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Many good ideas have been mentioned thus far that should serve you well. One thing that hasn't been mentioned, and is particularly important with larger fish, is to dial back the drag on your reel to almost nothing and to pinch the line with your fingers as you try to either net or tail (salmon) the fish, that way if you miss or spook the fish and it takes off you won't end up with a snapped rod.
[This message has been edited by BH Spey (edited 20 April 2005).]
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I corral the fish in my catch and release net (special non abrasive fabric) and, leaving the fish in the water, take the barbless hook out with my hemostat.
Usually, the rod is in my left hand after bringing the fish close. I net with my right hand. Putting the rod under my left arm, I switch the net to the left hand and unhook the trout with my right. It feels less clunky than it sounds.
Al Campbell sold me a magnetic net release a few years ago, and it makes the process of getting and replacing the net much easier.
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Mostly, I don't use a net.
I do barbless hooks, hemostats, appropriate tippet (not too light unless I'm desparate), don't lift them from the water, and don't touch unless they're flippin' around.
Sometimes I do use a net, but mostly because my knees hurt (I kneel down to reach the fish except when deep wading).
Once in a blue moon I keep one, but not very often.
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Voltaire, check out the "third hand" gizmo at this site. It gives you the ability to use both hands if you need them.
Here is the URL
[url=http://www.tight-line-enterprises.com/home.html:f172f]http://www.tight-line-enterprises.com/home.html[/url:f172f]