Long or short handled net in the yak?

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.

Thanks for the detailed answer and comments. I am all ready to lay out some cash before springer season gets here. The weight of the net is a great point that I had not considered. Also the explanation of how you set up the net when landing a fish and how you take advantage of the sliding noodle are great tips! Thanks again for taking the time, I truly appreciate it. It really sucks to buy something that is not right. Either you end up re-purchasing or you live with something that chafes at you every time you use it.

Let know if you ever want some company. I used do some diving and still have all my gear. That hooka system looks pretty sweet!

I've bought and used a short handle salmon net.  I like it.  I didn't have any problem netting a 20lb salmon with it.

I've bought and used a short handle salmon net.  I like it.  I didn't have any problem netting a 20lb salmon with it.

Dang it Justin, there you go muddying the waters with real life experience Sounds like a short handled net can work - quite well in fact. However, after reading everyone's opinions I think I will go with a longer handled net. I figure that I can always choke up on it to make it short handled or even saw off some of the handle if I decide a shorter handle would suit me better. Mostly I will look for a sale!

I have a rubber mesh, wooden-handled "boat net" with a 15" X 21" hoop, that is fine for C&R fishing trout and other fish less than 2' long. and that mutha is HEAVY!
There is another mesh fabric that is not abrasive to the fish and not heavy like the rubber mesh. Looks like a flat weave nylon without knots, and its as light as any knotted mesh. I have a folding C&R trout net made from  this that I snagged and dredged up from the bottom of a lake after I let my fly sink to the bottom while eating my sandwich.
 I saw a net with a large (30") hoop with this stuff, and the bag was made with a flat bottom, so it isn't overly deep. I've been thinking of getting one of these.

Dang it Justin, there you go muddying the waters with real life experience

lol, it happens.

The reason i decided on a short handle is that I wanted one less wind sail while I'm paddling around. between long rods and my saftey flag, it's going to be a pain already.  the only problem I forsee is landing fish with my longer rods....  but I'll cross that bridge when i get to it.

I happen to crank with my non-dominant hand and control the rod with it when netting.  With a long handle one can keep one leg in the boat and extend the other over the side using it to brace the net. 

Remember, lead the fish over and into the net. 

Long handle for sure. Allows for better control and you don't have to lean when the instinctive but wrong urge to lunge for the fish occurs.

It also allows you to put the fish back in the water to bleed out after severing the fish's gill and place the handle under your legs to re rig.


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