Kayak fishing nets aren't typically the first thing that springs to mind when thinking about how to outfit your kayak or prepare for a day of fishing, but they're essential for landing fish. When talking to other fisherman, you'll probably get conflicting answers on whether or not they use a net. If you're an angler who utilizes a net or wants to learn how to use one, here are some helpful hints.
Size Does Matter When It Comes to Kayak Fishing Nets
Always bear in mind the type of fishing you'll be doing when choosing best kayak fishing net. You'll want to make sure that the net you choose is large enough to accommodate your target species with enough to spare.
Nets can be your greatest friend, but if they're not broad enough, they can destroy a catch by knocking a fish off the hook. You want to make sure you get a net that will provide you the best potential advantage. If you choose a net that is too broad, you risk snagging other pieces of gear, including potentially expensive rod and reel sets.
Kayak fishermen should think carefully about how a new piece of gear will affect the rest of their setup.
You may want to explore alternative handle lengths depending on the size of the kayak you're fishing from. When looking for different fishing nets, you'll see that there are a lot of different handle length possibilities, so here are some things to think about:
First, think about your fishing style.
Some kayak fishermen are more energetic with their hooksets and other motions, and if you're one of them, you'll understand how precious space is. Longer handles are better for catching fish farther away from the kayak, but they take up more space when not in use.
Second, think about how the net will fit in your kayak whether you're using your paddle or pedals.
Longer handles may be stored out of the way more readily by paddle anglers. Longer-handled nets should be avoided by anglers fishing from pedal drive kayaks since they may quickly become tangled and interfere with your propulsion. If you have a pedal drive kayak but still want a longer handle, there are a number of firms who produce kayak attachments that can let you stow a net handle out of the way while keeping it available when you need it.
The Right Net Material for Kayak Fishing Nets
The material used to make the net is one of the most significant variations between cheaper and more costly nets. Nets that are more costly are usually constructed of rubber or have a rubber covering. This is advantageous for a variety of reasons. The first is that it is healthier for the fish because it does not affect the slime coat. Nylon nets are less expensive, however they are more abrasive and scratch the fish.
Uncoated nylon is also notorious for catching treble hooks, which is frustrating when you're attempting to make your next cast. Nets constructed of a rubber-like substance survive longer because they are less prone to fraying and being snagged.
When it comes to an angler's choice, there is never a shortage of ideas or viewpoints, so test out a few different nets and see what works best for you!
