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Posts: 133
Location: BLOOMINGTON,IL | OK So tonight I missed a nice fish when I was out by myself... Off and on I fish solo.. Any tips or tricks people have.
I had the net ready to go - All I had to do was control the fish and land it at the same time - But something when wrong when she swam away!
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Posts: 392
Location: lake x...where the hell is it? | just be ready... win some lose some, |
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Posts: 1030
Location: APPLETON, WI | I think the only downside when fishing solo is not being able to get the greatest of pics by yourself of the fish. Somehow... the size, coloration and pattern of the fish while it's lying on a bumper board at the bottom of your boat just doesn't do it justice... versus when it is in your hands and a buddy as a camera at the ready. |
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Posts: 462
Location: Madison Wi. Chain | I fish alone a great deal. I like to make sure my net is extended and ready to go, make sure the bag is unfolded etc. I play the fish out a bit before I grab the net. When you go to net keep pressure on the fish by leaving enough line out so that the rod is bent. Rest is just a matter of guiding the fish into the net and making a quick scoop. BG |
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Posts: 32886
Location: Rhinelander, Wisconsin | Lots of information here on how to get your camera ready for a solo glory shot, it's easy and fast if you have a procedure all set up.
Landing the fish is another story. I used to fish alone quite a bit, still do some. I take a smaller Frabill and have it deployed with the handle in the center of the deck just within reach. I'm not sure there's any other way to net a fish while alone than leading it over the net and scooping her up. |
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Location: Contrarian Island | psys, definitely get yourself a cheap $25 tripod at target, most if not all cameras have self timers...get everything set up/ w/ fish unhooked in the net, grab fish, measure, hit self timer, say cheese and voila...you have pics...
I've caught and netted fish to my PB at 40+ lbs..(avatar) it's tricky but it isn't too bad...yes, you will lose the ones that are hooked lightly simply by not being able to net them fast enough fishing solo but as SWorrall said, usually a smaller more easy to maneuver net vs a big kahuna is better when solo...you might have to tire them out just a touch more when solo...win some, ya lose some...good luck.
bn |
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Posts: 16632
Location: The desert | Just hoist it in the boat. |
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Posts: 265
Location: McGuire AFB, NJ | Since all my friends are bass fishing panzies, I oftern musky fish solo as well.
Prep work is key for success!!!! Take a few extra minutes before you launch to set a few things up. I always pull the net out and extend the handle, keep it withith an arms reach! Put all release tools and camera in a spot were you can grab them quickly.
As well, sounds crazy but I always have a musky armor release glove in my back pocket. I personally have yet to net a ski boat side when fishing by myself, I have always hand landed them with the glove.( i'm in musky shape!) I'll pull them in the boat for a quick second and then place them in my net resting over the side boat so I can remove hooks and what-not.
I have got this down to a science, now this may not work for really big fish cause the largest ski I have have hand landed is a 40 so I'm guessing i'll be busting out the net soon enough!!! Good luck! |
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Posts: 463
Location: Sw Pennsylvania | I more often than not fish alone too. I rather like it at times, you can do whatever you whenever you want. Keep the net ready to go in good position so it wont snag other lures laying in the boat and wont hang up a rod holder when trying to net a barely hooked fish(this has cost me a couple fish) and if you have a camera with a tripod set it up b4 you start fishing so when you need a pic its ready to go and no fumbling around. I unfortunately only have a regular old digital camera that has no self timer so i take my own pics of fish in the water, doesn't do them justice but lets those who need to see a pic to prove you caught a fish satisfied. |
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Location: SE Wisconsin | I also fish solo quite a bit and use a strategy that seems to always work for me. . . although it can be scary. Fishing out of the bow of the boat, the net lays from one hull to the other just behind me. I keep the bag overlapped and when I get a fish up to the boat, I kneel down and grab the net with the closest hand to the net while holding the rod with the other. I use a Big Kahuna, so believe me, there is no easy way to do this on your own... After grabbing the net, I give it a couple quick twists with that hand to unravel the bag, and slide it in the water right in front of me. At that point, it's a matter of teeter-tottering leverage, in that I use the hull as a lever after sliding the fish over the hoop by pushing down on the end of the net handle. This raises the hoop over the fish as it thrashes within the depth of the bag in the same motion as a teeter-tot. I release some line and set my rod down before grabbing the heavy fish-filled net with both hands and sealing the deal. Wedge it under the stearing wheel of the counsel and go to work.
