What Size Landing Net for Carp Fishing?
With the warmer weather just around the corner I decided to re-evaluate my Carp fishing rig. It has been awhile since I’ve designated my time to solely fishing for Carp as I’ve focused my attention on fishing for smaller species such as Roach and Perch.
I know that my rods and reels are all in good stead, I’ve got a post in the pipe-line to discuss a full Carp fishing rig, but I wanted to talk a little bit about the gear that some people may forget to consider when transitioning from smaller species, such as Silverfish, to larger species, such as Carp.
If you’d like to learn more about the differences between Silverfish and Carp, I have a great article on the subject here – Fishing, What are Silverfish?
Now, as I’m in the market specifically for a landing net, I thought it would be a good idea to talk about the type and size you need.
A Carp landing net should be between 42 inch and 50 inch with a spreader block; which gives the net a bow shape and has a draw cord to attach the two arms at the front. This makes the net fold down and roll up easily enough to fit in to your rod bag.
The net should have a mesh size of no bigger than 15mm.
In my opinion, the landing net is an essential piece of equipment and you should never attempt to catch a fish without one. In this article I will discuss the different types of landing net available and which are best for Carp and Coarse fishing.
Features of a Landing Net
Carp fishing nets are much larger than Coarse fishing nets simply due to the fact that aimong for a specimen carp, that could be well in to double figures, is a different kettle of fish (excuse the pun!) to a specimen Perch or Roach, that would be maxing out between 3lb – 4lb.
A standard Coarse fishing landing net doesn’t really need to be any bigger than approximately 20 inches. These nets are easy to handle with one hand making them more practicle for landing fish in quick succession.
A Carp Landing Net would typically be 42 inches – 50 inches with a lot more meshing, making them not only wider but also deeper than a Coarse fishing net, to accommodate the larger fish.
Not only are Carp Landing nets more difficult the manoeuvre due to their size; when they soaked in water they become unexpectedly heavy too, add to that weight a 15lb+ fish and using one hand to get the fish out of the water becomes more than a challenge for most people.
The mesh of the net plays an important role, not only in the types of water you fish, but also in protecting the fish.
For Carp fishing it is highly recommended that you use a Landing Net with a mesh no bigger than 15mm in diameter, this helps to protect the scales of the fish also the delecate dorsal fins.
Some Coarse fishing landing nets feature a mesh with a larger diameter at the sides and an extra fine mesh on the base. This helps prevent drag on the net when fishing flowing waters, such as streams and rivers, while the fine mesh on the base helps to protect the fish as you remove it from the water.
Some landing nets feature rubberised meshing. This is much more durable then other mesh and would usually be used when predator fishing or in waters that house debris that the net could become caught and damaged on.
Landing nets are not generally sold with a handle, and you’ll have to purchase this separately. It’s important to choose a handle that, firstly, meets the required length of your fishing needs, and secondly, is light and comfortable enough for you to handle with a heavy fish and sodden net on the end of it; whilst also being strong and rigid enough to weild with some finesse.
Why Use a Landing Net
The purpose of a landing net is to safely get the fish you’ve hooked from the water to the bank without causing any harm to the fish.
It turns my stomach when I see pictures of people holding their fish with it hanging on the line on the hook firmly embeded in its lip or internals.
I can kind of understand it when the fish is tiny; and I mean so tiny that you barely even know the hook is on the line. or When fishing for food such as sea fishing and you intend to kill and keep the fish. Sometimes in this scenario you would be fishing off a pier, rocks or even large boat making it impossible to use a landing net.
But when it comes to Coarse fishing, where catch and release is the objective, you should be returning the fish to the water in the same condition that you took it.
How to Use a Landing Net
When you fight a fish and bring it towards the bank you want to aiming to have the fish somewhat tired out before you try and get in to your landing net.
Bring the head of the fish up the surface of the water and with your non-dominant hand handle the landing net.
You want the fish to be at the suface of the water, don’t try netting the fish at a depth that its difficult to see what you’re doing, you should be in control of both the fish and the net at all times.
Guide the fish in to the landing, don’t chase the fish around the water with the net.
One the fish is in the net, keep the rim of the next, and the fish, on or just below the surface of the water and drag the net through through the water towards the bank.
Once the net is close enough, lift the landing from the water by holding the rim of the landing net. Never try and lift the fish from the water by the handle of the landing net. This can cause damage to your handle, your landing and most importantly, the fish.
Best Carp Landing Net 2019
Right now Amazon are selling this Landing Net at a great price. It meets all the points and features I’ve discussed in this article and will be my choice of purchase.
NGT 42″ Dual Float Landing Net with Metal Block and 2pc 6ft 1.8m Carp Coarse Fishing Full Carbon Dynamic Landing Net Handle – (Click to check current Amazon Price)
