Proper Netiquette

[Jennie@ifish]

Tell me all your netting tips!
I want to do good this silver season. HELP ME NOT LOSE SOMEONE'S FISH!
OK, keep the net down straight till the fish is close, head up? Does the guy want the fishes head up?
Swoop in on him, and then when the fish is at least 3/4 of the way in, lift the net and then hold it straight up and down, right?
What else?
Jen

[img]images/icons/shocked.gif[/img] I figured this post wasn't long enough [img]images/icons/grin.gif[/img] [img]images/icons/rolleyes.gif[/img] , so I edited in some other important factors I forgot about. [img]images/icons/tongue.gif[/img] [img]images/icons/wink.gif[/img]

That's good netiquette Jen. But I would add that it's a great idea to sneak up behind the fish and try to net it tail first. Also, if the fish is darting all around crazy like take some quick stabs at it and hope you get the net around the wildy romping fish - if you don't the line might break soon. To prepare for this, put some scared scampering cats and kittens in a large closed room and practive netting them with a butterfly net. [img]images/icons/grin.gif[/img] If the fish is really big and looking down then net downward right over the top of the fish. They won't see the net coming. This will startle the fish into an instant dart headfirst into the side of the boat and it'll konk itself bellyup, making it fairly easy to net - unless you are Stew; it would still take him a few stabs at the motionless fish to get it in the net. ... Best tip? Don't do any of the things I just mentioned. [img]images/icons/wink.gif[/img] ...

Actually, most situations need to be sized up quickly to determine the best netting strategy. The two things that I look at first is the water hazzards/snags nearby in rivers; then as soon as possible try to determine how well the fish is hooked. In situations where the hookup is marginal and could tear out soon, or there are lots of snags or rapids coming into play, or there are a crowd of boaters around that won't reel in there ******* lines, then I will often take a quick stab at a fish that isn't quite ready to be netted. If it's hooked well and there aren't breakoff factors nearby then wait until the fish is fairly well played out. I prefer to hold the net bag with my left index finger close to the handle while holding the handle with the other left fingers and the right hand, so as to reduce the chances of getting the net stuck on a rod holder or cleat or whatever - letting go with the finger just before the fish enters. I also like to put the net down into the water and hold it still so as not to spook the fish into a second wind scamper, as the fisher plays the tired fish headfirst into the net while I go over it in a forward motion with the best net angle, then scoop upwards and close it in the netting by lifting the handle quickly upward. I will also mention that you should always try to see if the fish has an adipose fin intact and not net it if it does - just cut the leader close to the fish or if it's tired/docile then carefully remove the hook with a needle nose pliers at boatside so as to give the best chances of survival of native fish with the fin intact. Netting a struggling fish will take too many scales off and can injure internal areas. ...

A couple things the fisher can do in playing a fish into the net to help succeed is when the fish tires try to smoothly pull a little more forward momentum toward the net and drop the rodtip just as the fish enters the scooping net, which allows it to go quicker and further into the net because the line tension outward of the net bottom is slacked at the right time. ... Good luck out there. [img]images/icons/smile.gif[/img]

RT

[ 07-02-2001: Message edited by: RT ]

[Salmonator]

I think the easiest and most important thing to remember is DON'T REACH! Ok the second most important thing is, if you use the same net for salmon and sturgeon check the net for holes after the sturgeon trips! A few weeks back I netted a fish for a client and it slipped though the only hole in the basket. The fish made another run and we fought it for another 3 or 4 minutes with the line going through net then did a reverse job to put it in the boat. Several boats around us got a good laugh... Joe

[bob b]

Hi Jennie. No matter what the situation is the most important thing to remember on my boat is that fish cannot swim backwards,never net a fish tail first unless the the person playing the fish gives the ok. Never show the fish the net,until ready to go under the fish,head first,no matter how big the fish lift hard and fast and the rest of the fish should follow. The head of a tired fish should be about 3/4 into the net before lifting. Sounds great until some big salmon catches a second wind then it,s see ya. Good fishing.

Hey! That's a cheap shot Steve! Just ask Roy,Gizmo,Dot,Bill H,Mark and on and on...wow seems like I do more netting than catching [img]images/icons/grin.gif[/img]
Stew

[Hookset]

The biggest mistake I see is people try to soon and/or try to net with the fish under the surface. You have to wait the fish out and get the head leading towards the boat and on the surface. People with more experience can and do net with the fish sideways, but always the head should be up on the surface.

I'm assuming your fishing from a boat. There are a few other items you should be doing in prepartion of netting. First, stay behind the fisherman and out of the way until the fish is almost ready. In most situations, your going to net the fish standing at the back of the boat or the side with the person fighting the fish up current from you, ONLY WHEN the fish is close and tired. When it's clear where in the boat your going to net the fish, look for obstacles that can and will catch the net. Relocate these items, I even remove the rear side mounted pole holder. Boat cleats are a common problem, be aware where they are and keep the net clear. I like to pull the net back and hold against the handle by trapping with just one finger. This helps to keep the net clear of the dreaded net grabbers. Just remember to lower your finger at the same time you move quickly to extend and scoop the fish in.

