Netiquette II: The equipment

[Quick Fish]

Lots of talk about technique, but what kind of net does everyone like best? What color should the hoop and net be? Why? What type of material should the net be made of? Will your preference change if there is a high probability of C & R? Do you use a different size net for salmon in the ocean than you use in the rivers?

Quick Fish

[HOGTIDE]

For Chinook, I use a Beckman long handle ,stainless yoke, big hoop, deep natural fiber(black stuff) net. The base of the handle is wrapped with narrow diameter rope for about 2.5 feet for better grip. The hoop is a narrow diameter but heavy gauge, so it slips through the water easily.

For Steehead/Coho I use a Lin-Line med. hoop aluminum net. Nylon mesh, shallow basket( the green stuff). It is light and easy to handle and stowe.

My intention is to 'not' net fish I plan to release. A little patience, calming a fish and a quick needle nose pliers usually does a pretty good job on the release. Sometimes there are tangled catastrophies where you must net a fish...I just go for it. images/icons/cool.gif

[ 07-06-2001: Message edited by: HOGTIDE ]

[Hookset]

Beckman medium handle large hoop, rubber coated nylon net. Great for releasing fish and the rubber protects the nylon from spinny fish, like sturgeon.

When releasing fish, I too keep them out of the net when possible. For the exceptions, the rubber helps.

I should purchase a longer handle net, there are a few times it would have been nice, except adds a little extra weight.

Gregg

[HOGTIDE]

The rubber coated net sounds like a good idea. Bet it keeps the hooks from catching in the mesh, too.