Edited by Sam Ubl 7/30/2009 11:24 AM
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| I don't have much for problems when landing fish by myself, except for when it's windy. Wind while fishing alone and landing fish sucks! Can be pretty stressful, lol. |
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Posts: 1906
Location: Oconto Falls, WI | I actually find the Big Kahuna net makes it easier to land fish solo versus the Big Game size. Larger hoop makes it easier to get the fish in quicker.
That said I have my extended, and laying across the back of my boat. I make sure the bag isn't caught on the cleats on the boat, or anything else. When it come time to net I walk back to the boat while fighting the fish. Key point to fighting the fish solo is staying calm. Too easy to get panicked solo when you start thinking baout how you are going to net the fish. As said you will probably have to play the fish out a tad more than if you had a partner. When you are ready and the fish is fairly docile pick the net up with one hand. I always grab the bag and handle at once just as if I net a fish for someone else. I don't let go of the bag until the fish is in as if that fish does a quick dive while solo you now have hooks in the outside of the bag (Speak from experience). Bad situation. So with 5-10' of line out I quickly start "gliding" the fish to the net while at the same time dipping the net as deep as I can. As soon as the fish is half in I lift to scoop. Key is to have the fish to the point that when you start to lift it flops into the net, and not out.
Another important point I forgot is while "gliding" the fish in. As soon as I decide I am going to lead the fish in I free spool the reel, but keep my thumb on the spool. That way if the fish freaks before it's in the net you can let it take line out, and drop the net to bring it back to the point of netting again. Better to let the fish go than to try and force net it when the fish is thrashing.
You will loose your fair share of fish while solo. Just part of the game. |
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Posts: 3867
| "I'm a loner, Dottie. I could try to explain but you wouldn't understand"
- P.W. Herman
I fish alone all the time and I've never lost a fish at boatside because I'm struggling with the net. As stated above, prep is the key. I keep the net folded over itself in a location where it cannot be caught on anything when I need to grab it with one hand.
The only trouble I've had is in late fall when the wet net bag freezes to itself. Then it's like a huge, cold, flat spatula. Those times I have to hold the rod w/fish in one hand while I repeatly dunk the net to thaw it out. The fish usually freaks and makes a run or two which are no problem because 1) I expect it and 2) I upgraded all drag washers with Smoooothies and I have total confidence that the drag system will perform as expected. When the time is right I just drop the net in front the fish and slowly scoop forward as I direct the fish to swim into the wide-open basket. The fish stays in the basket in the water as I get the gloves and release tools. If things are real tangled I simply cut the line above the leader and set the rod aside. Once hooks are out and bait is placed aside I get the camera ready. I have a home-made camera holder that I snap onto the front seat, set the timer, grab the fish, and then push the camera button. If the fish is over 40" I'll take a second shot. Then the fish is gently released and I wait to make sure she's able to swim away on her own. I try to use the rule "the fish shouldn't be out of the water longer than I can hold my own breath."
So far, so good.
Last note - in real cold weather Lindy gloves freeze up like melted plastic. When things get that cold I store the gloves in a gallon ziplock bag with a single hand warmer.
Edited by Ranger 7/30/2009 12:23 PM
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Posts: 1030
Location: APPLETON, WI | MSKY HNR - 7/30/2009 8:05 AM
psys, definitely get yourself a cheap $25 tripod at target, most if not all cameras have self timers...get everything set up/ w/ fish unhooked in the net, grab fish, measure, hit self timer, say cheese and voila...you have pics...
bn
Good info!!
My digital cam definitely has a self-timer on it... I'll have to find a cheap tripod and start including it on my solo fishing adventures. |
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Location: SE Wisconsin | What I was referring to by the difficulty I find in solo landing a fish with the Big K is the weight of dragging the net in the water (something your method avoids). Weak arm or strong arm, there's no kidding that's the heaviest bag to drag through the water in the market today. If theres a breeze and your drifting or you didn't manage to flip off the trolling motor, trying to keep the hoop out in front of you with one arm isn't easy, such is why I think I'll retire my method after reading Travis' post.
