A Good Net Man Will...
BrianF.
Posted 11/22/2014 4:59 AM (#741166)
Subject: A Good Net Man Will...




Posts: 284


Location: Eagan, MN
...[fill in blank].

Pretty critical relationship in the excitement of landing a big fish here. So many fish lost at boat side due to a poor net job.

"Gosh, sorry dude".

Alternatively, there can be some great saves by a great net job. Personally, I'd prefer no drama when netting them. Done correctly, the net job will seem like a non-event and easy as pie. A no-drama net job doesn't just happen though.

So, what do you think are the qualities that make up a good 'net man'? How do we increase the frequency of these successful, no-drama net jobs?

BrianF.

Edited by BrianF. 11/22/2014 5:04 AM
Tone
Posted 11/22/2014 7:33 AM (#741170 - in reply to #741166)
Subject: RE: A Good Net Man Will...




Posts: 215


Location: Wisconsin
...Always get the fish safely in the net.

Doesn't work that way in the real world as strange things do happen. Therefore, a "Good" net man will/should do the following:

1. Do not panic, do not rush. Move quickly but stay controlled.
2. Make sure the net is not caught on anything (boat cleats, fishing rods, lures, windshield, ....) before picking it up.
3. Use two hands.
4. I like to hold the bag of the net with my leading hand.
5. Always get the head of the fish into the net first.
6. Keep the fish in the water.

Johnnie
Posted 11/22/2014 8:05 AM (#741173 - in reply to #741170)
Subject: RE: A Good Net Man Will...





Posts: 285


Location: NE Wisconsin
NOT hold the net straight up like the flag and run back and forth from the front to the back of the boat. Been done!

NOT hold the side of the boat with left hand and reach out with the net in the right hand to reach the fish. Been done!

NOT only put the front brim of the net about an inch under the water. Been done!

NOT stand locked with the net in hand while fish is lying on the surface a foot from the boat. Been done!

NOT keep casting while I'm fighting a fish. Been done!

NOT lash at the fish like he is trying to hit a tennis ball with a racket. Been Done!
Top H2O
Posted 11/22/2014 8:12 AM (#741174 - in reply to #741173)
Subject: RE: A Good Net Man Will...




Posts: 4080


Location: Elko - Lake Vermilion
"A good net man will...... Always buy the next Beer/Cocktail, and if he screws it up, he will buy dinner too.
My Boat, My rules. Also you pay a dollar for every backlash and every snag.
waldo
Posted 11/22/2014 8:40 AM (#741179 - in reply to #741166)
Subject: RE: A Good Net Man Will...




Posts: 224


Location: Madison
A good net man listens to the guy fightning the fish, and follows their directions. But they also have good sense to adjust as necessary when something goes wrong on a fish. And they know when to do each!

I've been fortunate enough to have some really good net men to fish with. Landed a big girl this fall when I tried to take her when she was a little too green, and my net man (guy I'd only fished a few hours with) was able to adjust and get her in the bag.
tbaatz
Posted 11/22/2014 8:56 AM (#741183 - in reply to #741166)
Subject: Re: A Good Net Man Will...





Posts: 140


Location: Scandia MN
Not react to fast and knock the lure out of the fish's mouth - I still wonder how big it was -
Kirby Budrow
Posted 11/22/2014 9:03 AM (#741185 - in reply to #741166)
Subject: Re: A Good Net Man Will...





Posts: 2280


Location: Chisholm, MN
Will not be too offended if his partner is yelling at him "get that #! $#@$ thing in there"!
ToddM
Posted 11/22/2014 9:21 AM (#741187 - in reply to #741166)
Subject: Re: A Good Net Man Will...





Posts: 20180


Location: oswego, il
Mostly what is stated above, especially move swiftly and controlled and on the note above as the person fighting the fish, be measured and controlled too. If your in a panic yelling and screaming at the person with the net your putting that person in your same panic state. Not good.

one of my best net jobs was a buddy fighting a fish and his line broke at the boat with his favorite lure(hellhound I will share) crossways in it's mouth. I quickly scooped the fish before it could swim away.

Edited by ToddM 11/22/2014 9:22 AM
Landry
Posted 11/22/2014 9:22 AM (#741189 - in reply to #741185)
Subject: Re: A Good Net Man Will...




