Abstract: The automated closing of the opening of a hand-held net. The hand-held net is operatable underwater, and specifically in saltwater. A mechanism, contained in an elongated handle, causes retraction of a predetermined section of a draw line to within the handle. The handle has pivotally attached a hoop, the hoop having attached a net. The draw line engages circumferentially the net at a location parallel to, and spaced from, the hoop. Once retraction of the draw line is activated the locations of connection of the draw line are gathered into close proximity together. This location being generally to the center of the hoop. Once retracted to this position, the net is effectively closed, preventing exit of anything contained therein through the hoop. The closed netting device is returned to an expanded position in a controlled manner by the operator by enabling a desired length of the draw line to be removed from the handle in user defined increments.