Catfish Netting 101

[catmandew]

Ok heading for Stu's place mid-September.

Looks like I'm going up by myself this year.

My question is, is there a secret to landing those cats with 1 man in the boat??? Stop by and puchase an extra long handled net? Couple years past, when Dad would turn in early, seems like I was 0 for 4 on my own. Any ideas much appreciated!

thanks

Tom

[hadanooner]

when a re ya heading up? I might be able tohelp you net a few up there. Nooner

[Wiskers]

I tell ya what, Netting them piggies by your self is not a good time. Unless you have a very stout rod that you can hold them up and forward of the boat, your not in for a good experience. Them kitties up there are not one man critters. It can be done but you take the chance of loosing them and or breaking your stuff. Use the buddy system when every possible. LOL Safety first.. LOL...

[Ed Carlson]

I tend to agree, one man, one handed sumo rustl'n is not an easy task. They beat ya up with 2 good arms on the net.

It can be done and a large deep bagged net like thge Frabill Big Kahuna will help bag the piggie. It can act like a holding pen for you to gain youe composure and unhook the piggie. I have Driftmaster rod holders on my rig and with the long net handle and the deep bag I can hook the net under a rod holder and do the release work outside the boat. Takes practice but it will work.

No matter what, netting a sumo in the flow alone is a job and a half. A partner would be well advised.

[catmandew]

Nooner looks like the 19th thru the weekend.

Thanks Ed, U gots the wheels turning, how to hold a net(mechanically?) and direct a cat into it.

I dunno, if all else fails, sitting on the porch eating french fries all day, would still be vacation.

[Ed Carlson]

Stu maybe you and Frabill can work on a piggy swing for the pontoon. Herd'um in, swing'um & up to Papa. LOL!

I have had many a backach just hoisting them in 2-handed, I am all up for a C&R Sumo Swing.

See ya soon...><,,>

[Canuck]

My only sugguestion would be to stay from the dam. The less current U have the better. This year U should be lucky as the current really isn't that bad. Like Eddy said those Frabils with the big bag really help, U can lay the net across the boat and when U get the kitty close enough to net tuck your rod under your arm and with your left hand just drop the net into the water and direct the kitty into the net. Not the net to the fish. It sounds easier that it is but then staying at home is not either.

In 2 1/2 hrs this morning 10 til 1 PM 10 kitties with 9 being masters, the longest 39" and it would be pushing the very high 20s