Thread: What's the best way to release big fish from pier?

I do not eat fish, so prefer to release the fish whenever I can. I do keep some for friends and family, but the condo freezer fills up quick if the bulls are running. Is it possible to use a pier net to safely release big reds and other fish after catching?
How about the toothy ones - will a king destroy the net?

I have seen the discussions about the long release pole at the end, and it's quick demise. Surely there is a way to let them live to play another day.

Reds can be released in the pier net...just remove hook from the mouth and lower back down. Toothy critters are a different story...their teeth will likely tear the net up. About the only other choice is to break them off instead of gaffing them and bringing them up on the pier.

That would be painful w/ my pink Xrap.....

Originally Posted by scbasser

That would be painful w/ my pink Xrap.....

That is funny! ROFLMAO.

I've been looking for a folding pier net, but Frabill no longer makes them. Does anyone know where I can find one?

You can buy nets online and put them on a frame. I wondered about using pvc that comes apart, but then I bought a net cheap. It goes well on the floor of back end or trunk and isn't that hard to haul around on my cart. Haven't used it much.....

Might try Brunson's Net and Supply in Foley ?

I went the pre-made route but was thinking of making one that folds. Basically the steel rim is replaced with a piece of hose filled with sand for weight. Another small weight and the bottom keeps the form in wind/water. Was thinking of using a garden hose for the rim (Insert sand and tighten fittings to keep water out)

Here is a short video of one being folded.

If you make one let us know how well it works. I may replace the wire rim to get the smaller more compact form for transportation.

Originally Posted by scbasser

I've been looking for a folding pier net, but Frabill no longer makes them. Does anyone know where I can find one?

The show up on the big auction site (both frabill and others) but are not cheap.

My Frabill had one initial drawback -- it did not sink due to the buoyant ring around the top -- but lead attached to the bottom fixed that. I have built one with plastic piping and the folding metal rings from large RV windshield sun-shades to hold the shape, but I have not used it yet while the Frabill lives. The issue with the metal ones is just the pain of dragging it out, not the cost or weight of a modest model. I saw folks at Sebastian Inlet with a four foot PVC pipe slipped in a cart's rod holder with a notch on top which kept it out of the way.