Posts: 1023


Kirby Budrow - 11/22/2014 9:03 AM

Will not be too offended if his partner is yelling at him "get that #! $#@$ thing in there"!


Hahaha. I get all fired up and yell at my net man regularly. We laugh later.
muskyrat
Posted 11/22/2014 9:22 AM (#741190 - in reply to #741166)
Subject: Re: A Good Net Man Will...




Posts: 455


It`s not all the netman. A good fisherman knows when and how to lead the fish into the net. If you tell the netman to scoop to fast that can be your bad.
Muskie Bob
Posted 11/22/2014 9:30 AM (#741192 - in reply to #741166)
Subject: Re: A Good Net Man Will...




Posts: 572


A good net man listens to how I want him to handle the net. The person holding the rod should always be informing the net man to what he wants done rather than leaving it up to the net man to decide.
ToddM
Posted 11/22/2014 10:36 AM (#741200 - in reply to #741166)
Subject: Re: A Good Net Man Will...





Posts: 20180


Location: oswego, il
Just know that when your yelling and screaming at the net person, your not communicating well, causing panic in the net person and person fighting the fish as well. Creates a climate for losing a fish by both parties. With net in my hand I would tell the other person to calm down.
Jerry Newman
Posted 11/22/2014 11:40 AM (#741208 - in reply to #741200)
Subject: Re: A Good Net Man Will...




Location: 31
Shultz.
ARmuskyaddict
Posted 11/22/2014 11:43 AM (#741209 - in reply to #741166)
Subject: Re: A Good Net Man Will...





Posts: 2005


I would assume a Good Net Man doesn't really need to be screamed at, or told what to do. Also, Jerome charges interest guys, so pay attention to what you are doing in the boat with him.
bryantukkah
Posted 11/22/2014 12:02 PM (#741213 - in reply to #741166)
Subject: RE: A Good Net Man Will...




Posts: 295


Never net a small fish, if its not anywhere near 4 feet long it shouldnt come anywhere near a net... if it is, He should do absolutely nothing with the net until the fish is right in front of him... A fish can (and will) always be lead right into the net. If its far enough away from the netman he has to reach at all, he should just wait for it to come back around so he can simply lower the net straight down and put the fish in it. Until then dont even put it over the gunnel. A simple "ok here we go" is all that needs to be said by the angler before the net goes over the gunnel. One and done.
FAT-SKI
Posted 11/22/2014 12:06 PM (#741214 - in reply to #741209)
Subject: Re: A Good Net Man Will...




Posts: 1360


Location: Lake "y" cause lake"x" got over fished
.... knows how to flip the net if the hooks end up on the outside on the first initial scoop

.... never misses

.... supplies the beer or other fun recreational activities

.... stays calm and calms down the screaming angler fighting the fish

.... takes quick and beautiful pictures
Kirby Budrow
Posted 11/22/2014 12:08 PM (#741215 - in reply to #741213)
Subject: RE: A Good Net Man Will...





Posts: 2280


Location: Chisholm, MN
bryantukkah - 11/22/2014 12:02 PM

Never net a small fish, if its not anywhere near 4 feet long it shouldnt come anywhere near a net... if it is, He should do absolutely nothing with the net until the fish is right in front of him... A fish can (and will) always be lead right into the net. If its far enough away from the netman he has to reach at all, he should just wait for it to come back around so he can simply lower the net straight down and put the fish in it. Until then dont even put it over the gunnel. A simple "ok here we go" is all that needs to be said by the angler before the net goes over the gunnel. One and done.


I net every fish big or small. That's a good way to get a hook in your hand!
upnortdave
Posted 11/22/2014 12:35 PM (#741218 - in reply to #741215)
Subject: RE: A Good Net Man Will...




Posts: 668


Location: mercer wi
Not say anything. Just net the fish like a champ.
Then take a great pic
Netman
Posted 11/22/2014 12:47 PM (#741220 - in reply to #741166)
Subject: Re: A Good Net Man Will...





