I've always use a dip net in Canada,,, I've never had to land a big Pike in Canoe,, is it worth having a dip net???

never

I always bring a net because bringing in a bi pike with your bare hands can be messy business.

I bring a rectangular shaped hand net and have used it many times. The net is one of those things you seldom use until you do not have it.

Up North, I've lost many a spinnerbait by being lazy and just trying to lift them over the side into the boat,, but I'm not sure about grabbing a thrashing pike by the back in the water,, call me scared !!!!
Next I'll be asking whether to bring my red and white plastic bobber or the winnie the pooh yellow bobber !!!!!

http://cgi.ebay.com/LIPPER-FISH-GRIPPER-LIP-GRABBER-HOT-COLORS_W0QQitemZ290316768100QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item43983a5364&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=72%3A1205|66%3A2|65%3A12|39%3A1|240%3A1318|301%3A1|293%3A1|294%3A50

THe best BWCA landing net, if you want one, is the frabill small ten dollar specail. Very light weight and I've scooped some pretty beefy fish with it. It is rare that you really need one, but when you do (big pike, big trout, walleye of a lifetime) they are ncie to have.

Leaning over in a canoe, to try and collar a nice fish, can cause one to end up swimming with the fishes.

If you find yourself hooked into a big Northern or the Walleye of a lifetime, I suggest landing it from shore. Much easier to do and less chance of dumping your canoe.

I bring in a small net.

I have been very glad to bring one. Helps to land big fish, and may save a dinner that is poorly hooked.

I tried to net a 30plus inch pike last week in the bwca. Never will try that again in my life. it took forever the dang fish untangled and unhooked from the net. they like to twist in the net. I bought one of the folders that fit under the top flap of a duluth pack and it was great for walleye and trout however.

I agree with the comment on shore landing the larger pikes and I do not bring a net into the bwca.

In a tandem I never bring a net. However, I always bring one in my solo.

yea, we finally, after 10 years, went to those rubber nets on Lake of the Woods,, when those big Pike would start death rolling in those string nets we would literally have to cut the net to get them out,, painful...
Entry Pt 32,, 3rd week of June,, it's close !!!! I can smell the Pike Musk already!!!!!
Any Gabbro fishing reports out there ????

Orange fish jaw pliers........Kanoes........picture please?

This little $12 tool worked flawlessly for me last week. It locks like a vice grip, is very light, floats in water, and doesn't harm the fish or you.

Fish gripper

Bring the Pike to shore and bring a collapsible net for the Walleye and Bass. http://www.boundarywaterscatalog.com/browse.cfm/4,424.html

Pike are a bitch to net. I just don't fish for them. I catch them by accident.

Leave the net at home, but that fish gripper seems like a good idea if you dont like to get a pike under the gill plate or across the back, but then i really dont fish for them, so im biased ..

landed this guy without a net.


same with this



no need to net pike.

only walleye and trout. even then once I have enough for a meal I dont net beacuse it is so hard on the fish.

chad-you mean you didn't net that one through the ice-lol?

you haven't posted those pictures in awhile though so you're forgiven. bragger;)

tg