best way to land fish using a net

[seafood]

would welcome some advice here, whats the best method of landing a fish with a net fishing from a boat? Leading the fish into the net, or lifting the the fish with the rod and scooping under the fish. Its disapointing to lose the fish trying to bring it on the boat which has happened to me. Lifting the fish and coming under has worked for me but there is always the chance the fish can shake off or break the line, with trying to lead the fish in the net, once the fish (kingy) sees the net it tends to want to bolt.

[Haji]

I have always found it better to lead a fish into the net head first but it has to be well beaten before you try that.
The bigger the net the easier to lead the fish in.
The close woven enviro type nets are highly visible to the fish which can baulk them. For that reason I prefer to use the open weave knotless nets if the fish is to be released,otherwise any large net with big mesh has always worked for me. It also helps if you don't do what some guys do which is to "jab" at the fish with the net which is sure to spook it. Calmly does it.
Hope this helps
Haji

[mulloway mayhem]

firstly my advice is if you are going to use a net make sure you have a good strong net.dont go buy some $10 net from the markets.......

fish are always more at eas under the water, as soon as you lift them out of the water they tend to splash and 90% of fish lost is at the side of the boat.

leave the fish in the water and lead it into the net.if the fish wants to have another little run dont rush it,take your time and let the fish get tired then slowly lead him towards the net.

if you are releasing the fish after catching it,yes use a net....but if you are going to keep the fish there is nothing wrong with useing a nice sharp gaff.if you have never used a gaff before well you might aswell start learning now.its all about practiceing and learning from your mistakes...

good luck and let us know how you go

:beerchug: wayneo

[seafood]

thanks guys for your advice, head first nice and easy seems to be the way to go! :ohhh yeah: