Abe,

Don't leave the net in there. When you move it later, that will cause everyone to scatter. Prey animals are very sensitive to movement ("here comes the tiger..", kind of thing). When something doesn't move, it is just the same as a rock to a prey animal. As long as it doesn't move; when it does, evolution kicks in and they "run" before they even know why. What you have to do is desensitize them to the net and to the net moving.

(1) Feed your fish with the net for 3-4 days. In other words, let them eat all their food out of the net. ALL of it. Leave it in, moving it slowly (very slowly at first, increasing later), until you are sure that all of the fish have made the decision that "Food is in that thingy."

(2) If they don't go in after it, take it out, refrig (or throw away, probably best option, spoiled food is bad), and try again later.

(3) If they still don't go after it, rinse and repeat the next day. "Fish, if you don't go in net, you don't get to eat."

(4) When the fish are going in after the food, you are slowly moving the net, and they eat all the food, the hard part is over. Perform the procedure for a few days, more is better.

(5) When you decide it is time to spring the trap, wait for the little stinker to go in, make sure you can get him, and pull the net even if you get some other fish.

(6) If, after 3-4 days of trying, the fish just don't get it, put the net in, and spread the food around with the net. Keep the net moving in and around them as they feed. Do this for a few days and start the process over.

If you can get him without scarying the other fish, the others will stay conditioned to the net.


If that doesn't work try a Fish Trap.

If that doesn't work buy a big Domino Damsel, he should get rid of just about everyone.