Things that make you go hmmmmm?

[Shad_Master]

I've been watching the Professional Anglers Association tournaments the last couple of weeks and noticed that these guys are carrying nets in their boats and using them some of the time - why would they do this when they can't do it on the Elite Tourney Schedule?

[5bass]

Different trails, different rules. The use of nets cuts down on the drama/excitement for TV. Not using nets gives the fish more of a sporting chance.

[Shad_Master]

I had posted this originally in the General Bass Fishing section in hopes of getting some insight into how the PAA came to this decision...so if you happen to be stumbling around in the dark and run across this post and have any information - I would appreciate a response - thanks.

[etommy28]

My feeling is that PAA are more interested in the fish and anglers safety. FLW also allows nets, but BASS does not they think its more exiting to watch the guys go after the fish at the side of them boat. PAA is run by anglers, not business men, when you get big fish next to the boat with 2 or 3 treble hooks flying around it is dangerous for the fish and angler. thats my take, I would love to hear other peoples.

[Shad_Master]

Thanks for the reply - you have an interesting point.

[salmicropterus]

I think BASS' rule against nets was originally motivated by the idea that the twine type nets were damaging to the fish's protective slime. This risk has largely been eliminated by the use of the Frabill style rubber mesh nets which are mandated by FLW (they're a sponsor also). Not using a net adds to the drama and uncertainty of the landing as either swinging the fish in or lipping and bellying the fish will cause lost fish no matter how skilled the lander is. So being able to do it in a PAA is merely taking advantage of a rule difference

[bassnleo]

What suprises me is how many times this whole net vs. no net thing is debated here

[fishfordollars]

What suprises me is how many times this whole net vs. no net thing is debated here

X2

[fishingstevent]

What surprises me even more is that BASS own studies show that there is more harm done to the fish without a net than with a proper net, yet they still do not allow the use of nets. Ever notice your carpet if you lay a bass on it? Shiny and slick? That protective coating when removed from the fish just about guarantee's parasite intrusion under the scales. Hence, the sores you see on fish in mid summer to fall. I was part of a group that studied this issue with BASS in 1999. Still can't believe they don't allow nets.

[little_stephen]

While im an avid bass member..... mind u a non-tournament angler, but still an avid member non-the-less.     its obvious that BASS is still in existance becasue of the showmanship. Its all about making it interesting to the person watching. it has little to do with people on site when the fish is caught. everything to do with the "highlight reel" that they put together for the T.V. shows.

and i doubt that the safety of the fish is seriously in question. as long as it lives to weigh in they could care less.      otherwise, they would have switched to a "paper only tourney" setup. drop the "marshalls" from the boats, put a tourney personell on boat, weigh the fish when its landed, mark it down on paper, and let her go...... same amount of trauma as a catch and release weekend angler. and they can still get the dramatic boatside landing without the net.

just my off the wall point of view.

[bmadd]

Well...

In fishing the Bassmaster Weekend Series events, I can say they care a lot about the health of the fish. They do everything they can to make sure the fish stay in oxygenated water, are fizzed, and handled and released properly and quickly.

[ghamm]

hmmmm good question as a tournament angler i prefer to land my own fish. i have lost some good fish due to the lack of experience from my co-angler. its not ther fault they just haven't had the chance to get the exp.

[CaseyBass]

BASS opens are allowed nets and back before the very entertaining Bassmaster Elite series there were the Top 150's which let the anglers use nets.  So it is not just a BASS thing it is clearly a TV thing.  If an organization designed by anglers PAA lets the Anglers keep nets in their boats obviously they like having them.  When a fish is often held vertically and is heavy enough the Jaw may break.   Even though it makes the most exciting part of the show much longer and more intense but when a guy lips a bass and celebrates appose to someone who nets a fish and celebrates what is better for the fish?