Net Orientation for Walleye's ??

[Blackhawk]

I use a net that has the forward edge bent on an angle....I was curious on what the proper way to have the angle is ...."either up or down" when netting a fish? I myself keep the angle down due to less scooping motion, but then was told chances of fish flopping out are greater..... Just wondering what others preferences are in net angle when netting walleye's or other larger fish for that matter? All feedback appreciated.

[thedude]

use it like a spoon if that makes sense.

[booktens]

Always used it up, so fish can't flop out as easy. I have netted hundeds of salmon and steelhead this way and usually do not have a problem.

[sfw1960]

I don't really think it makes much difference , I have used the edge down when I have used nets as you describe (mine's level edged) - but I think getting them IN is the main objective - once you get the head started - they're usually yours for keeps.
:D R :D

[alex-v]

I don't really think it makes much difference , I have used the edge down when I have used nets as you describe (mine's level edged) - but I think getting them IN is the main objective - once you get the head started - they're usually yours for keeps.
I also think that it makes little difference for the most part. For most fish I really don't worry about whether they would get away--more power to them, survival of the fittest, and all that. For Walleye or Salmon it is a different story.

If you net the fish head first some of them will spook when they see the net coming and if they are not totally exhausted they could have enough energy to make good on their escape attempt. If trolling and the boat is underway or if on a fast drift then the net comes up behind the fish and a little tension is released and the fish will flow into the net tail first. Finish the scoop and it is yours. Otherwise, on still waters I will come up from the side or head first if need be.

I got one of those angled nets and one the same size that is not angled. Going to have to take both out one day and experiment.

[sfw1960]

W0W!!!!
:yikes:
I
NEVER ,
EVER
try to scoop them from behind , that's asking for it...
Aren't you supposed to wear them down BEFORE you try to net them???
:bash:

:D R :D

[alex-v]

W0W!!!!
:yikes:
I
NEVER ,
EVER
try to scoop them from behind , that's asking for it...
Aren't you supposed to wear them down BEFORE you try to net them???


No need to shout <:)grinning:)>. I guess you missed what I was saying (which is a problem when we cannot use our hands to demonstrate).

I said:
If trolling and the boat is underway or if on a fast drift then the net comes up behind the fish and a little tension is released and the fish will flow into the net tail first. Finish the scoop and it is yours.

The net is stationary behind the fish and a little slack is allowed and the fish will just flow right into the net tail first. It never sees anything coming at it. Once it is in the net the "scoop" is started and finished. Remember, I use and recommend this for river fishing when the boat is still under way or on a lake when the boat is doing a very fast drift.

I have lost more than my fair share of large and trophy Walleye on the Detroit River while trying to net them nose first. They see that net coming at them and they find some extra internal burst of energy.

On still waters or when the boat is drifting with the current then often a nose first netting will be OK for most of us, at least as far as I can tell.

[sfw1960]

OH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
:lol:
Well slap my hat & call me d00m@zz Charlie!!
Why didn'y ya say so!!
LMAO!!
On the river is INDEED a fairly good idea....
As the once famous pee wee herman said: (who I think got BUSTED using his hands BTW!!)
"Huh huh! Sorry ! My Mistake"........:rant:
I just figure that if I get the head started - then they can "burst" all they want!
;)
Robert

[Ralph Smith]

The main thing is getting them tired and into the net. Also alot of nets have smaller netting (not deep enough) especially for pier fishing or when you have to bring net vertically up with fish inside. Big fish can flop out if the bag of net is not deep. Just take your net at home and put something about the size of a large fish your targeting and hold the net vertical and make sure there's plenty of depth to hold them. I usually get different bags for mine, and there pretty cheap. The make the cummings nets right in Flint,MI, and you can get about any size of net up to 6' deep for around 8 to 12 bucks. ;) Really a cheap way to have a good net when you find a handle and hoop at a rummage sale that may have a torn netting or missing one.