Very emotive issue this Ronnie.
As a club match angler i have to say that i don't have a problem with keepnets as long as they are properly used,any more than i have a problem with specimen hunters sacking fish.
The problem comes when either of these retention systems are misused.
As someone who has been involved with getting youngsters into angling i can assure you that nothing captures their imagination,and generates enthusiasm quite as much as being able to see the results of a fishing session in a keepnet at the end,[
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As with all items of fishing tackle,it's a question of educating people to the proper & appropriate use of these pieces of equipment.
The following is
the NFA's Code of Conduct for the use of Keepnets.
1. Wet hands before holding fish.
2. Once positioned, avoid all unnecessary disturbance.
3. Always use the largest keepnet possible.
4. Always submerge the maximum amount of keepnet.
5. When safe to do so, on still or shallow waters always peg out the
keepnet to prevent collapse.
6. Always place the keepnet as near to fishing position as possible.Preferably immediately in front, so fish can be placed in the keepnet as gently and quickly as possible.
7. Retain fish in keepnet for minimum period of time.
8. Do not overcrowed keepnets. When big catches are expected,
take two nets.
When returning the fish to the water or weighing:
9. Collapse the keepnet and place the fish gently in the weighing bag or back into the water.
10. Do not slide or tumble fish down the keepnet.
From a personal point of view i feel that there are times when the use of a keepnet can be benificial as returning certain species straight away can certainly spook a shoal.(bream & chub most notably in my experience.)
For the specimen anglers amongst us the following are
the S.A.C.G's guidelines on the use of tubes & sacks.......
Sacks & tubes
Use only when necessary, and retain fish for the minimum time possible.
Large fish that have been retained for a prolonged period can be difficult to handle.
These accessories should be of a reputable make, with plenty of holes to provide a good water exchange.
Ensure that they are in good condition, otherwise fish could be damaged.
In use, secure in deep water only, even at night.
In shallow margins fish may suffer or die due to extremes of temperature or lack of oxygen.
Stake out securely, placing only one fish per sack or tube.
In rivers, ensure that the fish face upstream.
Check fish regularly, and release them immediately if they show signs of distress.
Hold them upright in the water (facing upstream in rivers),
until they are strong enough to swim off.
For catfish, zander, perch, big bream and barbel- only tubes should be used,
and must be large enough to properly accommodate the fish.
Big bream can however also be kept safely in large keepnets with 28" diameter rings.
Framed sacks are also suitable.
To help prevent the spread of disease, thoroughly dry all nets
and sacks between sessions.
The health and welfare of the fish must always be your
first priority.
Peter.
Make Friends,
Go Maggotdrowning.
