Monday, July 16, 2012

Considerations For Selecting Fly Fishing Nets

0 comments
By Stephanie Skinner


Fly fishing is a sport that is becoming increasingly popular. It is suitable for many different species of fish and takes the sportsperson into a number of different attractive locales. A lot of money is spent on the best equipment, with much attention being given to rods, lines, reels and artificial flies. But items which are often treated almost as an afterthought are the fly fishing nets.

However, landing the fish without a good net is very difficult, especially if the fish is to be weighed, recorded, then returned to the water. A gaff is not suitable for this, as it harms the catch. The thin lines used are not suitable for hauling a fish through weeds or past rocks. Fishing alone, without a helper, makes a net even more important.

A variety of different nets in different sizes might be needed. Short handles are most convenient to carry, but long handles may be required because of the terrain. Handles which telescope are a good option, but they should be easy to extend and lock in place using only one hand.

The shape of the net should be looked at. Triangles or round/oval are available, triangles being most common. In practice, the shape is not really a big factor, as long as the net is large enough for the expected size of fish. A small net might make it difficult to land fish and one that is too big is cumbersome.

A net is best held more or less horizontally in the water while the fish is swum over it, the net then being lifted at an opportune moment. Sighting the net often prompts a last escape attempt, which may succeed because this is an awkward moment for the angler. Choose a color which will not be so noticeable in the water.

The whole experience is enhanced by good fly fishing nets. If many fish are escaping at the death, then the net and way the fish is netted deserves examination. While relatively inexpensive in terms of the sport, due attention should be given to the choice of net.




About the Author:



Leave a Reply