Nets & Handles

Looking After What You Catch

Get a handle long enough for the swims you fish — trying to reach a fish with something too short is how fish get lost right at the end. Soft, fish-friendly mesh protects scales and slime and is a rule on most venues now, so check yours for holes and wear at the start of the season. If you use a keepnet, use a big one, keep it in deep water and don’t leave fish in it longer than you need to. Rinse and dry nets between venues, which is good practice for not carrying anything from one water to another.