Posts: 880


Location: New Berlin,Wisconsin,53151
The best thing about this topic, it hits home. The 1st time I received the name is when I netted Sluggo's first 50"r. One of the 1st muskiefirstoutings, fishing that sewer Cass lake. You have be able to listen well to orders and make outstanding meals. But the best thing is whenever the one is talking about what he caught you get included in the conversation. So you have to enjoy the abuse but the rewards are endless.
So keep running when you hear "get the net man".
esoxaddict
Posted 11/22/2014 1:35 PM (#741222 - in reply to #741166)
Subject: RE: A Good Net Man Will...





Posts: 8721


You really just have to communicate well. The rest is common sense.

- Get the dog out of the net
- Make sure the bag isn't tangled up in a lure or a stray hook
- Make sure everyone in the boat knows how to extend and lock the handle
- Make sure you know who is going for the net if you have 3 guys in the boat
- Get your lure out of the water and your rod out of the way
- Watch the fish
- Stay out of the anglers way during the fight
- Be ready to move when the fish is ready
- DO NOT panic
- Head first into the net
- Don't swipe or stab at the fish
- Get the net under the fish as the angler is pulling the fish towards the net
- Be ready to get the net out of the water and re-set if the fish makes a u-turn
- Stay in the boat
- For God sakes, when the fish is in the bag, get the hoop up and out of the water, and put the net in a position where the angler can get to it to unhook the fish.


Poop happens. But as long as you are communicating, telling your net guy "on my left, I'll bring her to you, scoop her" etc. And your net guy is communicating as well "Don't back up, I'm coming around. Let me know when you're ready..."

You should be fine.

cave run legend
Posted 11/22/2014 1:52 PM (#741224 - in reply to #741222)
Subject: Re: A Good Net Man Will...





Posts: 2097


Someone that won't choke under pressure.
Pointerpride102
Posted 11/22/2014 2:02 PM (#741225 - in reply to #741224)
Subject: Re: A Good Net Man Will...





Posts: 16632


Location: The desert
Let you catch all the fish.
Pedro
Posted 11/22/2014 2:47 PM (#741230 - in reply to #741166)
Subject: Re: A Good Net Man Will...





Posts: 670


Location: Otsego, MN
Doesn't panic
Stays calm
Can read fish and anticipate there next boat side move
Targa01
Posted 11/22/2014 4:36 PM (#741234 - in reply to #741166)
Subject: Re: A Good Net Man Will...





Posts: 742


Location: Grand Rapids MN
See that it's barely snout hooked and #*^@ near jumps in to scoop it. Saved me from another heart breaker! Thx man...

Two things: first is they are human. Second I may be the net man next!
Rotag
Posted 11/22/2014 8:29 PM (#741254 - in reply to #741166)
Subject: Re: A Good Net Man Will...




Location: SE Wisconsin
Top H2O
My Boat, My rules. Also you pay a dollar for every backlash and every snag


I have buddy you'd send to the poor house with those rules
bturg
Posted 11/22/2014 9:57 PM (#741262 - in reply to #741166)
Subject: RE: A Good Net Man Will...




Posts: 714


Scoop AROUND the fish burying the head deep in the bag..."up" happens last.


And then they High Five you right away

Edited by bturg 11/22/2014 10:01 PM
BrianF.
Posted 11/22/2014 10:15 PM (#741265 - in reply to #741166)
Subject: Re: A Good Net Man Will...




Posts: 284


Location: Eagan, MN
I agree with a lot of what is written here, especially those learned in the school of hard knocks...where I studied. Hah

For me, good communication is a must. If I'm your net man, I'm waiting and asking questions while staying out of your way.

"Tell me where you want me."
"Tell me when you want me to take her."

Assuming the angler is experienced, I let the angler control the action on the net job and only execute on the directions give. If the angler is inexperienced, thats a different story.

So, for me, a good net man communicates well, takes direction, then executes well.

That last part - execution - is worth a few words. When executing, I like a net man that reads the fish, anticipates her movements, and only nets a fish that is calm at that moment. No excited or panicked lunging at a fish that is going nuts at boat side. The best net jobs are when the net man brings the net from deep below a fish that is calmly swimming...swimming right into the open net.

When executing, I like a net man that knows to 'inflate the bag' in the water prior to the fish coming into the critical zone. The angle of attack is key here. Vertical net positions, in which the net man is thrusting the net straight down to try to get under a fish, are disasters waiting to happen as the bag is deflated and will create a curtain of mesh that too often prevents the fish from entering the hoop and instead finds a hook to help the fish tear-off. Same with a long distance lunge with a shallow attack angle which doesn't allow the bag to be inflated.

