|
Boundary Waters Quetico Forum :: Fishing Forum :: Net or gripper?
|
| Author | Message Text | ||
| OgimaaBines |
Argo1: "I've been using a gripper the last few years. It usually works fine but a big pike can be down right challenging at times. After seeing my partner hook himself on the last trip, I am really starting to consider a net instead. They have their own set of problems, but the hope that I can keep the fish out of the boat and away from me while getting the hook out. With a gripper, you just have no real control with a truly big fish." I bought and tried out some of the metal grippers on my woodland caribou trip last spring. My first fish I needed then for was a 38" northern and I had a hell of a time getting them on while that thing was still full of piss and vinegar. I've used them on another dozen or so fish but really am concerned about them trading and getting hooked (though I crimp the barbs these days). Whenever possible, I land fish by hand, behind the head and will be using a rubberized net when it's a better option. |
||
| timatkn |
Me personally, I am going after large fish and releasing so I use a large rubberized net that breaks down to easily carry. Hooks don’t ever get stuck in it, fish can be landed before the point of exhaustion. I’ve used a fish gripper too, but prefer a net for myself. Please DO NOT drag fish to shore to land. You are hauling them out of the deep cold water into warm water and literally playing the fish to “death” whether it swims off or not it probably will succumb to delayed hooking mortality. If you cannot land a fish out of the canoe with your technique, then you probably need to review your method of capture. Please DO NOT play fish to “death” until they just lay on the surface un less you plan to keep it for dinner. You are building up so much lactic acid and fatigue into the fish it will have a tough time surviving. Once again high delayed hooking mortality. I think nylon fishing nets should be outlawed :) but personally they are worthless IMHO. Take the slime protective layer off of fish, hooks foul in them, they cut the fins—damage fish, and will eventually rot and break. Mostly though I hate them because they damage fish. T |
||
| scottiebaldwin |
fun4dad2: "scottiebaldwin: "Converted from net to gripper. I'll never look back. “All-encompassingly” (shameless Mitch Hedberg reference there) I agree with barbs in the net being a PITA! Don’t bother swapping out your hooks, rather just take a needle-nose pliers and pinch down those barbs. They reset right back into the hook perfectly. |
||
| YetiJedi |
When I'm solo, neither. |
||
| Rambler |
|
||
| pastorjsackett |
So net it is. Usually for the larger walleye. |
||
| mapsguy1955 |
|
||
| NEIowapaddler |
|
||
| Rambler |
mapsguy1955: "Hand and all hooks are barbless. Makes it easier 95% of the time. " “Easier 95% of the time” I like it ha ha |
||
| cyclones30 |
Good quality, do the job, don't weigh anything and aren't bulky like nets |
||
| Savage Voyageur |
|
||
| TomT |
It’s also better for catch and release. The fish can remain in the water next to the canoe while the hook is being removed. I’ve had occasions where the big fish is laying in the boat thrashing and having to take a long time removing hooks. On 2 occasions I couldn’t revive 40 inch pike. With this big rubberized net the fish remains in the water the whole time even while the hook is removed. To see how this is done check out the latest trip video from “Lost Lakes” from his Wabakimi trip a few weeks ago. Lost Lakes Wabakimi 2024 |
||
| Jackfish |
You're already sitting close to the water. Most, if not all, walleyes can easily be hand-landed simply by grabbing the fish behind the head while using the palm of the hand to lay the dorsal fin down. With bass, you get the fish up to the boat and slip a thumb inside the mouth and hold the fish vertical by the lower jaw. Doing so neutralizes the fish and keeps it steady while you remove the lure. When it comes to northern pike, we hand land them like we do walleye. It can be a little more exciting at the boat, but once you get "the claw" on them behind the head, they generally cooperate. You use your spare hand to grab a pliers and remove the lure. Sometimes, a jaw spreader is required. The bottom line is, the vast majority of fish that you'll catch are very easy to land by hand and you don't have to mess with another piece of gear in the canoe. It just takes a little practice. And if you DO end up catching a large northern, your net probably won't be large enough anyway. |
||
| TomT |
Fraybill short handle net. |
||
| schweady |
|
||
| Argo1 |
|
||
| TomT |
IMO barbed hooks and multiple trebles have killed a lot of fish (keeping them in the boat too long) A rubber net with a basket shaped bottom and barbless hooks is best for the fish and our skin. The fish never comes in the boat and if you want a pic it’s simple to take it out for less than 30 Seconds before it’s released. All that said and I will still use my hand for most smaller fish. |
||
| lyontyl |
1. No more getting the tangled lure out of the net 2. Less cumbersome. Takes up less space. 3. Less hard on the fish. You can keep them in the water. Netting fish can be stressful and harmful on the fish. One down side: I have lost a few fish trying to get the grippers on the mouth of the fish in the water. I use the Berkley fish grippers that have the automatic gripping mechanism. Makes it much easier. Thanks! |
||
| Argo |
|
||
| WesternHills |
I've read across numerous conservation websites, and it seems to be a mixed opinion on whether a gripper or a net is safer for the fish. Either way, when practicing "catch and release" it is recommended to keep the fish in the water as much as possible, and also maintain control of the fish (so it isn't thrashing around) as much as possible. Also, needle nose pliers are NOT fish grippers. (sorry had to say it, it's a big pet peeve of mine) |
||
| scottiebaldwin |
Try pinching your barbs (that's not a euphemism). Decide for yourself and then "you do you!" I support your preference. |
||
| fun4dad2 |
scottiebaldwin: "Converted from net to gripper. I'll never look back. If you are going to Quetico, pinching or even barbless is mandatory. I am currently swapping out some of my hooks with barbless hooks. Sorry, a little off topic, but those barbs in the net are a PITA! |