Big Indiana Bass

Stringer Shots: Tom Ferencek

The late Tom Ferencek with a big string of walleyes from Minaki, Ontario.

Science: Why I Use Knotless Rubber Nets

When it comes to rules, some bass tourneys actually restrict the use of nets. Back when I fished tourneys that had such rules in place, I decided to never use a net at any time in my fishing, because I always wanted to simulate and get very good at landing fish without their help. However, now that I no longer fish tourneys, and since I've become much more multi-species oriented, I've carried and used a net extensively for a variety of fish, including bass, wipers, walleye, catfish and even crappie in some instances...but not just any net.

I only use rubber nets, specifically, a Cabela's Conservation Series rubber net. The reason is because numerous studies have concluded they are simply the best alternative for the safety and health of most all fish species. While some of those studies have shown that bass, in particular, seem pretty tough and resistant to damage from nets, regardless of the type tested, many other fish species have not.

A 2010 study comparing net types on both bass and pike found that pike were particularly prone to net damage as compared to bass. More traditional knotted nylon nets caused significantly more epithelial damage to pike than rubber mesh nets, which did very little damage. Additionally, a 2018 study comparing four different types of landing net materials on brook trout found that again, large, knotless rubber mesh proved superior to all other materials, even having the edge over using bare wet hands! This was because trout landed using wet hands often slipped out of those hands and ended up hitting the boat floor, ultimately risking more damage to the fish. Researchers also discovered that the large, knotless rubber mesh made for much faster release times due to the fact that hooks rarely ever snagged the material, and could be quickly removed if that scenario did occur.

So the bottom line for me is, if my net is the preferred method of landing fish as delicate as trout, then I know I'm using the best option, and providing the best possible care, in handling all fish species I might encounter, bass included.

A Crappie Thanksgiving

5 consecutive days on the water (11/21-11/25), and a whole lot of crappie to show for it. Water temps are hovering in the low 40s, and the fish are still biting. Most are coming off deeper breaks, breaklines and structure. Here's a few pictures.

From the Vault: Super Frog

Courtesy of Matt Gibson, an old Bill Plummer Super Frog that was manufactured by Harrison Hoge. Bill became a millionaire off that bait, though he designed a few others for the company. He "retired" soon after, and spent the rest of his life going fishing most every day. There are two good books on Bill and his baits that you can find online if interested in some of the history and personal information about Bill.

Clinging to open water still

Buck Sez: Coping with Unfavorable Weather Conditions

"You might ask, also, at this point, what triggers the movement of fish? Here again, it would have to be a light condition. Not the moon, not the temperature and certainly not the appetite of the fish. You would have quite a job on your hands trying to figure out how all the fish get hungry at the same time."

March 1979

Last Man Out