As long as you only use your net as a "net pen" to calm the fish while removing the hook and don't "lift" or "drag" the fish using your net I don't see anything harmful with using a nylon net. It's only when you "lift" with a net and the fish starts struggling that you run into a problem.

I've got a pretty good knotless soft nylon net and I haven't seen or heard of any issue's with it. Most fish I C&R never even touch the webbing of the net so to me the material is not nearly as critical as technique.

If you want to buy a rubber net by all means go for it but I'm not going to criticize anyone for using a nylon net properly!

Originally Posted By: chrome demon

or no net if a nice piece of bank access is nearby.


This I totally disagree with. What gets C&R'd in 3 minutes with a net and a photo can take twice as long or more without a net. I consider proper net handling a critical part of proper C&R.


Edited by BroodBuster (01/20/10 07:21 PM)
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