By Rayford Contreras 
Catch-and-release fishing is only as ethical as the care you take in handling the fish. The Fly fishing net you choose and how you use it play a crucial role in ensuring the fish’s survival after release. Improper net use can damage scales, remove protective slime, and cause unnecessary stress, lowering the chances of survival. With the right technique, however, you can protect the fish, improve your success, and honor the sport. This guide will walk you through how to properly use a fly fishing net without harming fish, from selecting the right type of net to handling and releasing your catch.
Why Net Handling Matters in Fly Fishing
For many anglers, the joy of fly fishing lies not just in the thrill of the catch but in preserving fish populations for future generations. Catch-and-release practices are most effective when the fish experiences minimal harm. This means using gear and techniques designed to reduce injury, and your net is at the center of that process.
The Connection Between Nets and Fish Safety
A poorly chosen or improperly used net can lead to scale loss, fin tears, or gill damage. Over time, these injuries can leave fish vulnerable to disease and predators. Conversely, a high-quality net used properly can cradle the fish gently, keeping it in the water longer and reducing stress.
Choosing the Right Fly Fishing Net
The first step in protecting fish is selecting a net that’s designed with catch-and-release in mind. Not all nets are created equal, and some materials are far more fish-friendly than others.
Material Matters: Rubber Over Nylon
Traditional nylon mesh can be abrasive, damaging the protective slime coating that fish rely on for defense against infection. Rubber or rubber-coated mesh is the gold standard for fish safety. It’s smooth, knotless, and less likely to tangle in hooks or fins.
Frame Size and Shape
A net that’s too small will make landing a fish difficult, forcing you to squeeze or bend the fish unnaturally. Ideally, choose a hoop that allows the fish to rest naturally in the water without bending its body. Teardrop-shaped nets are popular for their versatility and control.
Handle Length for Control
Short handles are great for wading and small stream fishing, while longer handles help in drift boats or when reaching over fast current. The right length helps you land fish quickly, reducing the amount of time they struggle.
Best Practices for Using Your Fly Fishing Net
Once you’ve selected the right net, proper technique is what will truly safeguard the fish.
Keep the Fish in the Water
Whenever possible, land and release fish without fully removing them from the water. This limits oxygen deprivation and stress. Use your net to support the fish just under the surface while you remove the hook.
Approach Smoothly and Calmly
A sudden net jab can spook the fish, causing them to thrash and exhaust themselves. Instead, guide the fish head-first into the net using steady pressure on the line. The calmer the approach, the less stress on the fish.
Use the Net as a Cradle
Think of your net as a hammock, not a cage. Once the fish is in the net, avoid pressing down or bunching the mesh around it. Let the fish rest comfortably while you prepare for release.
Hook Removal and Fish Handling
Even the safest net can’t prevent harm if the fish is mishandled afterward.
Minimize Air Exposure
Every second out of water increases stress levels. Ideally, a fish should spend less than 10 seconds above water during the entire release process. Prepare tools like pliers or hemostats ahead of time so you can remove the hook quickly.
Wet Your Hands First
Dry hands can remove the slime layer that protects fish from parasites. Always wet your hands before touching the fish, and handle it as little as possible.
Support, Don’t Squeeze
Use both hands to support the fish—one under the belly and one near the tail. Never squeeze tightly, as this can damage internal organs.
Special Considerations for Different Species
Not all fish have the same tolerance for handling. Understanding the species you’re targeting will help you adapt your net use accordingly.
Trout and Salmonids
These species are particularly sensitive to stress and require gentle handling. A soft rubber mesh net and minimal air exposure are critical.
Bass and Panfish
While more resilient, they still benefit from in-water hook removal and minimal handling.
Saltwater Species
Saltwater fish often fight harder and may require larger nets with deeper bags. Their scales are also prone to damage, making rubber-coated mesh essential.
Maintaining Your Fly Fishing Net for Safety
A damaged or dirty net can harm fish even if your technique is perfect.
Clean After Every Trip
Algae, dirt, and debris can scratch or irritate fish. Rinse your net with fresh water after every use, especially in saltwater environments.
Check for Tears and Rough Spots
Even a small tear in the mesh can create sharp edges. Inspect your net regularly and repair or replace it as needed.
Store Properly
Keep your net out of direct sunlight when not in use to prevent UV damage to the mesh and frame.
Ethical Fly Fishing Beyond the Net
A proper fly fishing net is only one part of the equation. True ethical angling also involves respecting regulations, practicing selective harvest where legal, and educating fellow anglers on fish-safe techniques. By being mindful in every aspect of your fishing, you help ensure that future generations can enjoy the same experiences you do today.
Final Thoughts
Using a fly fishing net properly is about more than just landing a fish—it’s about preserving the very resource that makes the sport possible. By choosing the right materials, handling fish gently, and prioritizing in-water releases, you can greatly improve post-release survival rates. Fly fishing is as much about stewardship as it is about skill, and every responsible choice you make on the water contributes to a healthier fish population. Next time you hit the river, let your net be a tool of conservation, not harm.