Netting fish

[Dan Rechs]

With all the net talk I was wondering what you consider to be the propper way to net a fish?

Dan Rechs

[wccjanel]

Put the net in the water, away from the boat, and wait until the very moment the fish is dragged into the net by the angler, then lift.
Do not chase the fish, jab the net, or lunge yourself out of balance. Unless, the fish comes off; then dive in, and don't come up without something in the net.

Everybody has a different way that they like it done. I usually ask the angler, as I grab the net, "Where do you want me?" Most folks will tell you. Communication is key.

Peace,
James

[Greg_Cornish]

Don't forget rule number 1. If things go wrong, blame your partner.

[mac (Doyle McEwen)]

Netting a fish is tricky at times, especially any time the net frame touches the fish..They always seem to try very hard to get away from that unwanted touching..It is best to just get the net pretty much submerged, with the opening facing toward the fish or the direction the fish is coming from then let the angler lead the fish into the net..Sometimes if you are very lucky you might be able to net one that has actually slipped the hook and is just falling through the air after a jump..After you have netted a few it seems pretty easy, just keep in mind that it is also easy to slip up while netting a fish..

mac

[Ricky-S]

There is no right way to net a fish. Every fish is different and crankbait and big fish are the worse.

I get asked this question all the time and I say the correct way to net a fish is not to stab at the fish. With that said, I also don't want the net too far into the water because it creates drag. I don't want the net in the water until I say net him and the fish is on the top of the water.

Every person is differnt and it is best to have a conversation with the person to get their expectation in order.

[Tom(fishfafun)]

After quite a few years of commercial fishing for salmon, using hand lines and a net, I learned two things that are important to successful netting……..

#1: Keep that net out of the water as long as you can. Fish can see that thing and they really don’t like it. Besides, as stated before, it slows you down and fish can swim faster than you can drag that net around behind them.

#2: Fish aren’t too good at swimming backwards, but are simply amazing at swimming forwards. Never net a fish from behind. Head first, you touch it’s tail and it may be gone before you get a second chance.

Having said this, bottom line, be quick and accurate practice, practice, practice………..during pre-fish/fun fishing you’re practicing everything else.

Tom

[FIVEtenthz]

I agree that every fish is different, but I know there are some rules of thumb.
1. Don't chase or stab at the fish
2. Dont sink the net, only submerge the lip.
3. Angle the net toward the fish, don't try to come straight up from underneath.
4. When the fish is netted, put the net in the bottom of the boat, not on the deck.

[Cooch]

REMAIN CALM!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

As Ricky and a couple of the others mentioned, there really are no set rules, right way or wrong way, every fish can be different. Every fish has to be treated individually, whether it be a spawning 3 pound hot buck, that 6 pound bank runner, the jumping, leaping 9 pounder, or the ever elusive river DD fish.

And in as much as it is important to know how to net a fish, it is the skilled angler, who knows how to play and tire any fish, that will make the netter look like a Fish Netting GOD!

With that in mind, I never take a net in my boat when guiding, except in the fall when Striper fishing, even then, it's not neccesary, just convinient. This force me and my clients, to learn how to play out a fish, until it is exhuasted and rolls up on it's side next to the boat. If you learn how to hand land fish, and spend years doing it, using a net will come real easy to you, because ya learn patience. Ya just gotta teach yerself to remain calm, keep the angler calm as he battles the fish, then swoop it up with grace and care. Netting fish is very simple, but ya gotta be thinkin about what yer doing, and what that fish is doing.

[MIKE TREMONT]

I never take a net in my boat when guiding, except in the fall when Striper fishing, even then, it's not neccesary, just convinient.

When I tagged along with Sean a few years back and I watched you swing about an 8lb Striper in the boat, I thought that for sure your rod or line was going to pop.

A testimony to both. I'd mention there names, but don't want to start any trouble.

[GKramer]

Several respondees to this are dead on. What Cooch speaks to, however, goes even beyond following the admonition to keep your composure.

As with every "sport" it takes experience and repetition to learn the various skillsets. With regard to netting, those skills include understanding what the guy with the rod is either trying to do, or what you can expect him to do, as well as recognizing the fish's movements.

Then, there is the issue of getting a glimpse of that diver, wallower or shaker, if possible, to see how its hooked (near side/far side of the mouth, deeply or skinned) and to communicate with to the rod man so you are on the same page in the that critical moment.

Unfortunately, the truth is not everyone can become competent, let alone superior, in all the fishing skills just like they can't in golf, football, baseball, soccer, or you name it. There are guys at the top and there are the rest.

Sorry, but within the great pool of bass anglers there are also some fishermen who can't cast, can't tie good knots, can't find fish--and can't net! Greatness and mediocrity are both part of the game.

[bassindon69]

With all the net talk I was wondering what you consider to be the propper way to net a fish?

Dan Rechs

DON'T MISS.

[swimbait]

Inside the net is good

[photon]

I can't echo enough how important it is to REMAIN CALM!!!!

Don't scoop with the net!

Don't rush a hot fish!

and for Christs sake....head first, let the catcher lead the fish into the net!

Most of the time, I'd rather wear a fish out, and lip/belly land a fish myself than let a nervous netter swoop at it!!!!!

[ash]

A good friend of mine showed me to get low stand next to the angler hold the net in your hand so that it is not dangling. Wait for the fish to come to you then swoop under and toward the direction the fish is coming to the net. Works great for me.

The curious thing is when fun fishing or bank fishing I can lip and land some really nice fish come tournament day we wait for the net to be there instead of following our natural instincts in terms of getting the fish into the boat. REMAIN CALM communicate, Observe...whatever you do dont bump the rod man....

[Duckman]

Make sure you put the net in front of the fish in the water, don't try to come from the tail end of the fish. I have never seen a fish swim backwards if the fish comes off at the net it might go into the net but if you come from behind you will never get the fish.

[Auggie Dog]

Tom hit it pretty good by telling you to practice, practice practice.

How many of us go fun or prefishing and swing our fish instead of netting it. When I take my son out, we try to have him net everything just for the practice. With the way he has taken to bass fishing, he will be an am in bigger tourneys someday and the extra practice will come in handy.

Auggie Dog

[Kevin Evans - Kap]

Fished a pro-am once and drew Leroy and he went over how he wanted me to net his fish before we even hit the water. If you have drawed Leroy before you know what I'm saying.
I fish alot mind you an think I know how to net a fish.. But ol Leroy showed me to get down on your knees and get low and wait for the fish to come to you. Dont get anxious remain calm. Dont swat at the fish or stab and dont put the net in the water to early.
I learned more from Leroy on that day than anyone can imagine. He is a great teacher, Thanks Leroy.

Kap

[Marty]

Leroy did the same with me – get your knee down and get ready to put the net in the water, just like this – the most important thing he said was wait until I have the fish’s head out of the water. You will not have to move because he brings the fish to you!

One of the best days on the water I had!


Marty and his boat the “Bassanovaâ€

[InTheBlind]

Use the net like a machette in a dense jungle.

When the fish have given up, scoop the McGillicutty

Next move on with life

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