Unless I'm misreading you, it sounds too me like you're putting the net
awfully deep in the water. First things first -- I never use a net when
I'm fishing alone or when I'm fun fishing. Just one more thing I don't
want cluttering up the boat. When I'm fishing in a team tourney, I do
take advantage of the net, at least when I'm fishing real light line or
when I'm cranking/jerkbaiting. I like the net in the water at about a 45
degree angle with about half the hoop submerged, then I lead the fish
into it or instruct my partner to do the same.