Pier fishing is a great way to get indoctrinated into the world of fishing. You can practice your throws, try different baits, and learn the differences between fishing in the morning and during the day.
Beginner anglers and those with years under their belt require nets to assist in landing their catch. A hoop net is the equipment of choice as it allows you to reel in the catch without much physical effort and keeps your fishing line intact. Moreover, it does not physically damage the fish while reeling it in.
The different types of nets have their strengths and weaknesses. Some are used in piers of greater heights and some in shallower regions. The targeted fish also has an impact on what type of net is deployed.
In this article, I will share insights on different nets available and when to use them. I will also make recommendations on nets that should be a part of your equipment arsenal. So, without further adieu, let’s begin!
Why Do You Need A Landing Net When Pier Fishing?
Fishing appears to be a very delicate job as it is very easy for fishes to slip from your fingers. It is your equipment and experience that can make the job more complicated than it needs to be. However, it is these ropes that can give an angler the experiences he cherishes the most.
When it is about hunting for fish, there is a lot more to angling than to just drop a line and to stand by for the fish to bite. A pier fishing
net is required depending on the fishing piers of your choice. They come in different shapes and sizes, so is the adventure that they bring along.
It is all about the pursuit and achieving your objective. But once you can catch the fish, it is essential to safely take fish out of the water. If you are not careful during this process, the line can break, subsequently losing the prize.
After knowing the tips and tricks of catching fish properly, it is equally crucial that you claim the hunt safely.
So, how do you do that? The answer is simple, with a net. But it is not as simple as that and has some peculiar nuances to it. Just like not all rods and reels are made the same, so are the nets that are at our disposal.
The choice of net depends on the catch. If you are on the pier to catch larger fish, it is advised to have a hoop net at hand. Hoop nets provide support in lifting the fish from water onto the pier so it can be reeled in without breaking the line. This is crucial if you are planning to release the fish afterwards.
Other net options may damage or kill the fish before you get to have a closer look at it. On the other hand, if you want to try hand hauling on the pier, your hands will go through extra stress due to the fish’s weight and the friction on the line.
Using a gaff will most likely kill the fish. Therefore, if you want the fish to be alive and unharmed, hoop nets are not only safer but also easier to manage.
Should You Use a Landing Net When Surf Fishing as Well?
When using a trolling rod for surf fishing, it is recommended to also use a landing net. The net can help safely secure and bring in larger catches, preventing break-offs and ensuring successful hauls. Using a landing net can make your surf fishing experience more efficient and enjoyable.
What Kind Of Landing Net Should Be Used For Pier Fishing?
Once you have decided to fish on the pier, it is time to arrange for your choice of the net for the endeavour. Drop nets come with a rigid metal frame, which is mostly round. They have a robust stitched mesh of rope that can be 50 to 100 feet long.
More extended nets are available, but they can easily get tangled and knotted up. In addition, it can be challenging to transport them. Despite this, you can have a larger net for pier fishing, and there are no rules against it.
The fishing scene has diverse options for you to choose from, and there are a plethora of options available for you to choose from. We have shared some durable options that will serve the purpose and hold you in good stead.
Fabrill 36 Inch Drop/Pier Net
Our first recommendation comes from Frabill. Their 36 Inch Drop/Pier Net arrives at your doorstep with 50 feet of rope. It has a solid steel hoop frame and is made to handle decent sized fish.
The 1/1/2″ mesh is relatively stable and is 36″ deep, giving you a decent volume for a ray or small shark. Typically Fabrill 36 inch drop/pier net is waiting to be unboxed and is ready for action.
The Promar Deluxe Hoop Nets comes with 100 feet of poly rope. It has two plastic floats, both of whom serve different purposes. One is next to the tie point of the net and the other at the opposite end.
The upper hoop is extensive, comprising 36 inches and the lower hoop of the net is smaller, comprising 14 inches hoop. This lower hoop keeps the mesh down as it hits the water and helps the net maintain its shape.
While selecting the nets for pier fishing, it is not a thumb rule to have a drop net. If you are fishing at a reasonably low pier, then a conventional telescopic net with a robust handle does the deed equally good.
The EGO S2 Slider Fishing Net has a 19 inches hoop with 29 – 60 inches of rope extends. They can catch a fish upto 20 lbs when extended, which increases to 30 lbs when retracted.
EASY BIG Foldable Fishing Net Hand Net
If it is fairly good weather and you have a camp already in mind, then taking EASY BIG Foldable Fishing Net Hand Net is a good choice. It takes very less space thanks to its flexible net and soft metal rims.
Hunting for small fish, crabs and shrimps can be quite an adventure to go with. With a top diameter of slightly less than 40 inches and the bottom ring’s diameter of 31.5 inches, it is great for ponds and shallow water pier fishing.
Large Fish Landing Net is an inexpensive option for you to consider. It is made from steel wire and nylon, making it durable, lightweight, and foldable. It is equally suitable for the small fish, crab, and shrimps, but this one is double in size, so you can double your catch when baited. It can pull almost anything out of shallow waters and allows you to double your score.
Trophy Series Collapsible Landing Nets
Pomar has an excellent offer in the Trophy Series Collapsible Landing Net. It has a metal-plated high-quality plastic handle that tends to bend easily while fishing for big fish over 5 lbs or more. Even a bigger fish like catfish up to 50 plus pounds can be easily managed by this net thanks to its 18 to 20 inches depth, which increases by a further six inches with a flex.
As the name suggests, it has a small size but upon extension, gives you greater utility. It also gives the fish more room to dive given its retractable depth. You can handle most of the eating fish with this slick piece of equipment.
How Do You Net A Fish From A Pier?
Pier nets consist of a series of metal rings. Two rings are connected through a strong netting of cotton or nylon. Both of these come into play, and when it comes to landing the fish from a pier, the drop net does all the hard work for you.
It is considered probably the easiest way to catch fish, but you need to have solid footing when the time comes.
To start off, just lower the net into the area you have selected. Go just below the waterline and allow the fish to move in the mouth of the net. Once a fish there, all you need to do is haul the net up, and the fish will not know what has hit it.
Remember that the fish is still connected to the fishing line, and only haul up when it has drifted over the net. Once the fish is at the net opening, the net is raised up and over the railing. This could get challenging if fishing in a fast current.
A useful drop net for pier fishing consists of a good rope attached to it and a solid metal frame. As this gives the net ability to pull out some relatively heavy fish.
If your pier is not too high from the waterline, then a long-handled regular-sized landing net for pier fishing can work equally well. However, if you get to 10 feet or more, then a drop net is the foremost line of action.
