Working without a Net

[basilkies]

Looking over the pictures of this website I have noticed that there doesn't seem to be any nets used. What's the deal?

Here in California we are required to have a net that is at least 18 inches to net undersized fish for release (Ocean Regs). So far I haven't hit on a failsafe idea for stowing it and just toss it over the rear hatch with the handle toward the rear and a reachable clip, clipped through the netting. It always ends up dragging at some point and I lift it back over the hatch. My solution for this is to put a metal or plastic loop to either clip the handle or put the handle through.

So don't you east coasters need nets?

[No name]

Whens we catches a Little bity thing wes throws it back still a being on da hook and hope fors a Bigger one, das whats we done a doin Cousin BillW

Here to help and learn my word is fact /not/ fiction

[JonS]

I personally don't find the need for a net. A bluefish would destroy one for certain. I prefer a lip gripper as do most. Also we have a lot more catch and release here then out west. I for one have only kept one fish this year.

baja55@optonline.net

[RogerSmith]

Prefer the lip gripper. Nets take up more space and can lead to a nastly tangle. Most releases done boatside.

[Jerry-rigged]

In Texas we are not required to have a net, but I keep one on my boat - it gets stowed in an extra rodholder in the crate - no problem reaching it or having it fall out. Lip grippers would be nice to have, but I am cheap, and so are nets! (and they work too).

So what's wrong with Pee-Wee Herman's bike, anyway?

[JonS]

If you had our big blues you'd find that lip grippers are a much better value. A 15# blue in a net would surely ruin it and cause some serious problems.

baja55@optonline.net

[mrmom64]

Yeah, bluefish have serious choppers and will just thrash and try to bite anything in sight. Hence, lip grippers are preferred.

I, for one, have not kept any fish this year.... So far have not had a chance to go out yet with the new baby and all.

* Any day fishing is a good day*