Hey,
I practice solely catch and release. Until this year the whole subject was moot since there was no catch. I've blundered into some success and am concerned to keep my hooking mortality to a minimum. I debarb all my hooks and try to minimize the time the fish is played.(As you can see from my previous notes, I'm often too good at that, releasing before the catch and donating the fly). I don't own a net and have seen articles by Fran Betters who advises not removing the fish from the water. I have to admit I have trouble corraling the slippery devils and am not certain I could get my fly out without holding onto the fish. Question is, do nets decrease the stress and injury, if so what is the best net to use( please keep in mind I'm not looking to spend $100 on a net. Thanks,Frogge.
I practice solely catch and release. Until this year the whole subject was moot since there was no catch. I've blundered into some success and am concerned to keep my hooking mortality to a minimum. I debarb all my hooks and try to minimize the time the fish is played.(As you can see from my previous notes, I'm often too good at that, releasing before the catch and donating the fly). I don't own a net and have seen articles by Fran Betters who advises not removing the fish from the water. I have to admit I have trouble corraling the slippery devils and am not certain I could get my fly out without holding onto the fish. Question is, do nets decrease the stress and injury, if so what is the best net to use( please keep in mind I'm not looking to spend $100 on a net. Thanks,Frogge.