How to Net a Fish

Last Updated: December 23, 2021

Perhaps nothing you do while you're fishing puts you under as much pressure as netting someone else's fish, especially if you are in a tournament. If you have to make several tries, or if you accidentally enable the fish to escape, you'll never be allowed to forget it. Know how to scoop up Mr. Fish before you go out.

Steps

1
Be prepared to be netting for someone else. Most of the time when a net is required, you will be netting for someone else. When your partner gets a fish on, be ready to drop what you are doing and get the net.
2
Reel your own line in as quickly as you can. If you just set the rod down, you are going to lose it.

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3
Wait until you are asked before getting the net. If the angler just wants to swing the fish over the side, you'll be in the way if you are standing there with a big net.
4
Once the angler has requested the net, grab it and make sure it is ready. Some nets have collapsible handles, so make sure that the net is completely secure and ready for service.
5
Once you have determined which side of the boat the fish will be coming to, get the net into the water. Submerge as much of the rim of the net as you can, but leave some of it out so that the angler can clearly see where he needs to get the fish.
6
Do not jab at the fish with the net. Simply leave the net in the water and allow the angler to lead it in.
7
Turn the net so that it offers the largest possible entry to the fish.
8
As soon as the fish is past the rim of the net, lift it out with a slight scooping motion. If the fish is large, do not scoop, rather hold the handle of the net in a vertical fashion and lift the net out of the water.
9
Bring the net into the boat. Don't place it on the front or back deck where the fish could get back into the water with a single leap. The bottom of the boat is much safer.

Community Q&A

Question

How long does the net have to be?

Community Answer

You should be able to comfortably dip the net into the water so that the rim to pole joint is just submerged. Too short, and you can lose fish or the net. Too long, and it will be awkward to handle.
Question

Why do I net the fish when it is in water rather than pulling it out on the line?

Community Answer

If the fish is big (like a pike, muskie, or carp), it will put a lot of stress on the line/rod if you try to lift the fish out without a landing net.
Question

When are trout mostly active?

ANDREW JENSEN

Community Answer

Trout are most active in early morning and at dusk. (This may vary depending on the species but sometime around then.)