A catcher design is provided wherein vacuum channels (36) are added to both sides of the catcher (14) to remove ink from the face of the catcher (14) and from the eyelid seal (18). An additional fluid port (30) on the catcher allows the additional vacuum channels (36) to maintain an increased level of vacuum. A restriction on the catcher line balances the fluid flow between the catcher (14) and the additional vacuum channels (36). A scoop can be machined into the catch pan to remove fluid from below the catcher face. A manifold can be used to maintain a vacuum source for the catcher throat and the additional channels (36), while pulling the unprinted ink back to the fluid system. Finally, a wider eyelid seal (18) can allow purge fluid used during shutdown to clear the channels (36)