Thread: Gaff vs Pier Net

What's the most popular on the pier? I know once you gaff a fish, it's pretty much dead. Does a pier net provide any catch and release benefits? I know that is one long ride up from the water to the pier...so maybe not....

Brad

You said it yourself in that you don't gaff a fish unless you intended to kill it.

The big toothy fish can chew up a net, I've been told.

Like Mr.George said, don't put a hole through it if you don't intend to kill it. With proper and quick handling, most fish can be caught and released successfully, with the exception of Mackerels. Better to just pop off a King if you don't intend to harvest it.

Bull reds that are going to be released should be netted and then lowered back to the water in the net. They swim off and survive. If thrown over the side the long drop sometimes burst their bladder and they later die even if you see them swim off. The big ones are our brood stock and not near as good to eat. Let them make babies and catch them before they get too big. I would rather see someone keep a short than kill one of the big ones.

I guess that was more or less my question, I'm all for catch and release unless we truly plan to harvest the fish.

If the Good Lord woulda wanted more holes in those fish he'd a put 'em there hisself ;-) lol

Originally Posted by Pier#r

If the Good Lord woulda wanted more holes in those fish he'd a put 'em there hisself ;-) lol

then why did you take one ....both have there place in fishing....some fish need gaffed and some need netted

Kill em & grill em!

About the best example is bull reds and any other large-ish fish that is intended to release.
Give them a ride up and a gentle ride down. They WILL swim away...

Otherwise they are ALL 'groceries' ;-) lol

Originally Posted by Pier#r

If the Good Lord woulda wanted more holes in those fish he'd a put 'em there hisself ;-) lol

And there it is! I knew this was coming, and patiently waited!