How do you store your net for quick and easy access?

[Jim]

I'm in the process of rigging a new boat. I'm looking for some inovative idea's of how to store your net. I'm looking for an idea how to keep it out of the way and yet readily available. I'm sure there has to be a number of good idea's out there! I hope you are willing to share them with all of us who are still searching for the answer.

[Phil T.]

Mine is stored vertically behind the driver's seat in a pvc tube that is screwed to the gunnel.
On the rare days that I fish from the bow of my boat, I one of six similar tubes attached to the front side of my consoles that normally serve as rod storage.

[RANGER]

I have an 18 ft, dual console boat. In the transom area I have sliding doors covering the fuel tanks and the batteries. On the door I attached a PVC tube, 2" ID in the verticle position. I use an OffShore Release attached to the handle to hold the bottom of the net so it is not blowing around. When you net the fish the release, releases (Really?). Got this release part from someone here on WC! Nice idea, too. This is really a nice set up and it is immediately available


RANGER


"KEEP YOUR LINES WET, YOUR POWDER DRY and THE BEER COLD"

[Jerry]

I have a 1850 SportFish. I mounted my net horizontally on the port side panel in the cockpit using clips which the handle snaps into. This is out-of-the-way yet easily accessible. It does block the side rod storage locker but not a big deal to move it if I need to get in there.

[Steve(CO)]

Ranger:
Love the release idea. Is your net coated or uncoated? I wonder if it would release as well with a coated ("tangle proof")net.

[cisco]

Mine sits in a vertical net holder -- easy to get to and always free of tackle and other items that stick to nets like velcro.

The only problem for those who are super private is that other anglers see when your net goes down -- some guys hate to have any other anglers know when they are on to fish. I know a couple Lake Michigan anglers who act like it's a farm pond.

[Bottomfeeder]

I have a Skeeter S135dc. When we are trolling, I have an extra seat post in the bow, and that's where the net goes. Out of the way until you need it. I used to leave it in all the time until we were in really rough water and I was going too fast. I caught it as it was flying over my head. Now we just lay it down to travel.

[REW]

With my old boat - which was a walk through windshield - I put a rubber - catch on the bottom of the walk through as well as on the side of the walk through.
When fishing - with the windshield open - I simply put the net vertical - between the windshield - with the net DOWNWARD. By having the net down - the wind wouldn't blow the net and blow water into the down wind fisherman.

By having the net between the windshields - it wasn't in any ones way- and easy access to the bow and stern. When underway - simply lay on the side of the boat or floor.

For the current boat - which is a side console - I have a couple of rubber holders on the port side of the boat.

The net fits nicely on the port side - with the net just in front of the port storage locker.
Again - easy access for the bow or stern fisherman - and it stows there both during fishing as well as underway. Convenient - no net flapping in the wind, and no handle or net to get in the way of casting.

Take care

REW

[Sparky]

When running I put my nets in the stern rod holders. When trolling they are put in the forward rod holders, one port and one starboard. I also keep the net bags secured with rubber pad releases that are taped to the handle. No more nets getting tangled up with fish teeth! You're correct in putting some thought to where your equipment is located. It makes for a more productive and relaxing fishing trip.

Sparky

[Jim Kiehne]

I just wanted to say thanks for the ideas! Everyone has their own way of doing things. I'm sure each one of these works well in their particular application. I'm looking at using a couple of these ideas rolled into one. If any one else has ideas, I would still like to hear them. THANKS!!!!

[GORD]

There are probably a lot better ways to do it but I just lay it on the floor and put my foot on it. What some guys do is use two nets. A smaller rubber net is used for smaller slot fish and a big net for bigger fish. Why two nets you ask. If one net is full of crankbait hooks and a fish is flopping around in it, you will have a "plan B" for the big fish on the other line. A spare net can save you a fish and win you some money in a tournament.

[RANGER]

Steve(CO),

The net is not coated. It is the newer, densely wrapped fiber material that is said to be "hook resistant" and bought at Dick's. I gave up on coated nets and the rubber "non-tangle" ones'. They were not as advertised. Coated nets self destruct in the sun and the rubber nets serve as trampolines for the fish. Personally, I hate them!


RANGER


"KEEP YOUR LINES WET, YOUR POWDER DRY and THE BEER COLD"

[Sparky]

That's a good reminder! I always carry two nets. When the fishing gets busy it can be very helpful to have a spare.

Sparky