when is the last time you used a net?

[Matt B]

Been using a net the last couple weekends as I've been smallmouth fishing with my ultralight setup. 3-5 pound smallies don't really lift right into the boat with a 7' spaghetti noodle, particularly with 4# test. I'd rather get them landed and released quickly than fumble around trying to grab them without something breaking on me.

Plus it's a measure net, so I can just note the numbers as they lay in the net to see how big they are. No need to reach for a tape measure.

[BassThumb]

I never use nets for bass, but I would if I fished tourneys.

Landing a bass by hand is fun to me, and part of the challenge. I've only been hooked once while landing a fish, and that was years ago.  It was my fault for not paying attention while lipping a small bass at night with trebles in it's mouth.

[scbassin]

I use one if the fish is to heavy to lift with the rod I am using at the time.

[Fishing Rhino]

If you're really worried about hurting the fish,...........don't fish.

I don't use a net from the canoe, but I did get a big rubber net for my bass boat.  Most of the time, I'll get off the deck into the cockpit and reach over the side.

Crestliner, I understand where you're coming from.  I ain't gonna do all those lie on my back on the deck of a bass boat things attempting to lip a fish.

But for really good fish, I'll use the net.

The last time I used it was on the Road Trip at Pickwick.  Several times.

[Shane Procell]

Never used a net.

[bigfruits]

I never use nets for bass, but I would if I fished tourneys.

me too

[KAcoach]

I don't ever use a net.  If they are too big to swing into the boat, then I bend down and lip them.

[the beast]

Crank baits and trebles...rubber net.

[Red]

Last time I used one was In early April on my PB 9lber.  I usually don't bring it with me, I always just forget to.  Remembered that day.  Leaning over in my buster boat isn't an easy task, especially now since I added a seat riser..  I usually just swing everything in if I think my rod can handle it.  I swung a 4lber no problem last weekend.  I will say I haven't forgotten the net once since I caught my PB, I wasn't swingin that baby in!

[SGT Rico]

So I am guessing that if someone uses a net during "fun fishing" is not macho or tuff enough? Some of these internet cowboys just make me laugh, so you are a better angler then supposed one that uses a net? If I am not mistaken, fishing is about catching fish, not always will we catch them, but deep down inside we anglers want to catch fish and have a good time doing it. If a net helps us achieve that then whats the problem, not sportsmen like? unethical? I can care less if you use one or not, but some of these posts sound like its a fenoly to use a net. I personally use a net for safety after an incident I had that required ER attention. And for you that are going to say that it was my fault for getting hooked, all I have to say is I am sorry for not predicting a hooked bass movements. Bottom line, I can care less if you use one or not, if you don't, more power to you, if you do, the same.

Tight lines

SGT Rico

[Team9nine]

Been long enough ago that I can't exactly remember when the last time actually was. That said, I do keep a nice rubber net in the garage for if I ever do get a round to having to use one. That was what I used to fish some local jackpot tourneys with because my partner liked to always have one, but that was 6-7 years ago. I never used 'em in tourneys myself. Got some interesting reactions over the years from draw partners over the issue. I've always considered them a 'crutch' but have no problem with guys choosing to either use or not use them.

-T9