The other item is to always watch the fish. Many times a fish looks tired and leading towards the boat and net, then at the last second turns it's head down, flicks it's tail and darts away. Don't be afraid to pull back before touching the water or fish AND get that net away from the line and/or sinker. If the fish is half in and half out, your committed. Don't stop now, extend and reach, flip that fish into the net. It happens, even with all the practice there are moments when everything that can go wrong does.

Be paitent, watch for obsatcles, keep the net out of the water close to the boat, fish on the surface leading head first, quickly drop the net, dip under and up in an exaggerated U and extend the handle up to close the net. You can even get out in the boat and practice this at home.

Now go catch some fish and practice your netting.

It's not luck, it's called SKILL!! [img]images/icons/wink.gif[/img]

hook

[smilesforu]

When netting fish that are close make sure the person fighting the fish is reeled down and lifting the head towards the surface and at a angle away from the netter in case the hook should come free. If you can wear glasses its a good time to do it. The line under tension and the fish wiggling to get loose can send a hook right at your eyes. Don't tail net!!
When you plunge the net do it 6-8" below the fish head so you don't catch hooks with the net. I also hang onto the net bag until the plunge to keep it free from potential net tanglers. On really long handle nets a string will be sometimes attached to the bottom of the net bag to keep it from tangling.

Another No NO is to drop the net hoop once the fish is in the bag. (Had it done to me) Don't try to lift the fish out of the water with the net fully extended (bend/break net frame). Keep net parallel to the water and bring fish to the boat side. Then lift the fish into the boat with the hoop.

After the fish is bonked or released it is proper etiquette to wash net bag in the water before putting away.
The most fun in netting is done when your all alone with a nice fish. Same rules apply except you can't hang on to the bag before netting and must have the net ready for just the right moment laying on the boat. This is where the net loves to tangle stuff inside the boat. Keep tension on the fish while pulling towards the the boat. Then quickly let go of reel handle and use the now free hand to grab net Handle and shoot for the Head!! Only release rod tension after you lift on the net and fish is in the bag.

[Jennie@ifish]

Printable and study-able material! Thank you guys so much!
Jen

[TheRogue]

All excellent points, I think I can add one more::: know who you're fishing with. Most people I fish with are experienced enough to know when the fish is ready, and tell me when. I prefer the person with the rod to "drive" the fish into the net, rather than the net to the fish.

That way, you know two things.....the fish will always be head first, and if something goes wrong, hey, You TOLD me it was ready!! [img]images/icons/grin.gif[/img] [img]images/icons/grin.gif[/img]

Of course, this goes out the window with the large fish such as the big fall chinook, but, still, it's most important to wait until the fish is ready.

Now, if the person on the rod is a rookie, all bets are off. Don't stab, just try to go headfirst (no, not as in over the side!!).

In my experience with my wife and several other women, they often make better "netters" because they're more patient and listen better to instructions. Wait a minute, I think I just described a lot of things in life!! [img]images/icons/tongue.gif[/img] [img]images/icons/tongue.gif[/img]

T.R.

[cureless]

cool topic, next best thing to fighting fish is netting fish. My ten year old has got the procedure down pretty good just like it has been described. Good class in netting 101

Now how about a class in netting 102 (netting while alone in the boat)

I have only been fishing from a boat a few years and the biggest transition from bank to boat netting has been position, position of the fisher and position of the netter.

When alone in the boat

1) setup the net with handle extended and set aside ready to go when needed
2)when a fish is hooked focus on the fish and not the net for the first run or two
3) after you calm down and have the fish under control(Ha Ha)grab the net and set it at your side ready to go
4)when the fish is tired and ready, reel up as much line as possible grab net with reel hand (free hand) lift fish (rod) with other hand and scoop fish with one handed net
5) with fish in net set rod down (don't throw toss, fling) use both hands to complete netting job.

While doing all this make sure your not motoring, drifting, wrapping anchor lines, stepping on the dog, spilling the pee bucket (can I say that?)

Anything to add in netting a fish alone would be helpful

cureless

[FishinMission]

All cool posts here. My rule of thumb is wait til the fish is on it's side and you can pull it around wherever you want it...like into the net..headfirst!!

[Phish_on]

good stuff, can't add anything except - if the person playing the fish 'gives the OK' to net it tail first, just whack them in the head with the net handle. Scared salmon goes forward and down - put the net in its face.

[Jennie@ifish]

OK, so now, say you lose someone's salmon.
What then? How do you apologize? Or do you? Or do you jump in and swim away, or do you throw the guy and the rod overboard that had the fish on?
Do you yell at each other, or do you smile and say.... "Oh well! That was fun!"
Does the pain and memory last for years or weeks?
Does it come up recurrently at bars and parties for the rest of your living days?
Who feels worse, the fisher or the netter when a fish is lost?
Huh, Huh, HUH?
Jen

[WaterDog]

When your alone:

-Have the net ready, handle extended in close reach

-Use a rubber band to wrap the belly of the net to the handle

-Once you reel down on the fish, grab the net, and in one motion lift the head of the fish and scoop it up.

