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Should Anglers Use Keep Nets?
There has been a long raging argument over the issue of anglers who catch their fish and keep them in a net during their fishing session. This can be a long tubular mesh perhaps 12 feet long supported by hoops of around 18 inches in diameter. The net is closed at one end and the other is fixed to a metal stake that is pegged into the bank. Fish can be popped in to the net during the session.
Other forms of keep net include, carp sacs and pike sacs. These are mesh bags usually of very fine weave that are just big enough to contain a specimen fish. These are usually closed up at either end and staked out in the water.
The traditional keep net is used by match anglers who need to weigh their catch at the end of the day and by pleasure anglers who like to have a look and perhaps photograph their catch when finished. The specimen sacs are essential parts of the pike and carp tackle box intended to let the larger fish rest after their tussle with the angler and recover so that they are strong enough to swim away safely. The close weave sacs will allow oxygenated water to flow through but usually shade the fish from stressful sunlight.
Arguments against keeping fish rather than releasing them straight away include it is kinder on the fish. Some say that the period of rest is essential as weakened fish are prone to disease and predation. These days the keep nets are all made with very small mesh sizes in soft material that will not rub the fish or catch any barbules or fins on the fishes body – and so probably do not damage the fish in any way.
Keep nets are also said by some to transfer diseases from one water to another. Well, the same can be said for rods, line, wellington boots and bait boxes. Some small highly stocked fishery owners place vats of disinfectant at the gates so that anglers can ensure that their keep nets are clean when introduced to the water.
On balance, using a keep net or sac is not harmful to the fish or the environment when used carefully and with thought. They will continue be popular in many anglers’ coarse fishing tackle kit.
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