By Bob Jensen

It’s the moment of truth. You’ve done everything right. You put your bait right where the big one lives, and he ate it. You skillfully played the lunker as he dove, then thrashed on the surface. The fish is tiring as you work it toward the boat. The only thing left to do is get it in the net. However, so many fish are lost at the net every year that you still can’t count it as a caught fish, not yet anyway. How you and your fishing partner handle the netting chores will determine if you can brag about catching a trophy or tell stories about the one that got away. Here’s how and why you should net the fish that’s on the end of your line.

First of all, why should you net your fish? Except for the smaller fish, which can be swung aboard, netting is actually better for the fish if you use the proper net. To hand-land a fish, it should be completely played out to prevent injury to the angler. It is possible to net a fish before it is exhausted, which greatly increases its chance for survival if it is to be released.

It’s also safer for the angler to net the fish. A fish thrashing at boatside with a mouthful of hooks can do serious damage to an angler’s hand.

When it comes time to net the fish, always remember to net it head-first. Never chase the fish with the net. A fish can swim a lot faster than you can move a net through the water. It is very important that the fish go into the net head-first. If it goes in tail-first, it can swim out and the hooks could catch on the net, which could pull the other hooks out of the fish’s mouth, which results in an unintentional release.

Remember that fish will often make a last run when they get close to the boat. You don’t want to stab at the fish when they make this run.

When you’ve got the fish coming toward the boat, the netter should put the net just a little below the surface of the water and allow the angler to lead the fish into the net. When the fish is completely in the net, it should be lifted into the boat. If the fish is to be released, it works well to unhook the fish in the net while it’s still in the water. This is easier on the fish and increases its chance for survival.

The right net is very important. Frabill makes a complete line of the best nets available. Some have the Pow’R Lok feature which allows nets with telescopic handles to be locked into position much easier and quicker.

Others have bags that are fish-friendly and prevent damaged fins or eyes. Selecting the net that fits your needs is very important.

Netting your fish is not only safer for the angler, when it’s done properly it’s better for the fish.