Quote:
Originally Posted by james92026
Having read the reg stating the requirement for a landing net, and noting the prices for Promar, I spotted a cheap one at Big 5 for only $9.95 which is compact, yet 24 inches wide. I doubt if I be using one....
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The landing net reg is really designed for boats. The idea being when you're up off the water there is no way to measure a fish in the water. So you need a net to bring smaller fish that are close to the legal size up for measuring, and with a net you can release shorts safely.
Technically the reg specifies a landing net with a opening of no less then 18 inches in diameter, but like the old hoopnet regs it does not specify the nets construction.
When I first got into kayaking I had a discussion with a DFG warden I knew about this. He said that any net with an eighteen inch opening in your possession would be considered a landing net.
What I did was take an old broken 26 inch diameter net, cut the frame out of it and then I threaded a cord through loops and made it into a net/drawstring net bag. Since it has no frame it stores easy under the deck and at the end of the day I can use it as a catch bag to carry my fish. I suppose in theory I could net a fish with it, but at any rate it technically meets the DFG definition and I just keep it wadded up stored below my deck in the front hatch.
I always get a chuckle when I see guys with huge nets stuck up out of their poleholders while fishing kayaks. They don't really need them, and personally I wouldn't want a big net sticking up acting like a sail in the wind or tangling up with stuff. I like to keep a minimal amount of gear above deck. Just less to go wrong if conditions go bad or if you hook something challenging.
Generally the net rule is not enforced when it comes to kayaks, because Duh!!! we are right on the water. I've personally never been asked to produce a net, but it's nice to know my net is in my possession, and according to my buddy with the DFG it would meet the regs if I was asked to produce a net.
Jim