An Inexpensive Low Voltage Electrofishing Device for Collecting Catfish

A low voltage electrofishing device, commonly called a “monkey rig” in Florida, was used to collect catfish for a tagging study on the St. Johns River, Florida. In 40 fishing trips, 3,234 catfish were captured using the “monkey rig”. This inexpensive device was selective for catfish species only. The 16-V to 18-V alternating current agitated the catfish to the surface but fish never exhibited a complete state of tetanus. When electrofishing in waters with surface temperatures warmer than 24˚ C and around underwater structure, the “monkey rig” was an effective collecting device for catfish.