Why use panels?
The modular construction makes it cheaper for the fishermen to maintain the pots.  Instead of spending hours nailing bars together and repairing ripped mesh all they have to do is to replace a panel.  A new one can be used or a panel can be removed from a ‘write-off’.  Moreover, the integrated mesh will not rip.  If a cone is scuffed on one edge just rotate it a few bolt holes.  The panels have been designed with no corners to avoid damage to the shrimps as the pot is emptied or moves in the current.  Damaged shrimps can die when stored in keep chests and this can cause large-scale mortality to the whole catch.

What happens if a whole fleet is badly damaged?  
Instead of buying new pots, make complete pots from the wreckage of others.  Often damaged panels will continue to fish just as efficiently.

Do the bolts wear down?
The bolts protect the main body from wear and tear and may need occasional replacement depending on where the panel is used.  Under normal conditions this could be years.

What happens if a few bolts fall out?
The Panel Pot is so over engineered the loss of a small number of bolts will not make a difference.  If you are still worried see note about weights.  We have subjected the Panel Pot to extreme conditions and find it  hard to lose bolts.  A few may be lost after a long period of extreme weather.  Other makes of pots would have been severely damaged by then.

Can I re-use bolts?
It is always better to replace them with new ones as each bolt wears to its own position.  New ones will help to protect the main body.  

Can I replace them with cable ties?
Yes, but bolts will help to reduce wear and tear.  

What happens if the pot is stuck in mud - will it be pulled apart?
Experience off Anglesey (Wales UK) showed that Panel Pots buried half way in the mud pulled out easily while conventional pots disintegrated.

How do I attach the pot?
Drill a hole at the end on the tessellated join (for strength) and through the cone wall.  Attach to a spinner.  A bridle makes for greater strength.

Does the Panel Pot need weight?
Yes, experience has shown that one kilo is the approximate weight.  It should be placed to balance the pot so that as it rolls any wear is uniform.  As a temporary measure you can put stones in the bait tube.

Does the Panel Pot need a soak time before it starts fishing?  
Like all new pots a lead time is needed.  Two weeks is the average time though sometimes they start fishing straight away.

Can the pot be used for other species?  
Yes, but you may find that you may have to adjust size of the entrance.   For shore crabs (Carcinus maenus) cut the entrance hole wider.   For eels you can bolt two pots together.