Hoop Nets as Landing Platforms for Big Fish

December 23, 2010

Question:More and more anglers are using hoop nets to “catch and release” bat rays and large sharks. The hoop nets are not being used for catching fish – the fish are hooked by rod and reel. Hoop nets are then used to pull big fish up onto the piers. The problem is that the smaller hoop nets are sometimes insufficient for landing the big batties. Is it legal to use a hoop net larger than 36 inches if unbaited and used only for such purposes? ( Ken J., Lodi)

Answer: Yes, the hoop net as you are describing it is being used as a “landing net” and not a typical hoop net as used for lobster. According to Lt. Todd Tognazzini, a landing net has a minimum diameter of 18 inches and no maximum diameter. There is no specific legal definition of a landing net. The only difference between a landing net and a dip net is mesh size, but there is no legal requirement on mesh size either. As long as it is only being used as a landing net, it would be legal.