Part of that could be timing decisions. Some net men seem reluctant to put the hoop and bag in the water when a fish is starting to tire. I'm not one of those. I say, "show the fish the bag". I think doing so helps keep them calm. Unlike largemouth bass or other gamefish that tend to dive into cover when struggling on a line, muskies seem to want to move away from objects and cover, which would include the net. Let the fish see the stationary bag in the water, ready to be inflated by the net man at just the right time. Generally, those last second and rapid movements with the net don't help keep the fish or anyone else calm and ready for a no-drama net job.

Netting seems so easy and common sensical, but if that is the case then why are so many fish lost in the netting process? I once had an inexperienced net man knock off three fish in one night! Now, inexperienced anglers in my boat get a netting 'lesson' prior to making their first cast. There definitely is a right way of doing things, so I think the subject is worth talking about.

Brian

Edited by BrianF. 11/22/2014 10:27 PM
muskyrat
Posted 11/23/2014 6:33 AM (#741279 - in reply to #741166)
Subject: Re: A Good Net Man Will...




Posts: 455


Todays tactics almost dictate netting every fish. It`s not so easy to pop out 8/0 hooks. Considering double 10,s and pounders are pretty much all anybody fishes. Poping out the hooks boatside is a thing of the past. The new doctrine states to be a man you must fish mega lures and net every fish. Get with the program bryan.
ToddM
Posted 11/23/2014 9:23 AM (#741284 - in reply to #741166)
Subject: Re: A Good Net Man Will...





Posts: 20180


Location: oswego, il
Interesting on keeping the net in the water. I understand the need to have the bag open but if the boat is moving, big waves it won't be or in a good position. The other negative is having a net in the water while fighting the fish. Now it is in the way and can cause disaster. I prefer scooping, holding the bag letting go as you scoop. Never had an issue with it.

keep in mind many of our experiences are different, being a fib I catch fib and fib range fish. I am putting a lot of 34-44" fish in the net. Shake offs to some of you. Having said that I would still use my method to net a bigger fish but only have a small number of them.

Edited by ToddM 11/23/2014 9:25 AM
Musky Brian
Posted 11/23/2014 10:00 AM (#741289 - in reply to #741213)
Subject: RE: A Good Net Man Will...





Posts: 1767


Location: Lake Country, Wisconsin
bryantukkah - 11/22/2014 12:02 PM

Never net a small fish, if its not anywhere near 4 feet long it shouldnt come anywhere near a net... if it is, He should do absolutely nothing with the net until the fish is right in front of him... A fish can (and will) always be lead right into the net. If its far enough away from the netman he has to reach at all, he should just wait for it to come back around so he can simply lower the net straight down and put the fish in it. Until then dont even put it over the gunnel. A simple "ok here we go" is all that needs to be said by the angler before the net goes over the gunnel. One and done.


If it's not anywhere near 4 feet long it shouldn't come anywhere near a net?

Are we talking sharks here or Muskies?
Musky Face
Posted 11/23/2014 12:37 PM (#741299 - in reply to #741166)
Subject: Re: A Good Net Man Will...




Posts: 558


Don't ##%# up and net it like you mean it. Don't limp wrist it. It's not that hard. It's not brain surgery.
Dog Lake
Posted 11/23/2014 1:57 PM (#741315 - in reply to #741166)
Subject: Re: A Good Net Man Will...





Posts: 38


A good ne man will...
Get to the net quickly
Tell the angler fighting the fish "Ready"
Hold the bag against the handle of the net with lead hand while ready
Let the angler call the shot when to net the fish
Lift the net when fishes head is in the middle of the hoop
assist with release tools and take great pictures

The angler can help the net man out by calmly communicating what the fish is doing. With a fish close to the boat keep it simple. We use "not yet", "here we go" and "NOW!". Praise and reward good net jobs and be ready when its your turn as netman.
39 degrees
Posted 11/23/2014 2:01 PM (#741317 - in reply to #741166)
Subject: RE: A Good Net Man Will...




