Net Fishing (sage ability)

Net fishing is an amateur-status sage ability in the study of Oceanography; in the study of Beachcomber, it is an authority-status ability. The ability permits the use of cast, gill and other fishing nets for the purpose of generating larger catches and therefore a greater supply of meat, than traditional catch fishing. Coastal waters and large lakes tend to produce higher yields than lakes, though numerous small bodies of water in an outlying area may prove excellent for brief periods. Rivers and estuaries are best fished using gill nets, as cast nets are designed for still bodies of water.

The character understands how to fold, care for and transport the net, as well as arrange it in hand so that it can be thrown. Upon looking at a body of water, whatever it is, they have an innate sense for the best place to fish, so it can be assumed that the amount caught represents the best possible for that day. The type of fish caught depends on the region; in most cases, net fishing will yield multiple species. Players seeking a specific fish in a given area can assume that a percent of their haul equal to their knowledge points will be that of the desired species, as their skill allows them to choose favourable fishing spots. The remaining percentage may yet contain more of that type of fish, depending on the number of varieties available.

Take

When net fishing in the ocean, a skilled fisher can expect to catch an average of 4-8 fish per hour, with an average weight of 1¾ lb., resulting in a take of approximately 7 to 14 lbs. of fish per hour. When net fishing in the ocean, a skilled fisher can expect to catch an average of 3 to 5 fish per hour, with an average weight of 3½ lbs., resulting in a take of approximately 9 to 18 lbs. per hour. This provides a significantly greater yield while still relying on the fisher’s skill and understanding of the waters.

The variety of species caught also depends on season and water depth. A skilled fisher can adjust their approach to target specific areas where certain fish are more common, though a mixed haul is almost always expected. Freshwater netting may bring in schools of perch, carp or trout, while ocean fishing can yield larger species like mackerel, snapper or cod. With such a large haul, proper storage and preservation become essential. Fish that cannot be eaten immediately must be smoked, salted or dried to prevent spoilage, making net fishing an excellent method for stocking up before a long journey or supplying a settlement. Those with the means to preserve their take can use it as a valuable trading commodity, exchanging excess fish for other supplies.

Net fishing also introduces the unexpected. Bycatch can include eels, shellfish, rays, or even small sharks in saltwater environments, adding an element of unpredictability to each haul. While some of these finds may be useful, others might prove dangerous or require careful handling. In rare cases, fishers may even pull up something of value — an oyster containing a pearl, an ancient relic tangled in seaweed, or an unfamiliar species that fetches a high price in the market. A dungeon master may, if this seems appropriate, opt to roll a d100 every hour for a bycatch, or perhaps assign a lesser or greater random number.

Competition

Along populated coastlines, competition over the best fishing spots is common. Local fishers may guard their territories fiercely, and some regions may require permits or impose restrictions on outsiders looking to take advantage of their waters. Those who respect local customs and traditions may find opportunities to barter their catch for information, safe passage or additional supplies, while those who disrupt the balance may find themselves at odds with the community.

See also,
Earth & Sky (sage field)
Read Tides (sage ability)
Wilderland (sage field)