To Net Or Not To Net?

One of the discussions I often see on the Kayak Bass Fishing Facebook page is regarding the use of landing nets.  Some anglers swear by them 100% of the time, some anglers think they're a waste of space, and others are somewhere in between.  Elite Series anglers are not allowed to use nets in competition, and some of us enjoy that extra challenge of trying to emulate their fish landing methods from time to time.  However, I bet if you asked a few of those guys, they'd like to have the opportunity to use one.

My Net Setup - Simplistic and Functional

While I consider my net standard equipment on every trip, I don't always use it.  It rests in a Ram tube to the rear-left of my seat, easily within arms reach.  I have a leash on it so I don't lose it, but one end of the leash is a magnetic net attachment used by fly fishermen, so I can grab it quickly and move freely with it once it's out of the tube.

There are two parts to the net equation - what net to use, and when to use it.

Magnetic Net Release for Wade Fishing

What Net To Use?

Choosing a net is all about personal preference. There are lots of quality choices out there, but I want to share my opinion and the reasons behind why I made the choice I did. My net is the H2O Express floating net from Academy.  I prefer to encourage people to shop small, but after comparison shopping, this is one product from a big box store I can't help but to recommend.

I didn't spend a lot of money on it (about $15), but as a kayak angler, it has the exact three features I look for:

1. Lightweight & compact

2. Floats

3. Rubber netting material

Some nets have features like telescoping or folding handles which offer a longer reach from the boat. Other than the YakAttack Leverage net, these are usually made with a traditional boater or a co-angler in mind, and better used with two hands or a high angle into the water.  While the longer reach can have its obvious perks, in my opinion, it's too difficult to manage from a kayak.  Some of these nets are very high quality, but too bulky and heavy for my personal preference.  I like my lightweight and compact net.  I don't want moving parts or adjustments when I decide I need to grab the net.  Seconds matter when a fish is on the line, and there's already enough stuff within a confined space to fumble around with. 

Because of the unpredictable and sometimes chaotic nature of kayak fishing, the built-in foam ring is a nice feature because this gives the net its buoyancy.  Floating accessories are always good, especially for a river rat like me.

Rubber netting material is better than the old school nylon netting because it's much easier to manage getting treble hooks out.

When Do I Use My Net?

There is no hard and fast rule I use.  I've boat-swung 17-inch fish, and I've netted 13-inch fish.  But there are a couple of rules of thumb that prevail more often than not.

1. Pay attention to the hook or lure.  Any fish that is foul-hooked, hooked outside the mouth, or barely skin-hooked gets netted.  These questionable hook placements happen most often with baits with treble hooks - moving baits that elicit reaction strikes.

Methods like wacky worming or drop shotting are usually done with thin wire hooks.  Don't try to boat swing a good fish with one of these little hooks, or you may end up heartbroken.

This first situation is a judgement call on the angler, and somewhat dependent on the fish as well.  If the fish is swimming toward the boat, it may not give you time to grab the net because of the need to keep pressure on the fish by constantly reeling.  At the same time, you don't want to play the fish too long because it's not hooked well.  Experience is the best way to figure out this balancing act, and still the angler loses sometimes.

2. "Get the net!" It's one of the most exciting phrases an angler can utter.  That's when you know something big is on the other end.  If I see that a fish is about 17 inches (about 3 lbs) or greater, I generally try to net the fish. As soon as the fight is somewhat under control, grab the net and get ready to use it. Don't short-line the fish. Keep 6-8 feet of line out from the rod tip, and guide the fish safely into the net as it's just under the surface.

There are exceptions to every rule, but experience will help you know when and how to effectively use your net. In my opinion, if a net is allowed, you're doing yourself a disservice by not having one on board.

Tight lines, y'all.