Understanding why material choice matters in catch and release fishing
Catch and release angling only works when the fish survives after swimming out of your hands. Most anglers know the basics of good handling. Wet your hands, keep the fish in the water, reduce fight time, avoid squeezing. What many anglers still overlook is the role that the net plays in fish survival.
The material of the net bag is one of the most important variables in whether a fish actually recovers after release. Rubber net bags are not a trend. They are the result of clear biological evidence and decades of fisheries research.
This article explains the science behind rubber bags and why they are essential for anglers who care about fish health and about protecting the waters they love.
1. Fish survival depends on the integrity of the slime coat
The slime coat is a fish’s natural armor. It protects against bacterial infections, fungal pathogens, parasites, and physical abrasion. It also plays a role in osmoregulation, which allows fish to maintain internal salt and water balance.
When the slime coat is damaged, several problems follow:
• Higher susceptibility to infection
• Lower tolerance to temperature stress
• Reduced swimming efficiency
• Slower recovery after exertion
Traditional mesh nets, especially those made with knotted nylon, are the primary culprit in slime coat damage. The knots create pressure points that scrape scales and remove the mucous layer. Even smooth nylon mesh removes slime through friction when a fish rolls or thrashes.
Rubber bags dramatically reduce removal of the slime layer because they stretch around the fish, distribute pressure evenly, and eliminate abrasive contact.
2. Rubber reduces gill plate and fin abrasion
Fish in a net do not stay still. They roll, push, flare their fins, and try to swim through the bag. With rough or rigid mesh, this movement creates repeated abrasion on the gill plate edges and fin rays. Fins are delicate structures composed of soft tissue supported by small bones. Damage here often shows up later as:
• Frayed fin edges
• Infection on fin bases
• Difficulty maintaining directional control
Rubber net bags reduce abrasive contact, which protects fins and gill plates while the fish settles. This matters most when reviving fish in current or warm water where stress compounds quickly.
3. Rubber net bags prevent entanglement
Nylon mesh tangles easily with:
• Gills
• Maxillary plates
• Teeth
• Flies
• Split shot
• Knotted leaders
Each entanglement event increases handling time. Longer handling increases exhaustion and reduces survival probability, especially for trout in water above 60 degrees. Rubber net bags greatly reduce tangling because the material is smooth, non porous, and resistant to catching barbs or soft tissue.
This is especially important for anglers who fish barbless flies, articulated streamers, or multiple fly rigs.
4. Pressure distribution matters for internal injury
A fish’s body is built to handle uniform water pressure. When a net compresses the body in certain spots, it can cause internal stress. Knotted or rigid mesh creates small areas of high pressure. Rubber nets distribute load across a wider area, which reduces the likelihood of:
• Bruising
• Hemorrhaging
• Damaging soft tissues near the lateral line
Studies in salmonids have shown that nets with hard or knotted mesh create localized pressure that increases the risk of bruising, scale loss, and soft tissue injury. Rubber net bags reduce these injuries because the material is softer, distributes pressure more evenly, and absorbs impact when fish thrash.
5. Rubber reduces cortisol spikes and improves recovery time
Cortisol is the primary stress hormone in fish. Elevated levels limit a fish’s ability to swim, feed, evade predators, and regulate metabolism after release. Handling methods that reduce cortisol spikes significantly improve survival rates.
Rubber net bags contribute to lower stress for two reasons:
• Fish thrash less because the bag allows a natural resting shape.
• The fish remains calmer due to less abrasion and confinement pressure.
Lower stress during landing also improves the fish’s ability to re establish territory and feeding patterns after release.
6. Rubber is temperature stable compared to many synthetic meshes
Synthetic mesh materials often absorb heat quickly. A hot mesh contacting a cold water fish can result in temperature shock and cause localized damage to the slime coat.
High quality rubber bags maintain a more neutral temperature and reduce the likelihood of heat related stress. This matters during summer boating, long hikes, and high altitude fishing where sunlight intensity magnifies thermal effects.
7. Rubber improves the angler’s efficiency which directly affects fish survival
Landing speed is one of the strongest predictors of fish survival. Longer fights cause higher lactic acid buildup and slower recovery. Rubber bag geometry combined with rigid hoop design allows anglers to secure fish cleanly and quickly.
Fast netting helps fish survive. Rubber bags help net faster. It is a simple but important chain of cause and effect.
8. Why Rising uses rubber bags across our net lineup
We design nets for anglers who value craftsmanship, community, and stewardship. Rubber bags support those values because they reduce impact on fish and improve every part of the landing experience.
Rising nets use durable, UV stable rubber bags designed to:
• Protect the slime coat
• Minimize abrasion
• Reduce tangling
• Support the fish naturally during revival
• Last season after season
Healthy fish and healthy fisheries are not accidental outcomes. They are the result of thoughtful decisions from anglers and thoughtful design from gear makers.
Final Thought
Catch and release is only meaningful when the fish survives. Rubber net bags are backed by clear biological evidence that shows they protect fish far better than traditional mesh alternatives. Choosing a rubber bag is not about trends. It is about responsibility and respect for the waters that shape us.
