How to Select a Fishing Net

How To Select a Fishing Net

  Fishing nets assist the user in capturing a fish after hooking it. Many net options, such as landing or conservation, are available for different fishing needs. The net material will also be an essential factor to consider based on the type of fishing you expect to do. Other features and options such as length, size, and storability must also be considered to select the right net for your fishing needs. 

Do You Really Need a Landing Net?

  Landing nets are designed to help you capture a hooked fish and "land" it (bring it onto the boat, bank, or dock). These nets are typically made from non-coated Nylon or other cloth-based materials. The materials used for landing nets are abrasive and can wipe off the fish's slime coat and damage the scales. This is why cloth-based nets should not be used for conservation/catch-and-release fishing. Cloth-based fishing nets are typically less expensive but can tangle when the fish thrashes in the net and can be damaged by exposed hooks. 

What Are the Benefits of Using a Conservation Net?

  A conservation net uses a rubber mesh net or coated nylon material. This is much better at preserving the integrity of the fish, which is ideal for catch-and-release style fishing. Rubber and treated nets also provide more rigidity which reduces tangles and tears. These nets are more expensive than cloth-based landing nets but are more durable and fish friendly. 

What Is the Difference Between a Baitwell Net and a Dip Net?

  Baitwell nets and dip nets are used to catch fish but have different purposes. Baitwell nets are typically smaller and have a wider mesh than dip nets. They store live bait in a boat or on a dock. Dip nets are larger and have a smaller mesh than baitwell nets. They are used to catch fish swimming near the water's surface.

  Baitwell nets are designed to capture bait from a bucket or tank. These nets don't have the same quality mesh as landing or conservation nets and typically use an untreated micro-mesh. Teardrop-shaped nets are standard and assist in capturing bait from a bucket with curved sides. D-Hoop nets use a flat side to help catch bait in the sides and corners of a flat-sided tank.

What Is the Difference Between a Casting Net and a Seine Net?

  Casting and seine nets are used to catch fish but have different purposes. Casting nets are small, circular nets that are thrown by hand. Seine nets are large, rectangular nets that are dragged through the water.

  When choosing a casting net, you must consider the size of the fish you will be catching, the type of water you will be fishing in, and the material you want the net to be made of. If you are fishing in freshwater, you can use a net that is made of Nylon or polyethylene. If you are fishing in saltwater, you will need a net made of a material resistant to corrosion.

 To throw a casting net, you must hold the net in one hand and the lead weight in the other. Then, you must swing the net over your head and release it smoothly and fluidly. The net will open up and fall into the water, trapping the fish inside.

 You must tie one end to a boat or dock using a seine net. Then, you will need to walk out into the water, dragging the net behind you. As you walk, the net will widen, forming a large wall of netting. The fish will swim into the net and be trapped.

  A casting net is designed to be thrown over a school of fish and features weights around the net's perimeter so the net will sink to the bottom and trap the fish within. Ensure you use a net that has reinforced stitching and properly secured weights. Seine nets are a piece of netting that is extended between two poles. The top of the net is equipped with floats, while the bottom of the net is weighted. These nets are ideal for wading in streams or small ponds. The net is moved against the current towards the shore and lifted to trap fish. Dark color nets work best to avoid spooking the fish.

Choosing the Right Net Size and Shape

  The net size you should use is based on the length of the fish you intend to catch with it. Teardrop-shaped nets are the most common and versatile. Scooper nets use a raised front that assists in scooping a fish when trying to catch a fish in unconventional positions or distances. Handle length is another important factor to consider. Short handles are found on compact and easy-to-use nets but will require you to get very close to the fish to catch it. Long handles allow you to keep your distance from the fish as well as being able to reach out to net the fish. Telescoping, folding, and sliding handles are also available, allowing for much more versatility in catching fish in various scenarios. 

Shop Fishing Nets at OpticsPlanet

  There is not only one net that is good for some fishing types. Most people will have multiple fishing nets better suited to the fishing they may be doing at any given time. At OpticsPlanet, we carry the right fishing net for you! Ensure you know the size of fish you intend to catch, the desired length of the handle, and whether you are landing your catch to keep or release it back into the wild.

Be sure to check out our other great fishing products from fishing rods, reels, combos, and more! We also carry fishing lures and terminal tackle, fishing electronics, and fishing apparel.