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[Tommybuckles]

Was on the river a few weeks ago and saw a guy playing a good size steelhead. He had a fancy wooden catch and release net clipped to his vest. Once he played the fish out he waded out towards it and gently guided the net underneath it. Fairly quickly he had the hook out and the fish was on its way. It all looked like fairly slick process.

One positive advantage I saw with the net was that he was able to land the fish in deeper water as opposed to getting the fish close to shore to tail it with a free hand.

Not sure the general opinion on this. This is the only time I've seen a steelhead caught and released by a net. Just wondering if anyone uses one? And if so what brand?

Thanks.

[HOOK]

I usually tail all my fish in mid shin to knee deep water. There is always exceptions of course.

Would I use a net on steelhead I intend on releasing ? probably not but I know lots of guides that use them, up north especially. I think if you have the right type of mesh on your net or use a cradle then your impact can be minimal


If your walk and wading for steelhead it would be too much work to drag a net around large enough to fit steelhead in.

[Ian Forbes]

I've found carrying a net on a river is a pain unless I'm standing in the same spot all day at a zoo pool surrounded by other anglers. Then it comes in useful.

[sandy999]

I for one always carry a net at all times on the river-I think that it is much easier than to try and tail the fish and a only use a soft meash on the net. I think that it is much easier on the fish because I only fish catch and release anyway.

[trout80]

I always use a net.I believe its better for the fish it gets released quicker without having to be too tired.

[Tommybuckles]

Thanks for the replies. I'm interested for those that do use a net which brand/type you use? And do you find the material used in the nets construction  adequately protects the fish from harm?

[zap brannigan]

Any knotted poly rope style net is a big no no on released fish, a cradle is the easiest on the fish but a good soft rubber netted large sized net would be the next choice for the least harm towards the fish.

[zap brannigan]

Soft Rubber is a lot easier on fish than the woven style baskets aswell because it dosnt damage the slime coat as much.