Posts: 104


A lot of the responsibility of getting the fish in the net is on the angler who has the fish on the line.
Before you even start fishing you need to discuss what your expectations are. A lot of yelling and screaming orders to the net man can be detrimental. The only two things I try to say is " I got one" and then "its ready to be netted". I expect him to get ready with the net after he hears "i got one" when he hears "it's ready to be be netted "it is up to the net man to decide the best course of action as i lead the fish in.
Jerry Newman
Posted 11/23/2014 2:20 PM (#741325 - in reply to #741289)
Subject: RE: A Good Net Man Will...




Location: 31

Although I don't think I can do better than my previous post “a good net man Will…” Schultz.

But I'll still give it a shot.

A good net man will… take control of everything else in the boat.  I think it's pretty obvious that the net man should drop what they are doing immediately to get the net ready, but I also think it's important (if there's enough time), to start clearing rods/equipment out of the way, and get the release tools/camera on deck and ready, if the water is rough, getting the boat moving with the current is important to me while trolling.  It's not just about the actual netting process for me either, I think it's just as important to have things ready to go before a fish is hooked, maintaining a state of “net readiness” will help to ensure a safe/quick release.  

I absolutely agree with the sentiment of staying out of the way, especially when the fish is close to the boat. And to each their own, but I will normally hold the bag against the handle and scoop as Todd and others have suggested. About the last thing I want when I'm fighting a fish is for somebody to just stick the net in the water and put the onus of responsibility on me to get the fish into the net, a large net doesn't move very far in the water. Regarding inflating the bag, I think this is a non-issue because it will automatically do this while scooping if executed properly. 

In my boat with a less experienced anglers on the rod, I will tell them to “power the fish into the net” at the correct time because I've seen plenty of instances where they think their job is done just getting the fish alongside the boat.  I do not envy guides who get blamed for a bad net job, when it's really the angler's fault because they don't keep pressure on the fish all the way into the net. Once the head enters the rim, I try to give it slack line.

BMuskyX
Posted 11/23/2014 9:30 PM (#741396 - in reply to #741166)
Subject: Re: A Good Net Man Will...




Posts: 271


...be three and a half years old!!!!!!!!!! My son has very little interest in actually catching bluegill, however, he makes me fish for them with his little dock demon rod. When I hook one I franticlly yell, "where's my net man, I need my net man" and he excitedly scoops them up....with a butterfly net no less.

Jaimy
Jerry Newman
Posted 11/23/2014 10:11 PM (#741403 - in reply to #741396)
Subject: Re: A Good Net Man Will...




Location: 31

BMuskyX - 11/23/2014 9:30 PM ...be three and a half years old!!!!!!!!!! My son has very little interest in actually catching bluegill, however, he makes me fish for them with his little dock demon rod. When I hook one I franticlly yell, "where's my net man, I need my net man" and he excitedly scoops them up....with a butterfly net no less. Jaimy

Yep, got a be the best net man!  Though he be small, he is fierce with his little demon dock rod.

wavridr
Posted 11/24/2014 7:50 AM (#741420 - in reply to #741166)
Subject: RE: A Good Net Man Will...




Posts: 297


Location: Not where I want to be!

To me the FIRST thing the net man has to do is reel in his bait and lay his rod down along the gunnel of the boat with the bait INSIDE the boat.  You have time even with boat side hits.  It's the guy with the fish on whos responsibility it is to pay out some line and give the net man a chance to get ready.  There is no need to be in panic mode.  I see this a lot where guys just lay the rod down were ever.

Both boat partners need to be calm

Never reach, that's just asking for a disaster

never try to net a fish that is tight along the side of the boat 

Hold bag with his lead hand at the base of the hoop with one finger and drop as you scoop (it will open itself and always head first to the bottom of the bag)

 

 

brianT
Posted 11/24/2014 9:01 AM (#741433 - in reply to #741166)
Subject: Re: A Good Net Man Will...





Posts: 427


Location: Planet Meltdown
A good net man will not allow you to walk a 54" slob around the boat after she smokes you on the 8.

http://youtu.be/HK9ig1i4xbc
MOJOcandy101
Posted 11/24/2014 10:21 AM (#741449 - in reply to #741166)
Subject: Re: A Good Net Man Will...





