Catch And Release Nets

[flytyer57]

So you just use it to hold them still in the water and not to lift them?

If I do lift them, I keep the gripper on the lower jaw and place my hand under it's belly. Or, once the hook is removed and the fish is less likely to thrash around, I'll belly grip the fish, release the gripper and lift the fish. It operates just like a pair of pliers. One end is looped to ease opening and closing.

Mostly I use it for catch and release where the fish stays in the water.

It's easy to use and to me is a lot less harmful to the fish.

Here's a good review of the product. Unfortunately it does not include all models. But it was a seller to me. The Special Blend model is the one I bought at Blue Ribbon Fly Shop in Mountain Home. It costs less than the aluminum model, but it works just as well.

[mic]

I don't mean to high jack this thread, but has anyone used the rare earth magnet connections from the net to the vest? I would like a C&A net with this connection, but I'm afraid of losing the net after not feeling it separate after snagging on something.

[flytyer57]

I don't mean to high jack this thread, but has anyone used the rare earth magnet connections from the net to the vest? I would like a C&A net with this connection, but I'm afraid of losing the net after not feeling it separate after snagging on something.

Yes, I have used the magnets and you don't have to worry about losing your net. You will actually have to pull to get them apart. Something like 7 lbs of force to seperate them. It's a good tug.

But if you're worried about it, connect a lanyard betwen the handle and a D-ring on your vest. That way you can even let go of the net and not lose it, while you hold your fish after it's done thrashing around in the mesh, removing scales and protective body coatings.