Great point of thumbing the line in free spool in those final feet to the net. I think part of the panick comes from my technique of letting the bag drag in the water. What you've suggested seems much easier and efficient. Fish making a mad dash right before sliding into the net is definitely a scary thing, i.e. Hooks catching the net and the fish shaking off, or plain chaos of trying to adjust net position and rod while fighting the fish is no fun for anyone. I believe after reading Travis' post, I have a new method to try, so thank you!
Edited by Sam Ubl 7/30/2009 2:33 PM
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Posts: 1906
Location: Oconto Falls, WI | Sam, I was actually mentioning the ease due to BNelson’s post. For me both nets are awkward and a pain to maneuver with one hand. I don’t find the Big K any more awkward, and therefore it gets the nod because of the bigger “hole” to hit. Personal preference.
Another tip is to always position the net on the downwind side of the boat on a drift. If you think it’s tough to net a fish solo try it with the fish upwind of you! It is a lot easier to use the drifting motion of the boat to help glide the fish in. Depending on how I am fishing and how the boat is sitting when I hook the fish I will also hit the trolling motor while fighting the fish to get the net on the downwind side of the boat.
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Posts: 723
| ive also done the fulcrum thing by prying the net on the side of the boat to get good leverage to scoop quick, doesnt always work tho. a lot of times I just let the fish go deep, bring her to the boat, have your net ready, and as you bring her up, they seem to come to the surface good on that first try, then they take off like a rocket back down. as soon as that fish comes to the surface, I plunge the net deep in front, and let down the rod tip. the fish ends up darting right into the net.
so many times do I drop the net in while the fish is on the surface, they freak, and spoof, usually with a bait flying back at me.
main thing is not horsing a fish while its thrashing on the surface, nothing good will ever happen like that. lost a big one trying to drag one to the net like that.
my bad.
takin pics solo is easy after practice, set up your tripod in your boat while at home. grab your measuring stick and act like its a fish. by trying different poses,
angles, and distance from your camera, you will find your sweetspot in your boat to take pics from. using a 60" stick helps you determine how to get the whole fish in the frame without cutting the tail, its head, or your head off in the process.
I have a rodholder running almost parallel to the boat when I land the fish, slip the net handle in it so it wont go anywhere, usually the bag is closest to the camera, so I reach down, get a grip on the fish, reach over, hit the go button on the camera, step back, smile. flash, back in the net she goes. gives the fish a little time to rest. you check your pic, and you can even do a release shot then if you like. have had great success taking pics alone this year by PRACTICING at home.
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Posts: 1887
Location: syracuse indiana | well i love my big kahuna but when i am alone i take my frabil power scoop kwick cradle, (the one pete maina designed) it was made for being alone. and i have tried the camera deal and have found to use my dv camera. i can just run it and bring it home and get a still from it on the computer... works for me...bill
Edited by archerynut36 7/30/2009 7:21 PM
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Posts: 139
| I often fish alone and find I usually do better alone. Just like every body else said be ready. Have your camera set up on the tripod net extended ready to go. I like to leave my frabill lay out the back side of the boat. And try to fight the fish to the back. After the fish is in the net I fold the handle in the drivers seat this kind of locks the net in place and the net is still in the water and I can get the extractors and tape measure. I usuall set my camera to point at the motor of the boat and set the timer up scoop out the fish and SMILE!!!! Works good for me but havent got a 50 yet that might be more tricky. |
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Posts: 335
Location: Minnesota | FYI - cheap tripods at Wal-Mart for about $13 - this thing is only about 12 inches long when stored and extends to about 40 inches or so. This will work well for smaller point and shoot cameras and will store in the boat well so you always have it.
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Posts: 463
Location: Sw Pennsylvania | I once heard Joe Bucher say that he never lets anyone else net a fish for him, he nets them all his own. He had people knock off some big fish or something and didn't want to put the responsibility on anyone else. I think thats awesome, a monster fish knocked off by a partner could hurt any friendship almost guaranteed....even if you say it wouldn't it will always be in the back of your head... |
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Posts: 71
Location: Loves Park, IL | I used to use a standard small tripod for the solo camera shots, but I recently found a tripod at WalMart that has rubber flexible adjustable legs that you can wrap around just about anything to mount a camera to.....I have mounted to seat pedestal, steering wheel, rod holders, trolling motor head, etc. So far it is the best solution I have found. It also will hold a small video camera. I use it all the time with great results.
Besides the camera, just make sure you have all your release tools ready to go and run your procedure through your head over and over again while casting. It's a win some lose some senario, but the more you do it the more you win and come up with your own little tricks.
