Models for lure fishing
There are all kinds of landing nets on the market. There are models with short handles for small boats (kayak, float tube), there is no need for a long length, because you are flush with the water.
Pike in a floating net for float-tube and kayak
On the other hand, if you are higher than the surface of the water, as in a boat, or from the shore on docks, a long landing net handle allows you to go and get your fish easily. There are also landing nets with telescopic handle and/or folding racket, the best alternative for itinerant fishing from the shore and street fishing. They are easy to carry and adapt to all situations.
Easy to carry folding net
Of course you have to choose a landing net that corresponds to the size of the fish you are looking for. In fresh water, with a standard size net, you can put all the fishes in the dry, unless you find an adult catfish. So there is no need to take a gigantic landing net which will encumber us for nothing, unless you are only looking for big pike specimens.
There is also a choice of materials used, among the many models distributed, there are landing nets made of wood, aluminum, plastic or carbon. The materials used will determine the weight and strength of the landing net. Some landing nets are designed to float, this is the case with foam covers, some woods and with plastic.
Then, the last point is the net: it is necessary to privilege the landing nets with small rubber meshes which do not wound the fish.
A plus for the fisherman and for the fish
For my part I use the landing net for trout fishing, because it is a very fragile fish and difficult to handle. Injuring or killing a fish that you want to release in good conditions is always a bad memory in a fisherman's life. The landing net is precisely what will allow to avoid this or at least to put all the chances on our side.
For trout I can't do without it, once the fish is caught, I can retrieve it with the spinner and leave it quietly in the water while I unhook it. If I want to take a picture of my fish, I wet my hands to catch it and avoid a thermal shock. This is a good way to limit all the risks of mishandling, such as dropping a struggling fish on the ground, catching it with dry, hot hands, or hurting yourself while unhooking itâeuros¦
Trout unhooked directly into the net
As you can see, the landing net is not essential to catch fish, but it is a very useful tool to get them out of the water! I also use it for perch, when I come across a school while fishing on board, I keep the catch in the water with a floating net before releasing them all at the same time. These fish live in schools, if you take one and release it immediately, there is every chance that it will scare the rest of the school and compromise your fishing on the spot.
