Nets for Salmon

Question from a relative salmon noob...

I read somewhere that you are actually REQUIRED to have a net on board when salmon fishing. Is that true? I prefer gaffs, myself. If I catch something I'm not SUPER confident is big enough, I either lift by the leader, lip, or gill plate.

yep a net is required...I believe the min diameter is 18" (but you'll want larger or Salmon) Gaff's for salmon is a big no no.

Looks like I'll be adding that to the shopping list for Saturday...

Not just salmon fishing - by law any time you're fishing on the ocean you need a net.  Also, if you know the salmon is legal size and species you can gaff it.  Good luck.   

Also, if the salmon is of questionable size or species, DON'T net it. A netted salmon is a dead salmon. Halibut too!

Forget legal, for salmon, a BIG ASS net is a huge factor in landing them successfully.  I also had a top notch fisherman tell me to do the same with big butts, and have not lost one since.  The rest of the time I have a legal sized folding net to cover my arse legally but generally boga of gaff.

Thanks for the info, guys.

Another quick question... What happens if the salmon bite is dead and I decide to target other species? Am I allowed to have barbed hooks in board, or would I have to paddle in and swap gear?

I am no expert but this is my understanding.  You can have barbed gear on board and have a salmon.  But you have to catch the salmon on barbless gear.  So for example, you try for salmon and get skunked.  Move in for rockfish with barbs, its fine.  While doing that you catch a salmon, you have to let it go. 

Or more common, you caught a salmon with barbless hooks.  on the way in, you try for rockfish.  You have to keep using barbless hooks.