Can I use a normal generator for electric fishing?

Accepted Answer

No - generators require electrical modifications and special labels before they are suitable for electric fishing operations.

Question 10

Do Electrafish products have a warranty?

Accepted Answer

Yes – we pride ourselves on our fantastic 3 year warranty (subject to conditions).

Question 11

Are instructions provided with every product?

Accepted Answer

Of course. Full instructions are provided with each machine.

Question 12

Do you have second-hand equipment available?

Accepted Answer

We almost always have second-hand machines in stock, at considerably lower prices. Enquire at sales@electrafish.co.uk.

Question 13

Do you hire out electric fishing equipment?

Accepted Answer

No – although many of our customers and industry contacts can provide electric fishing services.

Question 14

What maintenance services do you offer?

Accepted Answer

We provide testing both on site and at our workshop, as well as a comprehensive servicing and repair service, for all Electrafish machines (see Services). It is highly recommended that machines are tested at least once per year and this is a condition of the warranty.

Question 15

How do I find out about prices?

Accepted Answer

Please enquire at sales@electrafish.co.uk.