Posts: 705


Location: Alex or Alek?
Get so excited over my fist fish and drop the net net in the water and almost dive in after it.

X2 on getting the dog out of the way.
MyliesPlace(Justin)
Posted 11/24/2014 10:35 AM (#741451 - in reply to #741166)
Subject: Re: A Good Net Man Will...





Posts: 439


Location: Lake of the Woods, Morson, Ontario
A good netman will.....

.....get the job done.

end of story.
rodbender
Posted 11/24/2014 11:14 AM (#741459 - in reply to #741451)
Subject: Re: A Good Net Man Will...





Location: varies
MyliesPlace(Justin) - 11/24/2014 10:35 AM

A good netman will.....

.....get the job done.

end of story.


Yup! Maybe Crack you a beer too after release.
Doc Obvious
Posted 11/24/2014 11:53 AM (#741467 - in reply to #741166)
Subject: Re: A Good Net Man Will...




Posts: 18


...knows when to shut up and not say anything after the big ones gets off
Flambeauski
Posted 11/24/2014 12:31 PM (#741475 - in reply to #741166)
Subject: Re: A Good Net Man Will...




Posts: 4343


Location: Smith Creek
Will perform seppuku if a fish is lost due to their mistake.
greenhyena
Posted 11/24/2014 4:44 PM (#741517 - in reply to #741166)
Subject: Re: A Good Net Man Will...





Posts: 240


Location: Oconomowc, WI
Will get the fish, whether the net is frozen in the ski locker or not!
catfishonthelake
Posted 11/25/2014 10:16 AM (#741618 - in reply to #741166)
Subject: Re: A Good Net Man Will...




Posts: 161


Location: New Jersey
A good net man will be waiting with net in hand less than 3 seconds after you say "fish on." Last thing you want to see is your fish shaking off boatside and your partner with a rod still in his hand.
ARmuskyaddict
Posted 11/25/2014 10:32 AM (#741621 - in reply to #741166)
Subject: Re: A Good Net Man Will...





Posts: 2005


Tolerate being critiqued and griped about online.
achotrod
Posted 11/25/2014 10:45 AM (#741624 - in reply to #741166)
Subject: Re: A Good Net Man Will...





Posts: 1283


Will listen to the person with the fish on. Ive lost to many fish from the net man being to excited or not listening when you tell them to get the net.
BigC
Posted 11/25/2014 11:11 AM (#741629 - in reply to #741166)
Subject: Re: A Good Net Man Will...





Location: On the O
Will ask if you want the boat slowed down first before slowing it down.
Will put it in neutral only after you give the ok.
Will add the waypoint as soon as possible to your gps unit without you asking.
Will talk to you or listen to you depending on what the situation calls for.

Will be as pumped or even more pumped than you when she hits the bottom of the bag!


Edited by BigC 11/25/2014 11:12 AM
buckshotter
Posted 11/26/2014 10:09 AM (#741741 - in reply to #741166)
Subject: Re: A Good Net Man Will...




Posts: 5


A good netman is no further than your reflection in the mirror.

Give me a person who has an established record of catching big muskies while fishing alone.

That's the person I want doing my net job, otherwise I will net Miss Piggie myself.
muskyrat
Posted 11/27/2014 8:52 AM (#741840 - in reply to #741166)
Subject: Re: A Good Net Man Will...




Posts: 455


A good net man will make sure the net bag is back in the boat while taking pictures. Many a net has slipped overboard while taking pictures. Also fill the handle with foam to prevent sinking.
muskie24/7
Posted 11/27/2014 9:24 AM (#741850 - in reply to #741289)
Subject: RE: A Good Net Man Will...





Posts: 909


I just hope he's doing more netting than me!
Jerry Newman
Posted 11/27/2014 11:41 AM (#741868 - in reply to #741741)
Subject: Re: A Good Net Man Will...




Location: 31

buckshotter - 11/26/2014 10:09 AM A good netman is no further than your reflection in the mirror. Give me a person who has an established record of catching big muskies while fishing alone. That's the person I want doing my net job, otherwise I will net Miss Piggie myself.
 

