A netting apparatus especially useful for underwater use for the capture of crustaceans and other prey is capable of one-handed rapid net mouth closure. The apparatus includes an elongate handle coupled distally with a hoop and a flexible net mounted about the circumference of the hoop opening to form a net bunt. Access into and out of the net bunt is selectively restricted by a unique net closure mechanism associated with the handle, hoop and net. The net closure mechanism includes a pair of elastic bands disposed across the hoop opening with the net disposed between the bands to create the net mouth. A drawing apparatus is adapted to stretch the bands apart from one another from their normally relaxed substantially parallel orientation wherein the net mouth is said to be “closed” to its “open” position wherein the bands are held under tension. Releasing tension on the bands is carried out by activating a trigger on the handle causing the bands to rapidly return to their closed position for capture of prey within the net bunt.
