Chris Musselman's Oct 17 report, losing a fish while getting tangled in the net, is similar to my experiences. I have a 34" x 40" Beckman, and I've screwed up several times. It hasn't cost me any fish….yet. But I've been very fortunate.
I fish alone 98% of the time. It seems I don't get the fish all the way in the net when I start to lift. I never had these problems when I used a smaller salmon net.
First, would a change to a smaller net be in order? Also, could the membership provide tips on their netting experiences for the benefit of us all? Thanks
Charlie
Watch the first part of the C&R tips video: <url url="[Permission to view this media is denied]
">[Permission to view this media is denied]
1. Net 1/2 to 2/3 in the water don't keep it out or mostly out then reach for the fish. You'll stab them in the face and hang the hooks.
2. Guide the fish into the net – don't reach for the fish! If you reach you'll get over extended and not be able to reach any further.
3. If it doesn't want to cooperate get the net out of the way and repeat.
Fish get hung up when you try to hurry the net job and don't keep the net close to the boat. The handle should be almost vertical as you guide the fish into the net. Try to touch it's nose on the near side of the net, that way if the hooks get hung the fish is already in the net.
My son, Tyler, has been netting fish for me since he was about 4. Not because I need him to do it but because he likes to do it and it keeps him involved in the process when he doesn't want to reel them in. At 4 wasn't strong enough to move/reach w/ the net. To simplify the process we practiced him lifting the net and laying it over the side of the boat. Then he would tip the net down and hold it nearly vertical against the boat. As the nose of the fish touched the near side of the bag he simply pushes down on the handle and VOILA the fish is in the net. I honestly couldn't believe how simple it was for him yet how difficult most of us adults make it look sometimes. Funny how it takes having to simplify a process to really see how it should be done!
God I hate that I have to learn from my mistakes, I obviously did it all wrong and cost myself a beautiful fish and have in the past almost lost other fish the same way.
Thanks for asking this question man I didn't really think that much about it and its nice to review the correct process so we can all be prepared next time.
Thanks alot for the tips, I know I need the advice. I fish alone most of the time and have lost my fair share good fish at the boat from stupid netting mistakes.
I remember my first 40+ pike was on top water and seeing it hit gave me so much adrenaline that when I got him to the side of the boat I freaked out and tried to net him too quickly. I reached the net out almost tipping the canoe over and punched him right on the nose knocking the hooks free and I watched him kind of sit there for a second not knowing he was free and then swim away as I sat there in stupidity…sad sad day for me as a kid
326
16
1 Guest(s)