Using keepnets

"MC" wrote in message
...
I am still supprised at the amount of keepnets I see in use for pleasure
anglers. I understand the use of keepnets for match fishing but for
pleasure fishing just seems unecessary to me. The amount of large bream I
have seen, during my recent 10 day visit to the Broads, damaged by being
kept in keepnets was horrendous. I cannot remember the last time I used a
keepnet and I do not use one these days so why do some people still insist
on using them.

MC
When pleasure fishing I rarely use a keepnet ...... can't be bothered with
the additional work of getting it perfectly dry before storage. However, one
club I am a member of only allows keepnets during matches.

I do match fish and the rules set by various local clubs etc are varied and
the most common rules are;

1. One net only but barble and carp are caught, weighed and released when
appropriate (for example barble often need some recovery period).

2. Two nets, one for carp and one for silver fish.

1 is more common on genuine mixed fisheries when both carp and barble would
be caught in very low numbers, particularly during a match when just a
couple of each are _normally_ caught.

2 is more common on carp dominated match venues. The carp would normally be
mid single figures (low double figure max). When they reach double figures
the owners normally transfer the fish to their specimen lakes where keep
nets are not allowed. Even so some owners still apply a maximum number of
carp per net for their match lakes (around 10) when they have to be weighed
and released.

Whilst the foregoing are the rules for the Clubs and other Venues I commonly
use in Suffolk they do not reflect my views ........ Imo there are some good
points and bad points in all the different rules used. In passing not only
regarding keepnets but also rules that apply to baits, landing nets, weigh
slings, unhooking mats, hooks, line, braid, feeders, rigs, night fishing,
day fishing, membership reductions etc etc.

Around my area I think everyone tries their best though and they all provide
excellent fishing for all types of anglers, and during the week you can have
a venue pretty much to yourself.

Richard