I can understand the use of a net in certain situations when on catch and release,for example from a boat or if the angler has a health problem,but I see no need for using a net when on catch and release if its done properly as you shouldnt have a problem and dont need to touch a fish.?

Convince me otherwise?

__________________
Kevin

When up to your family jewels in the cold stuff it's much easier to control a flapping fish if you net it. Provided it's a suitable net and you use it correctly I don't see a problem and having done things both ways it (for me anyway) it's a much more efficient way of unhooking and returning the fish to the water.

plus you can hold a fish in the net to recover fully, rather than letting the fish go prematurely to see it turn belly up a few seconds later, not that most guys do this anyway! I was at raygill the other day and was fishing next to a guy who was catching plenty, but didnt really handle the fish well- consequently 2 of his fish turned belly up after release. If you can wade, it doesnt make much difference if you use a net or not, but bringing a fish onto the bank is much easier with a net if you expect it to go away strongly, especially if the bank is hard ground.

Yes, while I agree with the points you have raised thus far on the subject of C&R, I do feel that a net actually prevents further suffering to a fish. You are able to gently unhook it without the need to touch the fish. Try and do that without the net you could end up with a thrashing fish or worse a dropper/point fly in the hand.

If a fishery bans the use of a net on C&R, I would say it would be laying itself open for a H.S.E. investigation after an unhooking accident. The more experienced angler can unhook fish in the water without a net I agree. However fisheries cater for all, novices and experienced alike, and I would dread to see the suffering caused by a novice dragging his fish up the bank.

Couldn't agree more, there are times when even with barbless/de-barbed hooks they can get so firmly lodge in the nose or scissors that gentle unhooking in the water just doesn't work.

The number of times I have seen guys holding their leader trying to slip out a buried hook only to end up with a fish battering itself of the bankside rocks.

nets are very useful for impatient anglers that are always thinking about catching the next fish..... you'd be amazed how well fish behave with a gentle touch and a bit of patience.

a pair of forceps takes a hook out easy without nets.I feel a fish thrashing about in a net can easily remove a scales causing damage to it later on.I would certainly not encourage putting a fish on the bank to remove a hook or touching it unless with wet hands.

why be impatient when fishing every day is a holiday.

__________________
Kevin

Not wanting to play a fish until it's exhausted I always find that most of the buggers are still flapping about when I'm trying to un-hook them. It's far easier to remove the hook when they're lying still in a pan net.

__________________
*
How poor a thing, sometimes I find,
Will captivate a greedy mind - Isaac Walton.

~~*~~~~~
*****©(

the amount of fish ive seen die when the hook is just pulled out and they are let go instantly is frightning especially when you can see them in crystal clear water,you need to net them ,remove the hook and hold them in the water for a few minutes to recover,they build up lactic acid in their bodies,ie this causes cramp and they turn upside down they also need to recover with plenty oxygenated water through their gills ,how would you like to run for your life drop down exhausted then somebody kick you up the **** and make you run agin?

Maybe so. Can I ask, do you use a net when stocking your fish?

I would just like to reiterate what I said earlier regarding a fishery owner banning nets on C&R. If an angler accidentally gets a hook in the hand because he chooses not to use his net then that's his own fault. If he gets one in the hand, or somewhere worse, and he can prove that this wouldn't have happened had he been allowed to use a net, then that fishery is going to be staring down the barrel of a court appearance imho.

In the eyes of a true angler the walfare of the fish is paramount, however, in the eyes of the law and with respects to a commercially run fishery - the safety of the angler is paramount.