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Posts: 125
Location: Minneapolis, Minnesota | Last night while fishing solo, I hooked into what appeared to be a low to mid 40’s fish. At the point when I was ready to net the fish, I put the net into the water and turned the fish toward the net. As the fish approached the net I lifted up to try and keep the fish from attempting to go under the net. When I did this the fish spit the bait out and took off. I was pretty bummed to say the least.
My question is what techniques do people use when you are netting your own fish? Do you go tail first or head first? How do you try to maneuver the fish during the netting process? Any other thoughts would be appreciated. Thanks.
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Posts: 1996
Location: Pelican Lake/Three Lakes Chain | I always net my fish head first. The routine is hardly any different than when fishing with a partner. I get the fish on a manageable length of line grab the net with my left hand, and here is the important part, I use the side of the boat as my second hand on the net. If you rest the net handle against the side of the boat you are able to give the fish your whole attention because the net is much easier to handle. Lead the fish into the net and turn the hoop. It will take a couple of attempts to get the routine down, hopefully the fish are forgiving and let you net them and don't spit the bait while you are "practicing". |
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Posts: 259
Location: Alexandria, MN | I agree with Norm -- the key is using the edge of the boat for support.
I do a huge percentage of my fishing solo -- just spur of the moment trips and
lack of serious partners -- so I have had to land many fish alone. I have the
largest net I could find, more room for error (36 x 44 hoop -- 12 year old Frabill) I have
replaced the bag with a new coated Big Kahuna bag, so it's a pretty good setup.
Once they're in the bag, the next problem you have is managing a big net and
a big fish and the tools with only 2 hands. This is where you want to have a big fat belly
that can hold the net on the edge of the boat to keep your hands free. 
Good Luck -- it will get easier, but never EASY!
Steve
Edited by Fish-n-Freak 7/8/2004 1:26 PM
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| I put the yolk of the net around the cleat on my gunnel after the fish is in it.
It holds the net perfect and allows me to concentrate on the fish and not worry about the net. |
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Posts: 2515
Location: Waukesha & Land O Lakes, WI | I too fish alone alot (nobody likes me, everybody knows that) and I found 3 things that helped me emensely.
1) A large hoop net, like the Power Catch, is key, you're allowing yourself error by using a bigger net.
2) I always keep the net handle right behind me so all I have to do is turn and I have it. You'd be suprised how much figgling around you have to do when a big net's handle is'nt accessible.
3) Keeping the reel in free spool while I try to net the fish, if something happens I simply allow the fish to swim away until I can get resituated. |
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Posts: 294
Location: Suspended | I'll second going head first and using the gunwale or rail of the boat to help support the net, but I hold the net with my right hand. My left hand holds the rod and guides the fish to the left past me if he isn't already there, I then turn him if needed and start to bring him to the right, while holding the net hoop perpendicular to the water. When close I lower the net so most of it is under water then turn the net flat as the fish is led in. Then I use the side of the boat like a base of a see-saw and lower the handle which raises the net. I have a couple different conduit straps mounted on the boat in several places so I can slip the handle under it (with the fish still in the net in the water) and have the net secure so I can work on the fish with both hands free. I'm not sure if the description is clear, but it seems to work for me. |
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Posts: 223
Location: minneapolis | My suggestion is to bring along a good net man / partner - someone like me perhaps  I am in Mpls. and have been fishings muskies for about 12 years and am in need of some new partners who can let me share time in their boats. I'd be more than happy to help net a fish............ |
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Posts: 13
| another good way to hold your net after a succesful net job is to stick the net handle in a seat and strap it closed works for me on my pro v which leaves two hands free for unhooking.
Shawn Earley
F-M chapter |
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Posts: 2754
Location: Mauston, Wisconsin | I too fish alone quite often (lets not get into the why and wherefore) I also use the edge of the boat as a fulcrum. Also when fishing from shore rock's I'll locate my net spot, i.e., where I'm going to play the fish to, ideally a spot with water between two large rocks & place the net there in the water with the handle positioned for an easy grab with my left hand.....
If you're shore fishing or don't have the edge of the boat to use a fulcrum, i.e., where you can rest the net and push the handle down, the net yolk comes up capturing the fish in the net. Grip the net handle ~ 18" down(length of your forearm) from the end and let the handle rest on the underside of your forearm. This give you more control and leverage in lifting the net. I don't know many guys who have the wrist strength to actually net a fish one handed without some additional leverage. (Ranger may be an exception because of his winter excercize program) .
Another method is to again grip the net handle ~18" down, and stick the handle butt into your hip and lift with your arm. I use the first technique if I have to lean out to reach for the fish. It's pretty easy to switch from one to the other. depending on the situation.
I use a Beckman bag clip on my nets, it keeps the bag out of the way until the fish hit's it and frees the clip. A pound or two of pressure is all it takes, works slick. I have talked to guys who just use a large rubber band around the handle to tuck the bag end under. I think the Beckman bag clip is better, i.e., more consistant release pressue- just my personal experience.
Al
Edited by ESOX Maniac 7/9/2004 6:08 AM
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Posts: 31
| I too use my left hand to net and my right hand to hold the rod. Not as good as a net man, but not much else you can do. Once in the net I use a rod holder to stick the handle of my net in and hold it while I unhook the fish. This works great and I have started doing it even if I have someone with me, that way nobody has to hold the net. I use a scotty rod holder and the beckman magnum finsaver.
Jason Malone |
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Posts: 125
Location: Minneapolis, Minnesota | Thanks for all the great input and thanks for the offer esoxlady. I would love to take you up on the offer, but somehow my wife might have a problem with it.  |
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Posts: 96
Location: Eden Prairie, Mn. |
Consider a water release ? Why net all fish ? Most catches don't require a net, many just need a quick twist with a set of linemans pliers and the lure is out. I netted all my fish years ago but, I got tired of thrashing fish, split fins, tangled lures,
hooks in eyes etc... I will net a fish if 'surgery' is required to remove a lure. The net is just another piece of equipment to
get in the way of a clean release or when trying to get your hands away from a thrashing fish when trying to remove the lure/hooks. After you do it a few times you won't go back unless it's absolutely neccessary.
I have lanyards on all of my hook out tools - 10in linemans pliers, std. 6in. 'Hook out' tool, jaw spreader, mini bolt cutter
and an old leather glove, so when it's 'go time' I just slip on the ones I need and go in.
If it's bad, I cut the hooks/lure away first, now it is out of the way/area completely (no need to worry about it hooking anything if the fish thrashes), then just pop out the hooks with what tool meets the need best. And off she goes !!
Never out of the water for for more than a few seconds.
Mother
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Posts: 626
Location: ashtabula ohio | hey after netting, i stick my net right my down east holder. serves as the perfect livewell while unhooking... |
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Posts: 71
Location: Waukesha, WI | Esoxlady---Don't go fishing with just any guy on this board. Make sure that they first send you a picture of their boat!
My good freind, Mikie, taught me to drill a hole through the handle of the net and to tie a long shoe string through the hole. When a muskie is in the net, I tie the net handle to a cleat on the side of the boat opposite from where the net is hanging. Works great. Thanks Mikie. |
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