Long or short handled net in the yak?

What kind of net do folks recommend for salmon. I was at Dick's and saw a short handled wading net that was salmon sized and looked pretty nice. Is a long handled net an advantage/necessary in the yak? Thanks in advance for any advice.

How short is the handle? I like this one, bought it at Dick's. I would think that if the handle is too short it would be hard to torque the net up and pull in a 15 to 20 lb fish.

I use a long handled net for salmon.  It comes in handy when I have feisty fish or long leader.

I use a long handled net for salmon.  It comes in handy when I have feisty fish or long leader.

+1 on the long handle.  Mine is collapsible, but I have it ready to go.  I learned my lesson last August.   

For salmon, lings, halibut, long handled and big opening - you gotta give yourself better odds versus 20-40 pound fish and bigger.  Short handled sounds like a good idea for when you want more challenge in trout fishing.  My $.02.   

Calling Wali.  It's time for a DAMHIK story!!!

-Allen

Thanks everyone. The short handled net only had about an 8" handle. It was listed as a wading net for salmon and steelhead.  I thought perhaps that with being close to the water that it might make sense. Plus it was not very expensive . However, it sounds like it is not a good idea.

Long handle/retractable & big opening. Buy the best you can afford.

Long handle.  I had a Promar folding net (LN-702), but when the shortness of the net, the length of my leader, and an oil barge conspired against me it went overboard.  Replaced it with a Frabill Conservation Series #9510 from Outdoor Emporium/SportsCo for $55.  Handle retracts to make transport easier. 

4ft minimum, I prefer a 5 or 6ft handle. I like a 30" hoop with a medium depth basket (extra deep baskets are great in the PB but a tangle magnet on the yak).  Not having enough net is like bringing a knife to a gun fight. Sliding a 12-14 inch length of pool noodle onto the handle is a cheap way to make them unsinkable. 

4ft minimum, I prefer a 5 or 6ft handle. I like a 30" hoop with a medium depth basket (extra deep baskets are great in the PB but a tangle magnet on the yak).  Not having enough net is like bringing a knife to a gun fight. Sliding a 12-14 inch length of pool noodle onto the handle is a cheap way to make them unsinkable. 

I was way off. I was going to bring a plastic butter knife, not even a real knife. Also, I was thinking a deep bag would be good. The only way I could have increased the magnitude of my error would have been by looking at nets with lead handles - now sinks twice as fast as last years model I like the pool noodle on the handle. I will definitely be doing that.

I think I am a couple of questions away from complete enlightenment and cosmic grooviness. In looking at nets, I am confused by the sizing. Demonick spoke of a Frabill 9510. It is listed as 20x23. Pelagic you mention a 30" hoop. If it is a single number does that mean it is round and 30" diameter? Also, do you all like or dislike any particular netting material? I kind of like the idea of the rubbery/rubberized stuff since it seems like it would be less snaggy.

Thanks for all the advice and comments. You all kept me from making a mistake, that is why I love this site!

4ft minimum, I prefer a 5 or 6ft handle. I like a 30" hoop with a medium depth basket (extra deep baskets are great in the PB but a tangle magnet on the yak).  Not having enough net is like bringing a knife to a gun fight. Sliding a 12-14 inch length of pool noodle onto the handle is a cheap way to make them unsinkable. 

Pelagic - you were looking for noodle on other thread, so this might answer you too -  foam pipe insulation works pretty well for a lot of applications. Handles is one of them.

Nets are most commonly measured from the leading edge of the hoop straight back across the opening of the hoop to where the two ends of the hoop join together at the handle.  I just measured several of my  general purpose salmon nets and they range between 28-32 inches, all have replacement 30" bags on them (most of my nets are found while diving, haven't bought one in years ).  The rubber coated bags are nice but HEAVY ( I don't even like them for the PB).  Since you will be netting one-handed, most likely using you non dominant arm,  keeping the weight down can be a real asset.  I'd recommend just using a quality traditional nylon bag.

I like the pool noodle to slide free on the handle.  This lets me to slide it out to the hoop end which allows me to lay the basket out the side of the yak on the top of the water (basket floats on top) on the opposite  side of the kayak I'm fighting the fish on.  This leaves the handle end in my lap or nearby and keeps the possibility of tangling the bag on deck (thinks Rawks 7 ram balls ) at the critical moment low.  Just lift the hoop end off the water swing it over the kayak, let the pool noodle slide down the handle as its hard to net if you can't get the hoop under water, and net the fish.

most of my nets are found while diving, haven't bought one in years )

That sounds fun. Are you free diving or with tanks? Do you use the sled as your base? I would think you would find a lot of interesting things....

Yes.. Free diving from the sled.. I've found everything from parking meters and newspaper boxes to boats.  Some day I would love to buy a Hooka dive system.