Article by Capt. Mark Sampson
Fishermen typically spend a lot of time and resources setting themselves up to catch fish. We study and learn about where to go and what baits, lures, tackle and techniques to use to catch our intended species. But one step in the process that’s often overlooked is being prepared with the skills and tools to actually land the fish that has been successfully hooked and brought to the boat, pier, or shoreline. Nets and gaffs are two of the most important tools anglers have to successfully seal the deal when they land a keeper, but they can also be a source of great sorrow if used improperly.
The most common mistake I see anglers make is trying to use a net to “scoop” the fish up from behind. Most fish can’t swim backwards but they sure can move forwards more quickly than anyone can ever hope to scoop a net through the water. So two rules to remember are:
1. Fish should enter a net headfirst so that if they try to dart away they’re more likely to swim “in” rather than “out” of the net.
2. Never “scoop” with the net. The mesh of a typical landing net creates so much resistance that it’s impossible to move it through the water fast enough to catch up to an evading fish. Instead of trying to chase a fish down, the net should be positioned in the water such that the angler can maneuver the fish over the opening and then the net is simply lifted up and around the fish.
Anglers shouldn’t be fooled into thinking that fish don’t see the net coming. Fish are typically very aware of the presence of a net and, if they still have the strength, will make whatever maneuvers are necessary not to end up in the middle of it. This in itself sometimes fosters the need to keep the net somewhat concealed until the fish is right up to it. This can be done by holding the net up against the hull of the boat until the fish is brought in close, at which time the net can be rotated 90-degrees and right into the fish’s path. Another way is to keep the net completely out of the water and just above where the fish is being led to. At just the right time the net is plunged down in front of the fish. While this method can prove effective, it can also lead to disaster if the fish spooks, dodges the net and the fish fouls on the frame or mesh, causing a break-off.
It’s also helpful to avoid netting the terminal tackle along with the fish. A lot of flounder and sea bass fishermen have learned the hard way, that anytime a two-hook bottom rig ends up in a net with a fish, it’s going to be a long process to get the tangled up mess cleared so they can get back to fishing. Often it’s impossible to keep from netting the hooks, but by all means anglers should avoid getting the sinker in there too. Sinkers just seem to have a knack for clinging to the inside of a net. There’s nothing worse than having a net tied up in a tangle when it’s needed for another fish. Netting the fish without the entire rig can save a lot of time and aggravation.
More of a strike than a trap, the action of gaffing a fish is much different from netting one. The angler still needs to get control of the fish and bring it in close to the boat, but it doesn’t have to be totally whipped into submission before the gaff can be used. Once the fish is brought to the surface, the gaff is used in one fluid move to stick the fish and sweep it directly into the boat. A common mistake made by fishermen is to put the gaff in the water and try to lift it up and into the fish. Just like nets, gaffs have too much drag in the water to keep up with evading fish. Gaffs should be brought down over the top of a fish, The catch should be impaled in or just behind the head and then brought directly into the boat. If the fish is left wiggling over the water too long there’s always a chance that it will twist off the gaff and be lost. Experienced fishermen will prepare ahead of time by having the fish box open and ready to accept the catch which can then be swung out of the water and deposited directly into the box.
Anglers often make the mistake of trying to gaff a fish that is too deep. Long gaff handles are to help anglers reach “out” not “down.” Stick a big fish that’s too deep and it could have enough power to pull the gaff right out of your hands! Whenever possible, the person wielding the gaff should be positioned on the proper side of the angler so that he doesn’t have to reach out over the leader or line with the gaff to strike the fish. Many fish have been lost when they surge forward and pull the leader into the gaff before it’s planted. The gaff-man must be patient and wait until the fish is at the surface within easy reach before taking his shot. It can also help if the fish is angled slightly away because as it kicks its tail to swim away it will help drive the gaff deeper.
A net or gaff and the ability to use them properly is pretty much what stands between a fish brought to the boat and one put “in” the boat. The successful use of either one can be a source of great joy, while a foul-up can lead to unimaginable disappointment.
Captain Mark Sampson is an outdoor writer and captain of the charter boat “Fish Finder”, docked at the Ocean City Fishing Center.