Easy as pie. Of course you do this while running boat too. It takes practice.

As far as losing someone elses fish, there isnt anything you can say. “Sorry I’m a moron” will only get you a “ yeah I know!” response. [img]images/icons/rolleyes.gif[/img]

About all of those things Jen. [img]images/icons/wink.gif[/img] For me, I recall when I was younger I would get just s**tfaced and have a hard time talking for awhile if a guy knocked a big mint bright chinook off my hook with a cracker net job. But that's silly, and I've matured to the point now that I just shoot the guy instead of clamming up and pouting. [img]images/icons/grin.gif[/img] Nah, but I do paint "Netting Cracker" with a red permamarker pen on their forehead and a big red X on the front of their shirt or jacket to warn others. [img]images/icons/wink.gif[/img] hehe

RT

[Hoosier Daddy]

Did anyone mention not grabbing the line, no matter how bad a job your partner is doing steering the fish?

[Phish_on]

Though I have seen the net used effectively to keep the line out of the prop/outdrive ...

About losing someone else's fish, I just don't consider that as a possibility! I suppose if that did happen, well, it's my boat, my net, my rod ... what do you want for a sandwich and a beer anyway? ? ?

You just blame each other, and try to hook another.

[Snapset]

That is when you bring up the topic of properly setting the hook....

[FishinBob]

OK, First fish of the day is always netted with the best possible care. If the next fish is on that same pole (and its your fishing buddies) you might want to be careless and drag the net against the line a little. If they happen to get the third fish you will want to attempt to get the leader hung up in the net with the fish just out of reach to make sure it gets away with that all too good of a setup. If your using double hooks this works best if you can get the second hook hung-up in the netting or the aluminum tubbing is usually rough enough to cut the line if you drag it up the line fast enough, make sure to make it look like your just trying to get the net out of the way. If all else fails you can slightly disconnect the extension handle so that when the fish is netted the net and the fish are gone and you are just left holding the handle. This works great if your on their boat since it's not your net that just went for a swim. You can also blame your fishing buddies poor equipment and not take any blame.

Could this be why my fishing buddy took up hunting and doesn't fish anymore? [img]images/icons/grin.gif[/img] [img]images/icons/frown.gif[/img] [img]images/icons/shocked.gif[/img] [img]images/icons/shocked.gif[/img] [img]images/icons/shocked.gif[/img]

[WheresMyBobber]

One thing I do when netting a fish by myself is take the rod holders out of their mounts while I'm playing the fish. Doing this just eliminates one more thing that could catch the net and cause you a problem.

Here's something else to keep in mind. While it's always good to keep your line away from the sides of the boat, sometimes it's tough when you're by yourself if the fish decides to take a quick dive under the boat. How many aluminum boat owners take the time to walk around your boat with a fine file and smooth out those little knicks that inevitably show up from getting dinged on docks, trailers, anchors etc...? I do this a couple times a year because one little knick on the gunwale of your boat is all it takes to cut that line if it rubs agains it. Bye bye fish.

[bob b]

When a fish runs under the boat,put the rod tip deep as possible in the water and follow the fish around the boat if possible. Have had to net tail first or risk losing fish,due to location. If missed fish is gone never to be seen again.

[Crusty]

Here's a tip that always works for me.

I ask my partner to keep the net out of the water until I tell her to submerge it. I wait until I am sure that I can lead the fish where ever I want to and then tell her to submerge the net and that I will lead the fish into it and to wait for my command before she lifts it. Then it is only a matter of making sure that I don't get a second bait or a drop sinker tangled (which would be my fault).

I have never had any problen, even with complete newbies.

Crusty

[smilesforu]

Can I grab the line.....hehe

I used that line on my buddy yesterday. He was using 6 # test on a trout rod and wanted me to tail his 14# summer run. Makes me cackle everytime I picture the look on his face when I said that to him. Took him a second and he got the joke too.

For those of you that don't know....Never grab the line with light leader and a big fish. One head shake and you have a broken leader since the rod can no longer absorb the shock.

[ol tuna skipper]

My experiance netting.

Reiterating the above.

Net from the head not tail. A spooked fish will run into the net. Have had many come off the hook but jumped into the net this way. [img]images/icons/wink.gif[/img]

Get UNDER the fish to avoid knocking it off the hook. [img]images/icons/frown.gif[/img]

Whatch out for the lead droppers. Last week I had on my sunglasses which saved a black eye when netting another guys fish. [img]images/icons/cool.gif[/img]

Hold the belly of the net until the moment of the scoop to avoid tangling on a cleat or other gear. [img]images/icons/confused.gif[/img]

Have the person with the rod back up if possible to give you room and bring the fish to the boat.

Small craft. Get the person with the pole to the other side of the boat. You'll see the fish when I get it in the boat. lets not capsize from being on the same side. [img]images/icons/shocked.gif[/img]

And yes rinse the net after each fish netted. [img]images/icons/blush.gif[/img]