The Importance Of A Net

[RMcDuffee726]

A few weeks back I lost my nice net, which I always brought when I went on the water in my kayak.  I literally kicked it out of my kayak without even knowing it until I had a good sized fished hooked up and I was going to "net it".  I haven't bought another one yet because of pure laziness.  I personally believe that not having a net is hurting my confidence out on the water.  Trying to lip a good fish in a kayak is hectic and pretty heart pumping, and most of the time this fish throws the hook.  I'm going to buy a next sometime this week.  I just found it interesting how not having a net with me on the water is effecting my confidence out there.

[Kevin22]

Take a look at the floating folding ones, would be perfect for you! 

[Catch and Grease]

Just kayak flip them?

Jk

[RoLo]

I always have a bass net aboard my vessel, but I 'hand-land' most of my bass except for lunkers (stuff over 6).

As a result, I don't get to use my bass-net as often as I would like  

Oddly enough, if & when you do tie into that teener of a lifetime,

the net hoop might look kind of small, and you may end up "beaching" the fish instead.

I guess I'm saying, not having a landing net aboard should not spoil your day (I realize that's easilier said than done).

 

I've beached several large fish in saltwater and it's actually quite easy.

The hardest part of beaching a fish is finding a hospitable bank, the rest is easy but time-consuming.

Simply maintain a taut line that keeps the fish's nose pointed in your direction by exerting moderate steady pressure.

Any squirming or thrusting by the bass will only help him to beach himself (i.e. if you keep his nose pointed at you).

Once the front half of the fish is out of the water, approach the fish while cranking your reel to maintain

steady moderate pressure. As soon as your able to slide four fingers under a gill cover, it's Game Over!

 

Roger

[Crappiebasser]

After several hooks in the hand, I always net treble hooked fish now. I usually just reach down and pick up single hooked fish.

[einscodek]

never used a net.. if it gets off .. well I was gonna release it anyway

[WRB]

I have used the same net since the '70's, changed the netting a few times! The handle is 4' long, the hoop is 17" wide X 19" long with a 20" deep net. This may seem too small for giant bass however I have landed a lot giants with this net, it's all you will ever need for bass, it's worked for me over 40 years.

The key to netting big bass is keeping calm and leading the bass into the net head first.....never swipe the net towards the bass, they can turn on a dime! Lead the bass to the net and give it a little slack line when the fish is 1/2 way in, it will land it's self.

I hand land most bass unless it's hooked poorly or on a treble hook lure, then a net is needed.

Tom

[bassguytom]

I keep a net in the boat but only use it on really big fish. On the kayak I use a "boga grip" works great and I don't have to mess with grabbing a net. The boga is right between my legs. You can get a Rapala knock off for $20.00 or so.

[Bluebasser86]

Fish grippers float and take up very little room, which is at a premium in a kayak. They work on a 1lb bass or a 50lb catfish just the same, and they don't cost much. 

[nepabassfishing]

I net most fish, especially those with size.  I usually always try to do so when there are treble hooks involved.  I have a rubber net which is nice because the treble hooks very rarely get tangled up in it.  They cost more, but save you lots of time from trying to free a crankbait or top water plug from the mesh.