netting salmon

I took my yak out in the ocean for the first time last weekend at the ncka event at monterey and I actually hooked up two nice salmon, but I failed to net them on both occasions. I got them next to my yak and I tried to net them, but it seemed like they were too big to fit in my net and they broke loose in the struggle. Next time I'm bringing a bigger net, but would anyone have any tips on equipment/technique on how I can finish the job next time?

I just looked at you  tube, found a few videos, from NCKA 's  LoletaEric landing salmon  with  his net,take a a look at them.

P.S. i think m y dad lied to me when he always told me i had to be quiet when fishing

Good post! I would like to know how to do this as welll.

Make sure fish is mostly played out.
Get fish near yak.
Stick net UNDER water.
Lead fish into net head first.

Most people make the mistake of bringing fish to the surface and trying to raise them into the net above the surface.
Don't do that.

if your net is too small, get a bigger net. you should see my net, its ginormous.  it can fit a sturgeon in it.

if your net is too small, get a bigger net. you should see my net, its ginormous.  it can fit a sturgeon in it.

+1

Like others have said get the net in the water under the salmon head goes in first. One extra tip is once the salmon is in the net lift the handle from horizontal to straight vertical and lift up. This closes the net and keeps the fish from flopping out until you get it aboard.

Use a big enough net, mainly a deeper bag. The hoop can be smaller but you need the depth(BTDT)
A big fish will fit thru a small hoop but he won't fit in a short space, they don't fold up.
Guide the fish into the net when he's ready!
Then close the net.
I usually grab the side of the net hoop and fold it over the struggling fish, which locks it in.
If you can't close the net the bag is too shallow.
I have a medium sized 18x24 hoop, but I put a deeper net bag on it for steelies and salmon.

my net evolution was small, medium, large and now big enough to net medium sized children. 

As to technique, I agree with Rockhopper

Make sure fish is mostly played out.
Get fish near yak.
Stick net UNDER water.
Lead fish into net head first.

Most people make the mistake of bringing fish to the surface and trying to raise them into the net above the surface.
Don't do that.

A little off topic but here's another tip....

When fighting a big fish, always point your rod to the bow and let the fish tow you.Don't let that fish run around your kayak. It may cause you to loose balance or wrap around all the gear you have behind you (extra rods, net, gaff, rudder). Just make sure your drag is running smooth. When the fish starts to show the side of it's belly, it's usually a good sign to get the net ready. By keeping your rod pointed to the bow, it will be easier to pull in the fish with it's head pointed towards you. Simply lay the net down gently (I'll drop my foot to the side for extra support the net) and lead the fish head first into the net.
Then apply the wood shampoo to it asap 

*instead of trying to take the hook out, just cut you line. Have an extra rig / leader ready with the bait already pinned. Try not use the same rig cause salmon can fray you line. Secure the fish to your game clip, cover the fish with a burlap sack. Keep the burlap wet (use your paddle and "shovel" water into your tank well)

netting a fish beneath the surface is the trick. Submerge the net as others have said, and guide the fish in just under the surface.

the deeper nets help enormously.

I'll add to Mooch's tips:

have your game clip open and either tethered to the yak, or with a big float on it.
Clip that fish before you remove the hook/cut the line. (although this is personal preference it has always worked for me)

The only thing worse than losing a fish at the boat is losing the fish when it is on a clip.

have your game clip open and either tethered to the yak, or with a big float on it.
Clip that fish before you remove the hook/cut the line. (although this is personal preference it has always worked for me)

Good point there Sean

Thanks for all the tips guys, I really appreciate it! I can't wait to try again with this new knowledge.

Great advice here.  I think the best pieces of advice are:

- play it out / let it run; and
- get a BIG net.

Off topic but when reeling in the salmon and you notice it comes to the surface but it not yet close to the boat, do u put your rod tip in the water, so as not to lose the fish? hope i dont confuse anyone..thanks.

Off topic but when reeling in the salmon and you notice it comes to the surface but it not yet close to the boat, do u put your rod tip in the water, so as not to lose the fish? hope i dont confuse anyone..thanks.

I just try to keep tension on the line.  If it runs to the surface I reel as fast as I can to keep tension on.  The only time I purposefully put the rod in the water is if it runs under my boat and I dont have time to get the pole past the bow of the yak