Ummm, yep, one of my problems is I dont have a net. I know I need one but havent found the perfect one yet (I really dont like being cramped). Not having a net has only cost me one fish about 9, but it took a brand spanking new 12 with it! Ouch.

Ive powered almost all my fish straight to the boat, but without a net thats a dangerous situation. Reason being is that they are still green and Im trying to figure out how to grab them. This normally takes a few seconds, and thats all the time they need to figure out somethings wrong and then they go nuts. This is the moment when Ive been reaching for the drag. The other problem with giving a fish an opportunity to take drag is that if they get in those thick weeds, you got a problem. Something as simple as setting a drag actually turns into a complicated thing.

On a lesser note, I came real close to having two 2/0 trebles stuck in my hand and attaching me to a thrashing big fish in total darkness. That would not have been cool. And I had anaother big fish come to the boat green with its mouth shut so I just leaned forward into the water and bear hugged the thing. It was ugly but I got it in the boat and it was my PB.

Since we are talking nets, can anybody suggest a good, collapsible net? I have limited room and am really maxed out on space and my gear. The ones at TW seem questionable.