Use a Koi Net. Other nets have larger holes in the netting. This may make it easier to move the net through the water, but Koi’s gills can get damaged in the holes, their scales can be dislodged and the slime coat can be rubbed off.
Have everything ready by the pond:
Nets Bags Boxes
Rubber bands O2 Dolly
Medications towels floater or tub
Use two people if at all possible. Remove all jewelry, even waterproof watches. You will get wet, dress accordingly.
If transporting - prepare “double” bags. Have rubber bands readily available – on your wrist or in your pocket. Determine which person will bag the fish and which person will be the main catcher. Place the bags/boxes/O2 near the bagger person.
Move the net slowly toward the fish. Anticipate his moves. Scoop up the fish. Do not squish the fish between the net and the side of the pond.
Do not remove the net with the fish all the way out of the water. Partially submerge the tub/floater. Tip the net so that the fish swims into the tub/floater. Remove some of the water from the tub so that the fish is only ˝ covered by water, more water will allow smaller fish to jump out of the tub.
If transporting - put a small amount of water in the double bag. Using the bag, scoop up the fish from the tub. Now that the fish is in the bag, you may need to add more water to the bag. Only cover the fish ˝ way up the body. Remember that water weights 8.4 lbs per gallon, so 5 gallons is 42 lbs.
Place the bagged fish in the box, laying the bag on its side. Add, tranquil, Amquel and Nova Auqa to help keep the fish calm and the water good. Straighten the bags to remove wrinkles that could possibly trap a fish or air. Flatten the bag to squeeze out the air. Peel back the open end of the outer bag and then grasp the inner bag’s opening. Insert the O2 nipple and fill. Twist the inner bag closed and secure with two rubber bands. Then twist the outer bag’s opening and secure with a rubber band. If the weather is really hot, you might want to add an ice pack.
Close the box. If you cannot get the box totally closed, be sure to cover the box with a towel. Koi travel better in the dark.
Move the boxes of koi to your vehicle. Load the fish so that the box is perpendicular with the movement of the car.
Do not leave the fish in the car any longer than you have to. Although koi can travel this way for almost 48 hours, it is stressful and the water quality is degrading.
Remember; do not leave the car in the sun with the fish inside.
Upon arrive at your destination; float the bag for 15 to 30 minutes to equalize the bag water temperature to the new water temperature. Do not open the bag during this acclimation. When you are ready to release the fish, do not add pond water to the bag and do not let the bag water get into the pond.