Good Luck
Edited by CheapTrix 7/30/2009 10:01 PM
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| I have a length of clothesline duct taped to the end of my net handle. Once the fish is in the net and the hooks are out I tie off the net to a boat cleat so that I don't lose the net when I pick up the fish. Only have two hands to work with. |
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| allegheny river kid - 7/30/2009 9:38 PM I once heard Joe Bucher say that he never lets anyone else net a fish for him, he nets them all his own. He had people knock off some big fish or something and didn't want to put the responsibility on anyone else. I think thats awesome, a monster fish knocked off by a partner could hurt any friendship almost guaranteed....even if you say it wouldn't it will always be in the back of your head... See I don't understand Buchers thinking here if it is indeed true. It's a catch and release sport, it's not the end of the world if a fish gets off because a boat partner messed up the net job. I understand some people want pictures or whatever and that's great. IMO unless it's a state record fish or something of that caliber, who cares. Bucher must catch a lot of fish over the course of a season, what's one or two quick releases because of someones messed up net job. You don't need to molest every fish. |
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Posts: 280
Location: McFarland | Heres a nice 40" I cpr'd by myself last night. Like everyone has said just make sure your prepared when you start fishing. I had the camera on the tripod near where I would be handling the fish so all I had to do was put it up, hit the timer and say cheese. It's actually a lot of fun fighting a fish by yourself once you get used to it a little bit the whole mano e mano thing man vs. beast. I use the giant beckman net and an 8'6" Okuma rod so it does get a little interesting for sure.
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Posts: 32886
Location: Rhinelander, Wisconsin | Here's the nets I use:
From left to right, it's my solo model, a new conservation series net with an incredibly deep bag, the Powercatch I use fishing with Sue, and the Big Kahuna used when fishing with Keith or someone capable of handling it with ease.
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Location: SE Wisconsin | Fun picture. . . My first legal musky I netted myself when I was 12. It was a 40+" fish caught on Big Saint with an ultra-light and 6lb test with one hell of a strong crappie jig.
Edited by Sam Ubl 7/31/2009 4:00 PM
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Posts: 90
Location: Ohio | AFchris - 7/30/2009 10:52 AM Since all my friends are bass fishing panzies, I oftern musky fish solo as well. Prep work is key for success!!!! Take a few extra minutes before you launch to set a few things up. I always pull the net out and extend the handle, keep it withith an arms reach! Put all release tools and camera in a spot were you can grab them quickly. As well, sounds crazy but I always have a musky armor release glove in my back pocket. I personally have yet to net a ski boat side when fishing by myself, I have always hand landed them with the glove.( i'm in musky shape!) I'll pull them in the boat for a quick second and then place them in my net resting over the side boat so I can remove hooks and what-not. I have got this down to a science, now this may not work for really big fish cause the largest ski I have have hand landed is a 40 so I'm guessing i'll be busting out the net soon enough!!! Good luck! Where do you grab them when doing this, the "V" under their chin and does this Semi Stun them or how do you do this? I am new and have caught 6 and just used a net and a "Lip Grabber" but it seems to me like that grabber isn't good for them and my #1 priority is releasing these fish alive and unharmed |
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Posts: 1220
| Here's another tip from a guy who does a whole lot of fishing solo. First, I have never failed to find somebody to take the photo for me, or been refused. Most folks love to have an excuse to get up close to a nice fish and you seldom have to holler too loud by the time the fish is in the net. Next, I use the Frabil Power Catch which is one size smaller than the Big K. and I have no problem with it. Finally, the single biggest saviour I have found for fishing alone is my big sea anchor. If I am alone in big wind, I already know that I stand the chace of being in big touble if I land a fish with hopes of not being blown into somebody's ShoreStation or worse. I have the anchor tied to a side rail and totally ready to kick overboard the second the fish is in the net without having to dig around for it. Knowing you are not going to be in the rocks gives you all the calm time in the world to deal with your catch properly. Marty Forman |
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Posts: 170
| I fish solo quite a bit. I could kick myself in the butt though, because I usually kneel too close to the camera. I always have my camera on a tri-pod and three marks on my rear deck for placement. Netting is tough, but just take it slow I guess.
Here are a few bigger ones I've netted on my own.
(Eagle_47.5_09[1] [640x480].jpg)
(eagle_sept 001 [640x480].jpg)
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