Net Questions

I have been searching for some recommendations for a net.  It seems like the Ego Slider is a good net. I will be fishing in the Ocean mostly on the North Coast. I would be tempted to just use my hands but I don't know what the legal deal is.

What size would be good for sand dabs etc. up to ling cod?

What size do you have to have to be legal with the DFG? I don't want to get a ticket for a dumb mistake.

What type of fish are you required to net? I guess salmon would be one...

Thanks, Loren

I think the regulation states that the net has to have an opening of 18", but best look into it because I could be wrong.
I usually carry a mesh diver's bag to fulfill the requirement, and the opening is just over 18". I have netted halibut, lings, and big rockies with it.

I haven't used it for sanddabs yet though

For salmon I have a large net with a handle.

I've been checked a few times while OTW and off, and the DFW has never asked about my net.

I like the divers bag idea, you could use it for crabs or whatever fish you are catching. I usually bring out a 5 gallon bucket but that takes up room.

Get the biggest net you can find. You'll never know what you'll catch in the salt. I have a big net and even so, it took me a while to net the 41" halibut I caught last year.

http://www.egos2slider.com/

I have a EGO net with a 17" x 19" hoop with a clear rubber net which is plenty for most trout and kokanee.  The handle will extend from 48" to 108" which is great to net kokanee before they start freaking out when they get close to the boat.  I use this net in my Alumaweld Stryker, it is way too big and heavy for a yak, the shorter handle units might be light enough for a yak.   
There are different hoop sizes and boat hooks, etc. that can be used with the same handle  (the nets, boat hooks, etc. screw on to the handle).  The net will float too. 

I generally boga or gaff my fish.  Small fish like dabs just get swung on board.  I use a HUGE net for salmon, and keep a folded promar in my hatch for legal reasons.

Okay, now I'm lost... Legally you must have a net of a certain size?  When, where, what?

Okay, now I'm lost... Legally you must have a net of a certain size?  When, where, what?

28.65 ...No person shall take finfish from any boat or other floating
device in ocean waters without having a landing net in possession or available for immediate
use to assist in landing undersize fish of species having minimum size limits; the opening of
any such landing net shall be not less than eighteen inches in diameter.

So technically cabs, lings, greenling have size restrictions so you are supposed to have a net available.

I have found the net to be on board my yak/boat mostly for legal purposes except when salmon fishing when you want as big as you can handle.

Okay, I think I understand what I need now. I will get a net or dive bag but I don't think I will use it very much. Yon never know when you are going to get asked to show one. I guess you could say I was just fishing for sand dabs and be legal though. I don't plan on going for salmon any time soon but it sure sounds good to me...

how is netting a fish which damages scales and skin while rubbing off the protective slime better than lipping a fish?

Okay, now I'm lost... Legally you must have a net of a certain size?  When, where, what?

28.65 ...No person shall take finfish from any boat or other floating
device in ocean waters without having a landing net in possession or available for immediate
use to assist in landing undersize fish of species having minimum size limits; the opening of
any such landing net shall be not less than eighteen inches in diameter.

So technically cabs, lings, greenling have size restrictions so you are supposed to have a net available.

If your crabbing or ab diving then your not "taking finfish" and should not be required to possess a net according to this statute. Correct?


IMHO if you make a habit of fishing in the ocean with a 18" net then it's only a matter of time before your lose the largest fish of the day/year/life by trying to land it by inadequate means. 

Get the biggest net you can find. You'll never know what you'll catch in the salt.

IMHO if you make a habit of fishing in the ocean with a 18" net then it's only a matter of time before your lose the largest fish of the day/year/life by trying to land it by inadequate means. 

+1   

I lost a ling I was guessing to be close to 40" last year.  I had its head to the bottom of my 18" net but more than 1/2 of him was not in.  When I tried to pull it up it flipped out and off my hook.  Then slowly made its way back down.

I think I may get one of these to be legal. I can use it to keep fish and crabs alive for a bit while I am out there... all the better. But I usually just use a stringer.

http://www.amazon.com/Trident-Handle-D-Ring-Divers-Snorkelers/dp/B0061F6XZY/ref=pd_sim_sbs_sg_6