Bringing It Together
Be sure to allow enough time for the net to sink after a throw. In shallow water, let the net hit bottom so you can retrieve the lead line through the grass or sand and catch any bait hiding there. In deeper water, especially for pilchards, herring or ballyhoo, it may be necessary to let the net sink for a count of 20 before starting to purse the bottom.
When pursing the net, retrieve the hand line in short, jerky motions and allow the net to continue sinking while working the lead line over the bottom or through the grass.
As you prepare to bring the net into the boat, grab the horn and pull about three-quarters of the way up the brail line. This keeps the net pursed as all the bait tumbles into the bottom third of the net, making it easier to dump into the livewell and reload.
A consistent, methodical approach to pursing, handling and dumping the net will make reloading easier and reduce your frustration level by preventing tangles in the net, lead line and brails.
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