Over the past few years, I have used a net more and more. There are a few reasons why:
So, does a net help or hurt a fish? Each time you touch a fish with a dry hand, you take off protective slime of the fish which opens the fish up to a host things. Mainly, the slime is the fish’s immune system. Keep ’em wet is an initiative to protect the slime. Secondly, how many times have you seen a fish flop photo? Dropping a tired, stressed fish into the water doesn’t provide the fish the proper time to get back to proper health. That doesn’t include the fish flop onto the boat deck or gravel bank. Lastly, you don’t have to put added pressure on the fish to lift it by the fly.
You don’t have to worry about popping out barbless hooks prior to landing the fish. Just scoop it up!! Now I saw maybe for one reason…and Elijah might get mad. However, we have been fishing on multiple occasions and fish have “jumped” out of the net. Make sure to secure any holes and keep the hard part of the net above the water line.
Pictures are much easier with a net. It allows the fish to calm down so you can snap that quick pic for the Gram! A quick tip, leave the fly it the fish’s mouth if you are determined to get the shot. Start by wetting you hand then do a quick lift after you prepared the camera properly. That allows for minimal stress on the fish.
Is the nomad net worth it?? YESSSS, it is the last net you will ever buy. The net is super light, the float, mine gets banged on rocks all the time while holding up, they look cool, and the netting material is better than any other we have tested. They come in a variety of sizes; so, check out your local shop to find the one that works for you. I like to use the magnet from a pack or shove the handle in my belt. You won’t regret using one!!
