To net or not to net? This is the newbie's question. 2025
intheweeds reply :
Since I am new to the sport I want to develop good habits. I was wondering what all of your thoughts were on about netting a fish. What is best for the bass? I am all about catch and release. Please weigh in on your preference.
basskatcher() reply :
It depends on the size of the fish. If it's 2+ lbs, I use the net. I want to land the fish and reduce the chance of breaking my rod.
Simp reply :
Well I grew up not using a net period, but now I'm in a bass club. We get to use nets in our club so my dad and I try to use them now just to get in the habit of doing it. My dad can still be pretty lax at it though. Personally I don't want a fish neted unless it's over four pounds. The exception is when I'm in a tourney and using trebles.
ichigo reply :
it all depends on fish
burleytog reply :
Always net.
Sam reply :
In a boat, net.
On the bank, no net. 
BassnMan Mike reply :
I agree with others, it really depends on the size of the fish and the situation. Competitive fishing, Always. Fun fishing, only if its a big one
Fish Chris reply :
I always love to flash back on original trophy bass king, Bob Crupi's answer to this question....
Bob said, "If it's /only/ a 10 to 13 lb'er, then it doesn't really matter either way. /But/ if it's a /really big fish/ use a net
Personally speaking, I carry a large landing net, and will usually use it, for 10 to 13 lb'ers (or bigger) but I don't usually bother with the net for fish much smaller than 10 lbs, unless I'm using micro-light gear, or see the fish is barely hooked.
Peace,
Fish
intheweeds reply :
QuoteI always love to flash back on original trophy bass king, Bob Crupi's answer to this question....Bob said, "If it's /only/ a 10 to 13 lb'er, then it doesn't really matter either way. /But/ if it's a /really big fish/ use a net
Personally speaking, I carry a large landing net, and will usually use it, for 10 to 13 lb'ers (or bigger) but I don't usually bother with the net for fish much smaller than 10 lbs, unless I'm using micro-light gear, or see the fish is barely hooked.
Peace,
Fish
Thanks for the feed back all. Fish Chris, I can only dream of a 10 or 13# LMB! That is awesome! Hopefully someday I will have the skill to hook a lunker like that. I am going to get a net to use on the boat and leave it at home when I bank fish. Thanks again everyone.
Hammer 4 reply :
We mostly shore fish, so no nets. As for the size, well I have friends that have caught 13lb + bass, w/o a net. Never use em when I'm on a boat either.
Canadian Kid reply :
no net. plain and simple..... also bad luck. for me anyways
Fishing Rhino reply :
If you are going to net, use it every time. There is a degree of experience and skill to use a net properly.
I have seen "excited" anglers lose a nice fish because they knocked the hook from the fish's mouth with the net. I've also seen others try to "catch" the fish with the net, attempting to sweep the net over the fish from the rear.
Fish do not have a good reverse gear, so it is best to lead them into the net, or to bring the net up from beneath with the net favoring the front end of the fish.
Practice on the "meaningless" smaller fish to gain confidence, rather than using it only on the larger fish hoping you do it correctly.
Fishing from a canoe, I'm eyeball to eyeball with a fish when it is brought to the boat. My only anxious moments are when a fish is hooked on a bait with multiple trebles. Lipping them then is a risky business at best.
Brian B reply :
One thing todo would be to get the rubber nets. They are much better on the fish than the rope type, plus they dont snag the hooks either. That means less time in the net, which is also better on the fish.
RichF reply :
QuoteOne thing todo would be to get the rubber nets. They are much better on the fish than the rope type, plus they dont snag the hooks either. That means less time in the net, which is also better on the fish.
Absolutely!! Rubber nets are amazing. I actually don't net too many fish. I've been practicing landing fish by hand for some time now (you know, because you can't use them in the elite series and I plan on getting there in the future;). If you don't wanna net your fish, try lifting them with your hand under their belly. I don't know what it is but the bass will completely relax and won't flop around if you pick them up like this.
.ghoti. reply :
If there are treble hooks involved, I will always use a net. Nothing worse than having two hooks in a fat 4 pounder and two hooks in your thumb. Don't ask me how I know that. :'(
roadwarrior reply :
Always
8-)
KC Bass Fanatic reply :
I always net "keeper" bass in tournaments if it's allowed. There's just too much that can go wrong when every fish can potentially win (or lose) a tournament. I've had too many fish thrash around, throwing a hook or burying a hook in my hand while I'm attempting to lip or "belly ******" them. As others have said, rubber nets are the only way to go.
When I'm not tournament fishing, I usually don't net fish; although I probably should.
intheweeds reply :
The rubber nets seem really nice. I will be picking one up on Wed. I was looking at some of my treble hook baits and it seems things could go bad really fast try to grab a thrashing fish. Again thanks for all the input.
BrianSnat reply :
I usually lip land bass, unless it's a really big one with a lot of fight left in it or I have a lure with a lot of exposed hooks that might wind up in my hand if the bass starts to shake before I can get my thumb in his mouth.
R520dvx reply :
Always net in a tournament ..... only net big fish when fun fishing
DINK WHISPERER reply :
NEVER, i don/t even own a net.................................it's for rookies IMO, LOL!
Md reply :
QuoteIf there are treble hooks involved, I will always use a net. Nothing worse than having two hooks in a fat 4 pounder and two hooks in your thumb. Don't ask me how I know that. :'(
X2...Except it was a 5 lb. smallmouth for me. Ouch!
BassThumb reply :
I'm with Ghoti. I HATE having the net in the boat, but it's better than having a thrashing fish drive a treble hook into you. A hook scraping against bone with every headshake is something you won't soon forget. :'(
Luke at Gouldsboro reply :
I fish in a Jon boat, so leaning over while sitting to hand land is kind of risky (I don't want to end up in the drink). So I always net fish.
UGLY STIK reply :
No net...God gave us thumbs to lip bass...lol 
WanderLust reply :
When shore fishing, no net...
Always fun when you get a big Northern or bowfin on and its upset about having a hook through the lip. <<-- N'rly
My son wants me to buy a net and me thinks he might be right.
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