Net Size??

[Huntin&Fishin]

I have a frabill power catch net, 26x22 and wondering if this is to small for muskie fishing? I know idealy it should be bigger, but would this make do?? I'm a poor college kid and dont have money for a big 150$ net

[Nick Kuhn]

Unfortunately no, that is much too small. My net is one size down from the big kahuna's of the world (32"x36" I think) and it can be a little touchy with the bigger fish, but it's got the job done. I payed $50 for it I think. I had to replace the bag in it's 3rd season though.

[CaptainMusky]

That net wont cut it. Sorry. I suggest since money is tight, hand landing the fish instead of putting them in the net. You may be able to find a good used one online CLIST, but otherwise it could be tough.

That size of a net and any decent sized musky would be bad news it would damage all the fins, etc almost guaranteed.

I dont like hand landing, but in your case it is probably the best option.

[Huntin&Fishin]

alright thanks, ya i know a big net with a long bag is easier on the fish to let it stay in the water, and I know alot of people are pretty protective on muskies (i understand) and many would frown on hand boating fish

[smeese]

Check the classifieds.....I think I have a sweet one posted there, otherwise check hsolist

[mainbutter]

Ditto, hand landing/unhooking in the water is much safer on a big fish than using a small net.

[RK]

Hiya -

I have to agree - too small a net. The problem with small nets is fish don't like being folded up, and when you bend them in half in the bottom of a net, they go nuts, and it just makes things worse. Pretty soon you have a ball of net and hooks with a fish in the middle of it.

I really prefer to hand land fish under most circumstances, and rarely take fish out of the water at all. I can get a fish unhooked and on its merry way 3x faster than netting it...but I've been at this a while. Still, I think it's a valuable skill to have.

First and foremost, have your tools ready. I have a hook cutters (you have those, right?? If not, spend your money there rather than on a new net) and long nose hook outs. I like 11" needle nose with angled jaws. Angled jaws help you see better - the business end of the pliers isn't behind your hand as you look down when you reach in to work a hook loose.

To hand land fish, the two main things you have to have are patience and decisiveness. Those seem contradictory, but they aren't. You can't rush, and need to make sure the fish is in position to be grabbed, either with a lip lock or by the tail and belly (if you have a partner, which ideally you will). Once you commit to it though, you have to be firm and in control.

If the hooks are in a place where you can safely do so, get the fish in a 'lip lock.' To lip lock a fish, stick out your index and middle finger, then curl your fingertips. Slide them just barely under the gill cover (you should only go in to about your first knuckle, then slide your fingers forward toward their mouth until they can't go any further. Then, clamp down with your thumb parallel to their jaw line under their jaw. DO NOT curl your thumb over their jaw. That's where the teeth are, and you'll come back bloody. Taken two guys to the hospital because they let a muskie suck on their thumb for a while... Do it right, and it's almost like they have a handle.

Git a firm grip, and once you're committed to it, don't let go. Keep their head in the water and if they thrash once or twice, just hang on and ride it out. If you bail out on it once you have your hand in there, bad things can happen. Usually they give one good thrash then settle down. Then work out the hooks. I give hooks one good twist with the pliers and if they don't come free, I cut them. Hooks are cheap. (I actually cut more hooks with a net though. When I have a fish in the net the first thing I do is cut every hook I see.)

Finally, the absolute single best thing you can do to make releasing fish safer and easier is to mash down your barbs. Don't have to file them off, but just pinch them down a little, especially on big 7/0s. Don't lose any more fish in my experience, (and I think I hook more) and it makes releasing them so much easier.

Good luck and be safe. No question a good net is a good investment that will last a long time (mine are at least 10 years old), but if you can't afford it right now, you can still safely (for you and the fish) hand land them.

Cheers,

Rob Kimm

[10,000 Casts]

the opposite of you, I had a huge muskie net and I needed a walleye net for a tournament a few weeks ago and I found a Beckman on C--List for $20!

We hand landed fish for the first 2-3 years when we started, granted we didn't catch many but I know how it feels to be a poor college student trying to outfit yourself correctly. This is an expensive sport but $150 is cheaper than a hospital visit for stitches so be careful and imo losing a fish is better than getting a 5-0 hook through your finger.

[CaptainMusky]

Yeah, I had one ER visit due to hooks in the middle finger. That was my own dang fault, but its no fun having a 44" musky hooked AND yourself hooked at the same time while both of you really hate being hooked and one really wants to thrash around.

If you can find a cheap used net awesome. If not, invest $20 or so in a good bolt cutters from the hardware store. I know $20 doesnt go too far for tools, but I bought a good one from fleet for around that and never had issues with cutting hooks.