I'll take an inexperienced net man over netting my fish solo any day of the week. For me anyway; a little instruction and the job is made easier with 4 hands. Netting fish solo in rough water was probably one of the more challenging aspects for me to get comfortable with. I'm not a small guy, and it still takes every bit of me get the job done with a big fish in rough water, and although I enjoy the challenge now, I blew the first couple solo net jobs.

In my boat though; I'll usually give the rod to a less experienced angler once I know it's a big fish, so it's super rare to have an inexperienced net man for me. I honestly get more of a kick out of being part of somebody getting their largest ever, or their first 50” than catching it myself.  I have a friend who said it's got to matter to me, but after so many miles, I honestly enjoy the chase more than the catch most of the time.

I 100% agree that a complete angler should also be able to net his own fish though. My method is to put the net handle between my legs angled into the water, reel the fish up close and then power her into the net while obviously holding the rod in one hand, and net handle in the other. It's it's a timing deal, just like with 2 guys, but IMHO a lot less room for error. BTW, if you're getting your fish hooked in the netting close the rim, it's either from not centering the fish, or more than likely, keeping the line too tight after the scoop.  I've found that it's helpful to point the rod tip at the net right after the fish enters the bag.  

A few random thoughts;

I always use shorter trolling leaders solo because a a long leader makes the netting process difficult.

I try to remember to keep the net away from the side of my boat for a few seconds after netting to avoid hook scratches in the boats finish from the fish thrashing.

I ALWAYS use a welders glove to un-hook the fish in the net or for a water release. However, it usually takes two hands to get the lure untangled from a net (very dangerous), so I've taken to covering the lure with a chamois for protection when removing the fish.  

 

 



Edited by Jerry Newman 11/27/2014 12:45 PM



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buckshotter
Posted 11/27/2014 6:17 PM (#741938 - in reply to #741166)
Subject: Re: A Good Net Man Will...




Posts: 5


So, in-experienced netters for the juveniles, you're the netter for the Miss Piggys...

Rough water is rough water and with Miss Piggy on the end of the line, a doe in the headlights isn't going to matter.

Seal the deal, enjoy the Complete Angler, you've caught the heart throb yourself and all by yourself.

You enter slow motion instead of numbness of nuttiness and fully anticipate the right moment because you're in control of rod, of boat and wind, of fish position for netting and sealing the netting deal. Because, you're one of the few who have that experience to know and the matter to react and seal this deal.

Words may never jump start all motors...
Duke1
Posted 12/4/2014 10:06 AM (#742648 - in reply to #741420)
Subject: RE: A Good Net Man Will...




Posts: 61


Location: Avilla, IN
wavridr wrote- 11/24/2014 9:50 AM

"To me the FIRST thing the net man has to do is reel in his bait and lay his rod down along the gunnel of the boat with the bait INSIDE the boat." 

I have fished with 2 guys who upon hooking a fish, expect their fishing partner to immediately stop reeling and grab the net. I don't care how close to the boat my fishing buddies hook a fish I am always going to reel my bait all the way in first. When I have $500 wrapped up in my rod/reel combo I'm not having it pulled into the lake because my bait snagged on the bottom as the boat drifted away from it. As mentioned earlier I don't like seeing my net man setting the net in the water waiting for me to steer the fish in. This promotes fish snagging the bag on the outside of the hoop when they make an unexpected run. Hold the net out of the water with the excess of the bag held against the handle until ready to scoop the fish, then release your grip on the excess bag.
MuskyHopeful
Posted 12/4/2014 11:07 PM (#742764 - in reply to #741166)
Subject: Re: A Good Net Man Will...





Posts: 2865


Location: Brookfield, WI
You don't want the fish to see the net and start thrashing. Keep it hidden behind your body. Act nonchalant. Maybe even whistle a little or scratch your nuts so it looks to the fish like you don't even see it. Then, as it's reeled along the side of the boat, whip it around and stab down into the water right in front of it. This is called ambush netting. It's not a common technique, but there have been studies confirming it's effectiveness. The bonus is the fish are stunned into passivity by the quickness of the net job, allowing for easy hook removal, hoisting, and posing for pictures. Then chuck 'em back for the next guy to catch.

Kevin
Imobley
Posted 12/5/2014 6:00 AM (#742774 - in reply to #741166)
Subject: Re: A Good Net Man Will...




