Abstract: A catching and holding apparatus for catching-side weft thread ends in a weaving machine comprises a main nozzle and a catching passage for holding and stretching a weft thread end and a carrier on which the main nozzle and the catching passage are arranged. Furthermore, the catching and holding apparatus also comprises an auxiliary nozzle and one or more guides, which are arranged on the carrier in such a manner that a weft thread end which is located in the active region of the auxiliary nozzle is brought by an air jet of the auxiliary nozzle along the guides into the active region of the main nozzle.