Net for Salmon/Rockfish/Ling/Halibut

I've got a couple of small folding nets that work great for flounder and trout, but my other net is a monster to handle in the kayak.

Does anybody have a favorite net that doesn't act like a sail?  Any reviews on the larger folding nets?

Anyone have a better way to stow a net other than sliding into a rod holder?  I always think it's going to fall out

I am not at home so I can't check, but I am pretty sure I use this:

http://frabill.com/landing-nets/pro-formance-nets/5410.html

I was using one of the tighter-mesh, expensive "conservation" nets and it was as you say, a sail.  It made my hobie adventure very unstable on windy days.  But the cheap one above does not.  The mesh is wide and light.  I guess it's harder on fish that I am releasing, but it's MUCH safer for me, and lighter and easier to use.

I also keep mine in the rod holder but I leash it with a telephone-cord (spiral) rod leash.  After using it I can cast it aside and deal with the fish and not worry that the net will sink.  That system has worked well for me.  Good luck!

I picked up the large version of the Frabill folding net late last season as I like how small it folds down to.  Not certain how it will work so going to put it to the test bank fishing the rivers this winter.  If it fails tests there, at least we will have back ups.


I want something that is compact for transport / surf launches.

Saw this one at Cabelas and wondering if anyone has given it a try yet ?







 

I have the frabill folding net 22x24. I really like the compact net I will even forget it is there. I do have it leashed off and I store it in the rear pole holder. I have boat launched with it no problems again it is really compact.

I still yet need to do a surf launch, but I do not think it will be an issue and to have it leashed. I have not yet landed a fish of size yet i.e. salmon, ling etc. I am a little concerned at the joint area of the net and the flexability of the net? I will have to wait and see then report.

worry about the salmon with a net...the others are gaffable or C&R.
 I just glued a short 10" piece of pipe foam on my net handle, it fits tight in the rod holder and won't sink.
 Yes, ghetto again.....

We can only gaff halibut in WA, so big nets really help with big Lings, that like to rip themselves free of lip grippers.

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But real men just grab them with their hands... 

Nets suck in a kayak. I only carry one for salmon and when targeting large lingcod with live bait.
It stays home 90% of the time.

Oh and trout ... but that one is little.

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Nets suck in a kayak. I only carry one for salmon and when targeting large lingcod with live bait.
It stays home 90% of the time.

Oh and trout ... but that one is little.

Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 2

+1

Nets suck in a kayak. I only carry one for salmon and when targeting large lingcod with live bait.
It stays home 90% of the time.

Oh and trout ... but that one is little.

Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 2

+1

+2

A chunk of pool noodle on the handle will keep it off the bottom, and comes off easily when you need to scoop a fish.

I commercial fished for 4 years with lingcod we would just grab the eyes, thumb and middle finger it the safest way to really grab them. a gill grab can damage the gills, the mouth is all hooked teeth and the spins can be poisonous When we would get into a scuffle with another ship mate we would lingcod them- 2 fingers in the eyes.

I commercial fished for 4 years with lingcod we would just grab the eyes, thumb and middle finger it the safest way to really grab them. a gill grab can damage the gills, the mouth is all hooked teeth and the spins can be poisonous When we would get into a scuffle with another ship mate we would lingcod them- 2 fingers in the eyes.

lol