Carrying a net

Biggest salmon last year was 15# - it didn't break!
It's MUCH easier to net a salmon in one of those big nets and far less likely to knock one off. I wouldn't try deploying it after you get a fish on; I have a rod holder for it after I'm  on the water. You're welcome to check mine out.

I have two rod holders mounted on my crate and one on my bar, so there's plenty of room for my net.  I reccomend the largest net possible because it makes landing fish very easy.  When I hook up I put the net in the water accross my lap until the fish comes to the surface, then it's a piece of cake to coax it into the huge opening - I'll scoop them up sideways if needed.  Once they're in, fold it over and it's game over for mr fishy. 

I've seen several halibut lost at boatside that would have probably been landed with a larger net, and I've been very apprehensive about netting 30lb samlon that only fit 2/3 of the way into a decent sized net.  IMO a big net is more reliable than a gaff (on a kayak) and if you mess up with the net the fish will survive.  If you gaff and lose a fish, the fish will die.

At the very least everyone can recognize me from half a mile away by the huge net hanging over me.

It says "or" available for immediate use, seems pretty vague.  If it wasn't such a hassle one could argue that their buddy's net was available.   

I've been out without a net a few times and had a buddy with a net around, but we didn't always stay that close together. Interestingly, in one case I think having him net my salmon made it easier. The fish ran towards his kayak and he scooped it up! I think the fish was thinking the kayak was shelter.