Hey all! Help me out if you can.

How do you land a big Bass from a steep bank or overhang, other than pulling her in by the hook? (Risk lossing and/or harming the fish too high). 

 

Is pole netting the only option?

I'm thinking of making a dropper net on a rope for the long landings, maybe a bucket with the bottom cut off and net attached. Anyone dealt with this issue?

 

thank!

I just use an umbrella net trap you can buy from amazon for roughly $12.  It's much cheaper than a drop net and with a long enough rope you are good to go.  Have landed two bigger steelhead, dozens of pink salmon, and a handful of splake using this method. The only downside is that the hooks sometimes get stuck in the mesh so you will have to cut your lures out from time to time.  I'll probably replace my net once the water freezes over again.  You could also buy a telescopic net, but those too cost quite a bit.  

Five gallon bucket and a rope. Lower the bucket to just above the water surface and boat/bucket flip the bass into it. Haul bucket and fish up.

Get a boat!

Tom

just how high up is we hoisting these fish?

3 hours ago, WRB said:

Get a boat!

Tom

Tom this is the second time I've seen you say this.. I'm not sure if you're serious or if you're being funny... But don't you think he'd have a boat if he could ?? Lol. It's not in the cards for everyone... 

 

Give him yours 

12 minutes ago, Yeajray231 said:

Tom this is the second time I've seen you say this.. I'm not sure if you're serious or if you're being funny... But don't you think he'd have a boat if he could ?? Lol. It's not in the cards for everyone... 

 

Give him yours 

Some things you can do without a boat and some it's very difficult. Pier nets are a possibility if the cliff is straight down and you have something to hold onto, otherwise trying to land a lively bass in a crab net or bucket is nearly impossible.

Tom

 

just how high up is we hoisting these fish?

 

10ft or so. 

Mostly a mix straight drops and steep banks. On banks I can usually find a place to access and just pull the fish over. Drops, not so much. 

 

The bucket dea is good. Might try the umbrella nets upsmallie mentioned.

 

thx!