Netting a fish is one of the most crucial and exhilarating moments in fly fishing. After the battle of casting, setting the hook, and bringing the fish close, the final challenge is getting it safely into the net. Mastering the art of netting not only ensures the successful capture of your catch but also helps preserve the fish’s well-being. In this post, we’ll cover everything you need to know about proper netting techniques, equipment, and best practices.
1. Why Netting Matters in Fly Fishing
Netting serves multiple purposes beyond simply catching the fish:
Protecting the Fish: Proper netting reduces the fish’s struggle and helps minimize stress, preserving its health and improving survival chances when practicing catch-and-release.
Preventing Lost Fish: An effective netting technique minimizes the risk of losing the fish during the critical final moments of the fight.
Handling Control: Once the fish is in the net, you have more control over the release process, allowing for easier hook removal and a quick return to the water.
2. Choosing the Right Net for Fly Fishing
The right net can make a big difference in both the ease of netting a fish and its overall well-being. When selecting a net, consider the following:
Size and Shape:
Small/Medium Nets: Suitable for smaller streams and river trout fishing, as they are lightweight and easy to carry.
Large Nets: Ideal for bigger fish or stillwater fishing, providing more space to cradle larger trout or other species like salmon or steelhead.
Material:
Rubber Nets: Preferred for catch-and-release, as they are less likely to damage a fish’s protective slime coating or cause scale loss.
Mesh Nets: Often lighter and more compact but can be harder on the fish. If using mesh, make sure it’s soft and knotless to minimize injury.
Handle Type:
Short Handles: Great for wading anglers who need portability.
Long Handles: Provide extra reach, making them useful for netting from a drift boat or when standing in deeper water.
3. The Right Timing for Netting
The timing of when to attempt netting is critical for success. Here's how to know when it's time to net:
Tiring the Fish: Before attempting to net the fish, ensure it’s sufficiently tired to reduce the likelihood of sudden bursts of energy that could break the line.
Positioning the Fish: Wait until the fish’s head is facing you, as this makes it easier to guide it into the net. Be patient and use gentle pressure to direct the fish toward the net, using the rod tip to control its head.
Stay Low: Try to keep the net submerged in the water throughout the process. A sudden splash can spook the fish and make it harder to net.
4. Proper Netting Technique
Once you’ve brought the fish close, it’s time for the crucial step of netting:
Keep the Net in the Water: Always keep the net submerged while bringing the fish in. Raising the net prematurely can cause the fish to panic and bolt.
Lead the Fish: Use the rod to guide the fish toward the net. Avoid chasing the fish with the net, as this can cause unnecessary stress and increase the risk of losing it.
Scoop Under, Don’t Chase:
Move the net under the fish with a smooth, upward scooping motion. This technique allows the fish to swim into the net and reduces the likelihood of injury.
When the fish is close enough, make a quick, controlled upward motion to lift it into the net.
5. Handling the Fish Safely
Once the fish is in the net, handling it properly is crucial for its health:
Keep the Fish in the Water: Even after netting, keep the fish submerged in the water while removing the hook and preparing for a photo (if desired).
Use Wet Hands: Always wet your hands before touching the fish, as this helps preserve its protective slime layer and reduces stress.
Minimize Air Exposure: If you’re taking a photo, make it quick—ideally, less than 10 seconds out of the water.
Safe Release: Once the hook is removed and you’re ready to release, gently hold the fish in the water until it shows signs of recovery. Allow it to swim away on its own power.
6. Common Netting Mistakes to Avoid
Many anglers, especially beginners, make a few common mistakes when netting a fish. Here’s how to avoid them:
Reaching Too Early: Attempting to net the fish too soon often leads to frustration and lost fish. Be patient and let the fish tire before attempting to net it.
Chasing with the Net: Trying to scoop the fish from behind usually causes it to dart away. Always let the fish come toward you.
Overly Aggressive Netting: Using quick, jerky motions with the net can increase stress and cause injury. Keep netting movements smooth and deliberate.
7. When to Use a Net vs. Hand-Release
While nets are useful tools, there are times when a hand-release may be more appropriate:
Small Fish: For smaller fish, it’s often easier and less stressful to quickly remove the hook with wet hands while keeping the fish in the water.
Barbless Hooks: If you’re using barbless hooks, which come out more easily, a net may not always be necessary, especially for quick releases in calm waters.
8. Tips for Successful Netting
Here are some additional tips to improve your netting skills:
Practice Netting on the Water: Like casting, netting requires practice. Try mock-netting during slower moments on the water to get comfortable with the movements.
Communicate When Fishing with a Partner: If fishing with a friend, communicate clearly about who will net the fish and how they will approach it.
Invest in a Good Net: A quality net with a comfortable handle, durable construction, and fish-friendly material will make a difference in your success rate and the well-being of the fish.
9. Conclusion: Netting as Part of the Experience
Netting a fish is the final piece of the fly fishing puzzle, bringing the experience full circle from casting to landing. When done correctly, it is a safe and rewarding way to bring a fish to hand, ensuring that both you and the fish have a positive experience.
By mastering netting techniques, you not only increase your success rate but also contribute to the conservation and health of the fish you pursue. So, next time you’re out on the water, take a deep breath, keep the net ready, and savor the moment of landing your catch.
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