Posts: 84


all of that stuff is good, but a great net man will take the blame when your wife is mad about you making her late to that wedding, dinner date, play, concert, or whatever plans she made on a September full moon weekend
BrianF.
Posted 2/4/2015 11:26 AM (#751885 - in reply to #741166)
Subject: Re: A Good Net Man Will...




Posts: 284


Location: Eagan, MN
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eBg7k4HS_9w&feature=youtu.be

While watching the trailer for the MH episode next week, what occurred to me is that the vid also demonstrates a perfect net job by Mr. Saric. You know the net job is done right when there is no drama surrounding the netting of the fish whatsoever.

Brian
BNelson
Posted 2/4/2015 2:15 PM (#751918 - in reply to #741166)
Subject: Re: A Good Net Man Will...





Location: Contrarian Island
while that is a good net job, what I have noticed on shows like MH, Keyes, etc...they have the net stored, or the handle not extended etc...that will definitely cost you fish imo... the net should be ready, in easy reach of both guys, for those figure 8 hits and lightly hooked fish... see a lot of shows where they are scrambling to get the net ready ... not a good idea imo!

Edited by BNelson 2/4/2015 2:16 PM
BrianF.
Posted 2/4/2015 2:22 PM (#751919 - in reply to #741166)
Subject: Re: A Good Net Man Will...




Posts: 284


Location: Eagan, MN
Yes, true, was just looking at how his timing and that of the angler came together nicely, with the bag in the water and inflated, and a scoop by Saric in one smooth motion when the fish was calm. That's how you do it IMHO.

Edited by BrianF. 2/4/2015 2:23 PM
gopackgo
Posted 2/6/2015 10:57 AM (#752266 - in reply to #741166)
Subject: Re: A Good Net Man Will...





Posts: 386


. . . doesn't throw back at the fish you missed -- let's YOU continue to entice it!
Mike D
Posted 2/7/2015 6:28 PM (#752451 - in reply to #741166)
Subject: Re: A Good Net Man Will...




Posts: 129


Doesn't go into a figure 8 and try to catch the fish you're working the 8 on...

I've heard its been done in our club. I told the guy he will never fish in my boat.

Edited by Mike D 2/7/2015 6:38 PM
Jerry Newman
Posted 2/8/2015 9:32 AM (#752517 - in reply to #752451)
Subject: Re: A Good Net Man Will...




Location: 31

Mike D - 2/7/2015 6:28 PM Doesn't go into a figure 8 and try to catch the fish you're working the 8 on... I've heard its been done in our club. I told the guy he will never fish in my boat.

Actually that's a pretty good way to get somebody who is less experienced a fish, provided of course you don't mind giving one up here and there.  

I used to have my wife and others quickly start a figure eight on the same side of the boat when I got a fish up, then, I would turn the follow in that direction if it was still there and smoothly lift the lure out of the water. It actually worked better than you would think, and was a freaking riot afterward because everyone kind of shared in the catch.

I've accomplished a fish transfer like this several times with people who were less experienced like my wife, and even with other experienced anglers who were willing to reciprocate.  It wasn't often… but we even tried to hand off fish with three in the boat on Lake of the Woods back in the day (Danny Gibbons, Fred Cairo, and me). We could get fish to follow the second lure, but never managed to get a full lap (or catch one) on the third lure… but it was fun trying.  

Maybe something for guides to consider adding to their repertoire

susky musky 32
Posted 2/8/2015 4:24 PM (#752576 - in reply to #741166)
Subject: RE: A Good Net Man Will...




Posts: 58


Alotta times when ya have a newer guy in the boat he's all about his lure n what he's doin, but a good thing to do for anyone fishin with a partner is to take a look at ur buddies bait as he brings it close to the boat! Alotta times be it sun or angle or whatever, ur partner will have a better vantage point to ur bait, and it's happened a few times to me that the other guy in the boat actually spotted a fish following before I could! N when u hear that word "FISH" you'll def keep it in the water and run her around a few more times! I just think that part of having someone in the boat to help with that is overlooked more times than not! Not to mention wait as long as possible to get that net in the water, nothin worse then when someone takes a swipe, misses n snags a treble on the outside of the net! Happened to me twice with newer guys and literally drove me insane!! Haha but the stories r usually hilarious!