Landing Nets

[FivePoundBluegill]

Why do so many people not use a landing net while fishing. Especially when bass fishing and chose to lip the fish instead? Does useing a landing net make you less of a man or something? I use a landing net when I fish for anything wether its bass, trout, catfish, carp, crappie, or any other kind of fish. Its so much easyer than lipping the fish and getting your hands cut up by sandpaper like fish teath or putting your hand into a mouth full of trebble hooks and getting stabbed by a hook. Yeah I understand the material of the net isnt good for the fishs skin but I take the fish out of the net as soon as I have him out of the water. Also I noticed many fishermen use nets for practically any other species but bass.... Why is this? Just wanted to know?

[Guest ncbass24]

Foe most people these days, bass fishing is a catch and release sport. Nets can damage the protective slime coating on the fish and make it more prone to parasites, which will in turn kill the bass. Nowadays they make rubber, knotless nets that do not harm the fish at all if kept moist. However, these nets have not caught on yet with many fisherman who still just choose to lip the bass.

[Guest ncbass24]

Also, I kind of like having a good case of "bass thumb" throughout the year, but maybe thats just me. And as for the treble hook getting caught in your hand, its just part of the game.

[Shad_Master]

5#BG, I'm kind of with you.  I have never understood how swinging a big ole bass into the boat and have it flop around on the carpet is better for it than being lifted out of a net.  I always use a net when tournament fishing and can't tell you how many times I have seen guys lose a biggun at the boat because they didn't have a net.  At a recent club tournament, one of our guys lost a fish estimated to have been between 7 & 8 pounds after he had his thumb in it's mouth.  It cost him the tournament.  He had a net, but it was in the hold (not much good there).  My statement to my partner is, when I hook a fish, grab for the net - I will wave you off if I don't need it and I will do the same for you.

[Triton21]

What Shad Master said Xs 2.

Kelley

[burleytog]

A rubber net is one of the best things you can have on board.  No hook tangles and it stretches with bigger fish.

Since I'm a Dinkmaster®, I rarely have a chance to net anything other than trout.

[cpvenom]

I dont own a net because I think that landing fish with my hands just adds to the excitement. When I catch gar in florida, I just grab them by the snout and support their weight with my other hamd. I also love getting "bass thumb" after a good day of fishing. If my thumb is nice and torn up, I know I had a successful day on the water.

[Fish Man]

1. i LOVE bass thumb

2. the fish arent big enough to need a net

3. why spend the extra money when you have two perfectly good hands to use for free

[David P]

I just got a net due to the fact of losing too many 6+ lb bass at docks while trying to lip them..

I only use it on bass that are clearly over 4 or 5 lbs, anything less then that, I don't bother, because if they get off while trying to lip, it's not that bad..

But having a clear 8 or 10 lb bass , it's terrible to have them slip off while trying to lip the d**n thing. I've beat myself up too many times.

I want to get a rubber net, but they're a bit pricey right now. I will get one sooner or later.

[burleytog]

Rubber net at Wal Mart - $26

[Taliesin]

Rubber net at Wal Mart - $26

That's what I bought, but i haven't used it yet.

I haven't caught anything big enough to worry about and I live having bass thumb.

I see any bass over 3# on the end of my line and that net is coming out.

[paulc]

just bought the rubber net also and have not used it yet.

If there is a crank bait with 2 treble hooks in the boat with my 9 year old son it will be stuck to his shirt and the net in seconds.

It was pretty funny the other day he had a crankbait stuck to him, the landing rope and the net all at the same time.

I hope that net solves some of that.

The net does seem a little to shallow but, i guess we will see.

[roadwarrior]

You will be pleased. A rubber net solves a lot of problems, especially with treble hooks at night!

p.s. There is no reason to take the fish out of the water unless you are going to weigh or picture your prize. Leave the fish in the net and in the water. With your new rubber net the fish will not get tangled up and hook removal is usually no problem.

[Tpayneful]

My fishing partner used to give me hell for not having a net.  I told him that I didn't catch big enough fish to need a net.  Well he kept on me and I finally bought one.  It came in handy when I caught a 4.5lb fish a short time later.  We fish tournaments together and net just about anything over 14 inches.  When money is on the line we use the net and I don't know why anyone would not use a net in a tournament if it is allowed.  Of course BASS does not allow nets and that is why you don't see them on ESPN.

[Bud]

What Shad Master said Xs 3.

[George Welcome]

"Does useing a landing net make you less of a man or something?"

Yep, that's it! So does using pink worms and spraying cologne on your hands to attract those fishies. Rates right in there with the "here fishie fishie" thing.

You want to use a net or not use a net: it's your business!