Net or not net wild fish

[Buccaneer]

I have observed several wild fish played out to the point the fisherman can tail the fish, remove hooks/lures and then release the fish. When we observe we have a wild fish, we try to get the fish netted as soon as possible so the fish is not so tired. Of course we keep the fish in the water while removing hooks/lures and revive before releasing.

My question is, what are your opinions on which method is preferred for fish survival?

[Master Baiter]

IMHO, Land as quickly and safely as possible, handle minimally, and NEVER NET a fish you intend to release!

[wetaline]

We had the pleasure of releasing 3 on sunday.... I've always tried to avoid netting the fish, although one good head shake and your now attached to the fish w/ a 2/0 trebil... which now thinking about it, has happened and its not fun especialy if the guy holding the fish lets go... because now your thumb is your rod and reel! OUCH! - bad memories

Anyways if available use three guys, one holding the leader, one on the tale and one on the pliers....

[Ex-military]

I would rate it as a trade off, especially if you have an stiff net...netting soonest reduces the the amount of lactic acid build up...meaning better survival rates...nets can cause abrasions through the slime coat meaning chance of infection...all in all, I would choose the quick net on a fish.

[Ex-military]

let me add that that was if you were by yourself...I agree with master and wetaline on tag-teaming the fish if you have multiple people..

[Ex-military]

speaking of...here's a question...has anybody ever tried the cradles like they use for pike and muskie ?? How many use the netted mitts for tailing fish ?

[Artwo]

Just a general question; How many of you guys use barbless hooks for ease of hook removal on a wild fish?

JK

[Jeffhead]

Last season the fish we did hook all seemed to be nates'. As for us we try to play em' quick and use the net to corral the fish next to the boat, keeping it in the water all of the time, getting the hooks out and all of those we released swam off strongly. I would agree not to net the fish, haul it in the boat, take the hooks out and then put it back into the water. Hopefully this year we will get clipped fish and won't have to worry about it!!! :cool:
Good luck and tight lines, Jeff :grin: :grin:

[monoman]

Nets with very deep bags are not good for releasing. The fish will twist or slide to the bottom making it hard to keep the fish in the water and still work the hooks out. A soft bag that is not extra deep will help. Last year Or Trout wanted us to go to cotton bags on our nets, the only problem is nobody makes one large enough for a salmon net, ODFW almost went for it, Bill Monroe wrote about how cotton nets help! The key isn't what the net is made of but the design of the bag. Be very careful with these fish and speak up when people aren't taking care of them, we won't be able to use the tangle net waste against them if we are doing the same.

[choppers]

i'm not sure but maybe someone can clairify this for me, if it's a native and will be released i was told the regulation states that the fish can not be netted and released as soon as possible to increase the chance of survival. hmmm tell that to someone who's throwing a gill net out. :cheers:

[Beer Waggin]

I always like to see the fish brought to the boat as soon as possible and then released with out the use of a net. From my experiences, I can say that I've never had to net a wild fish. I have lost a few due to head shakes right at the boat which is probably better than handling the fish. But it also posses another question, would you rather the fish do a head shake and spit the hook, or pull the hook and give the fish some reviving before heading back into the water?

Something else that should be pointed out is that barbed hooks can be cut out with a set of dikes easier sometimes. I've had fish hooked in both upped and lower jaws on treble hooks that I've looked at and immediately thought to grab the dikes instead of fighting two hooks. I know that all of us would rather replace hardware than potentially damage a native fish.

[fishbait]

Don't net a wild fish...........

grab the leader and un button the fish. These fish are not leader shy, use 40 oir 50 lb. Dont be afraid to cut a hook off a trebble if need be. Keep side cutters and long nose handy.

[willierower]

It all depends on the situation. If the fish can be tailed easily then I tail it. If it is easier to net the fish then I net it without removing the net from the water.

Try this next time you have to net and release a fish. Net it as quickly as posssible. lay the net across the gunnel so half the hoop is over water. Pull the netting up tight so it acts like a cradle and the fish cant get tangled in the net. grab the fish bt the tail and hold it so it lays on its back. They calm down down when in this position, its easier and safer to remove the hooks. After the hooks are out and the fish doesnt need revived you just roll it out of the net. It takes a little pratice to do it fast but once you get it down it works great.