Understanding the science behind landing, handling, and releasing fish responsibly
Most anglers obsess over rods, reels, and flies. Very few talk about nets. Yet the net is the final piece of gear a fish encounters and often the one that has the greatest impact on its health after release. If you care about wild places, cold water, and the longevity of the fisheries you love, the net you carry is not a minor choice. It is a conservation tool.
Rising has spent more than a decade building nets here in the United States because the design details truly matter. Few details matter more than fish safe landings.
This article explains why net choice affects fish survival, what actually causes harm during landing, and how well designed net systems dramatically improve recovery.
1. Fish rely on a protective slime coat and most nets damage it
A fish’s slime coat is its first line of defense. This thin layer protects against bacteria, parasites, fungal infections, and abrasion.
The problem with many nets is simple:
• Knotted mesh scrapes and cuts the slime layer.
• Rough nylon materials act like sandpaper.
• Even soft mesh can remove slime when fish thrash.
Once that protective barrier is compromised, the fish becomes much more vulnerable. In warm water or low oxygen conditions the risk increases even more.
Modern rubber net bags greatly reduce abrasion. They flex, absorb movement, and allow the fish to roll without scraping. This is the primary reason fisheries biologists consistently recommend rubberized bags.
2. Bag depth and shape influence how violently a fish thrashes
Fish instinctively fight confinement. If a net bag is too shallow or shaped poorly the fish bends unnaturally and thrashes harder.
Hard thrashing leads to:
• Loss of scales.
• Gill plate abrasion.
• Head impact on the frame.
• Higher energy expenditure that reduces post release recovery.
A properly designed rubber bag with the right depth allows the fish to settle naturally. This reduces panic and lowers the risk of injury. This is why Rising pairs each hoop size with purpose built bags rather than generic one size options.
3. Handle length affects fight time
Many anglers underestimate this factor. Short handles often require stretching, leaning, or multiple scooping attempts. That extra time extends the fight. Longer fights mean more lactic acid buildup and slower recovery.
A correct handle length for the water type allows anglers to complete the landing quickly. Reducing the final moments of the fight is one of the most effective ways to improve catch and release outcomes.
4. Frame material and surface temperature influence fish safety
Nets sit in the sun all day. Some materials absorb and hold heat far more than others. A hot hoop contacting a cold water fish can cause temperature shock at the exact moment the fish is at its most vulnerable.
Rising uses aluminum frames with finishes that remain more stable in heat compared to many imported alternatives. A cooler surface reduces the risk of thermal stress, especially during summer floats or prolonged sunny conditions.
5. Fish health includes behavior after release, not just biology
A fish that experiences high stress during landing often suffers delayed effects. Studies show that stressed fish:
• Take longer to re establish territory.
• Feed less aggressively.
• Are more vulnerable to predation in the minutes after release.
A fish safe net reduces that stress. Landing becomes smoother and the fish returns to normal behavior faster. That translates into stronger fisheries over time.
6. Choosing the right net is a direct investment in the waters you love
Catch and release is not impact free. Hidden mortality is real. Poor handling creates consequences that anglers never see.
The right net design is one of the simplest ways to protect fish.
A high quality net:
• Preserves slime coat.
• Reduces the fight duration.
• Supports the fish in a natural position.
• Prevents contact with rocks, boat floors, or pontoons.
• Lets the angler revive the fish safely before release.
Responsible anglers choose gear that reflects the respect they have for the resource.
7. What to look for in a fish safe net
These elements are non negotiable for healthy landings:
Rubber net bag
Smooth, fish safe, UV stable, and knot free.
Correct bag depth
Deep enough to allow the fish to rest without bending or rolling excessively.
Rigid, stable hoop
Maintains shape during landing and minimizes injury risk.
Proper handle length
Short for small creeks. Mid length for wading rivers. Long for boats and big water.
Replaceable components
Hardware and bags that can be replaced prevent anglers from using degraded gear that harms fish.
8. Why Rising builds nets the way we do
Rising was founded on the belief that fishing is about more than numbers. It is about craft, patience, community, and the wild places that shape us. That is why we build nets that last, nets that support responsible catch and release, and nets that give anglers pride in how they treat the fish they pursue.
Every frame is built here. Every bag is selected for fish safety. Every detail has a purpose. Your net should be an extension of your stewardship, not an afterthought.
Final Thought
Fish health is not guesswork. It is design. When your net protects the fish, the experience becomes something you can feel good about long after the release.
