Do you use a net

[Fish For Life 0]

Do you use a net when fly fishing??? Or do you find that it is better/simpler to just use your hands to catch and release the fish??

[flytire 0]

Never saw a need for a net, so no I don't use one

 

Being short I'd be tripping over it anyway

[phg 0]

Depends on the size of the fish, and how much fight is left in it. I'm more likely to use the net on a really active fish, than on one that comes sliding in on it's side. To me, the object of the net is to gain control of the fish so I can release it more quickly. Of course, it also depends on whether or not I remembered to bring a net with me....

[kimjensen 0]

As long as I need a backpack when fishing, I can't find a comfortable position to carry my net. Everything rust in saltwater and I hate rust. The magnet holder rust. So for the last couple times I've been out fishing, I haven't brought my net. It certainly is more easy to control the fish with a net. And it's less likely I loose the fish if I can grab it quickly with the net, than landing it on the beach.

[Steeldrifter 0]

I always use a net on and "decent" fish. It makes landing the fish quicker and in turn makes getting it back released quicker as well.

[mikechell 0]

I bought a net, magnet and clip for a net a few years ago. I've used it a few times, but rarely. I have it handy, and if I can see the fish is poorly hooked, and I want to land it, I've used it.

[onceahoosier 0]

Almost always use a net for trout. I can land the fish faster with less handling/fumbling around so I think its less stressful to the fish and increases its chance to survive. For bass and other warmwater fish I usually just lift them by the lower lip.

 

Tom

[Piker20 0]

Where the fish can be walked up a wet soft beach then no. For all places where I need to reach to land a fish on steep banks, near snags, big fish I always use a net with a long carbon fibre net Handle from my carp fishing days. Its 3 piece so I can carry the length to suit venue.

[RCFetter 0]

Never use a net and frequently try to unhook without taking the fish out of the water. I only fish for stocked trout in medium sized streams.

[Preach 0]

Depends on the size of the fish, and how much fight is left in it. I'm more likely to use the net on a really active fish, than on one that comes sliding in on it's side. To me, the object of the net is to gain control of the fish so I can release it more quickly.

 

My sentiments exactly...

[Trouser Trout 0]

I definitely have a net when steelhead fishing, besides dragging the poor fish up on the bank, there isn't any other way to efficiently land them. For trout, I carry one along with me, but I also agree with phg - it all depends on the size whether or not I actually use it. For the majority of the rivers I fish and the trout I catch they aren't big enough to justify using a landing net, but I would say it's one of those situations where it is better to have it and not need it than to need it and not have it.

 

As long as I need a backpack when fishing, I can't find a comfortable position to carry my net. Everything rust in saltwater and I hate rust. The magnet holder rust.

 

Try using this contraption, I've got one and it is by far the most comfortable way to carry a net with you. After I made the switch to a lanyard instead of a vest, I had no way to easily or comfortably carry a net. This simply hooks on my wading belt and holds the net flat against my back, and a backpack can easily be worn over top of it. No annoying magnets, no more trying to find the magnet and re-attach it, no more of the net dangling off your back - which in turn usually ends up with it tangled in the brush. They're a little expensive for such a simple system, but I believe they are worth it. Or if you're handier than me, I'm sure you could make one of your own.

 

http://www.smithcreek.co/net-holster.php

[Jaydub 0]

Depends on the size of the fish, and how much fight is left in it. I'm more likely to use the net on a really active fish, than on one that comes sliding in on it's side. To me, the object of the net is to gain control of the fish so I can release it more quickly. Of course, it also depends on whether or not I remembered to bring a net with me....

 

I agree. A net is also handy when fishing from a float tube or pontoon.

[Crotalus 0]

Sometimes, depending on the water I am fishing and the fish i am targeting and whether I am wading or in a boat or bank fishing

[Bryon Anderson 0]

Almost always use a net for trout. I can land the fish faster with less handling/fumbling around so I think its less stressful to the fish and increases its chance to survive. For bass and other warmwater fish I usually just lift them by the lower lip.

 

Tom

Ditto this, and also ditto Trouser Trout's recommendation of the Smith Creek Net Holster. I got one last year and I love it. Now I can carry my net comfortably regardless of how I'm carrying my other gear (vest, sling pack, etc.).

[FLdk 0]

When fishing in rivers i always carry a net.

Coastal fishing in waders, never.