Net Size

[JCSkeeter313]

I was wondering what a good size net is for tournement use. im going to be entering some tournements this year in my own boat. so i want to have a good net but not to small or too big. kind of a dumb question but, thought i'd ask before i bought. thanks

 

[Ken G]

Re: Net Size

Without trying to be a smartazz, what are you fishing for? If fishing for bass or walleye you could get by with a 24" or better yet a 30" diameter net. When fishing for catfish in the Ohio River I'll sometimes carry a net thats probably 42" in diameter but it never seems to be in the boat when the big ones bite so I end up lipping them.<br /><br />Handle length would be dependent on boat depth and how much reach you need. <br /><br />Net material might be a consideration also. I've never used a rubberized net but I know crankbaits can get hung up pretty bad in regular nets.

 

[LubeDude]

Re: Net Size

"NET", What do you need a net for??? Havnt you seen enough BassMaster TV shows to know you dont need no net?????<br /><br />Im with you though, I would "NEVER" take that kind of a chance on loosing a fish in a tournament! thats just ignorance to me!!<br /><br />LubeDude

 

[LadyFish]

Re: Net Size

The tournaments I fish, we use a gaff, not a net. <br /><br />Seriously, I saw one last weekend I would like to have myself. It looked like about 24" with a very long handle. Great for keeping the fish from swimming under the boat when you are trying to net them.

 

[walleyehed]

Re: Net Size

Not that anyone would care, but the reason they don't usually use nets for Bass Tourneys is because the net removes the protective slime coat and invites bacteria, which inevitably kills Bass, or any fish for that matter....There are exceptions to every rule however........<br />Walleye are my choice of challenge, and it's a little tough to "lip" a Walleye, although I have done it.......I like a net atleast 30" in diameter, and I paint the hoop flat-black as it has no reflection to "scare" fish at the boat....

 

[roscoe]

Re: Net Size

Since JCSkeeter313 is in Prior Lk MN, I'd guess he might be after walleye or musky.<br /><br />For walleye a 24-30" net will be ok.<br />For Musky, better go huge. Many a musky tourney can be won with one fish, I'd hate for it to slip away.

 

[aspeck]

Re: Net Size

For the reasons kennyb posted, I do not user a net if it is not deemed necessary. Don't use them on any critter that doesn't have a mouth full of teeth. <br /><br />For the big toothed variety, that is another story. If they are ones I am going to release I will try to do that while they are still in the water. You can tell pretty early on in the process if you can do that without ripping their lips off. If they need to be boated, the bigger the net the better. I have boated 50 inch muskie with a 24 inch net, but that is not fun at all and I probably did more damage to the fish than if I had ripped his lips off. Keep a 42 -48 inch net available if critters with teeth are in your game plan.

 

[JCSkeeter313]

Re: Net Size

thanks everyone, i mainly fish for bass so this info will be helpfull. thanks again

 

[one more cast]

Re: Net Size

I seldom use a net, but my neightbor switched to a shallow rubber net and it seems to work well. The fish don't get tangled and it won't split their fins and tail like a nylon net does.

 

[mellowyellow]

Re: Net Size

v.good tip on painting the rim walleyehead <br />I just need someone on the net that knows what<br />they're doin! LOL

 

[LubeDude]

Re: Net Size

Actually I rarely use a net either, I always lip my bass!!<br /><br />Is it better to rip the bass into the boat and let him bash around on the carpet? thats got to be good for the slime, fins, and scales! I just do not like the practice!<br /><br />I have a rubber net when I use one, they are by far easyer on the fish!!<br /><br />LubeDude

 

[bradyt]

Re: Net Size

I,ve got a couple of different sized nets,but the best I,ve come across for bass & walleye& such was one I found in a little fly rod shop this summer.The kind flyrodders always use.Its pretty darned handy ,and I was surprised the size fish you can get in those nets with the short handle,and they do'nt take up a lot of room.<br /><br />mth54<br />Pink at night sailors delight,Pink in the morning sailors take warning!