The JAG Net Loc is a neat accessory allowing us to securely retain fish in the landing net. First, we can unhook the fish from the net, in the water, without the fish escaping. After unhooking, we can prepare the unhooking mat, water bucket, carpcare kit, scales, sling and photography equipment. Unhooking and retaining in the net until everything is ready reduces handling stress, improves fish safety, keeps fishery owners/bailiffs happy and is convenient for us anglers.
What Is The Jag Net Loc?
The Jag Net Loc is a ‘T’ shaped device measuring approximately 4×3.5 inches. The first impression I got when getting the net lock in my hand was the high-quality build. The Net Loc is made from hard anodised aluminium.
On the arms are 8 threaded holes which 2 ‘U’ rests screw into. The ‘U’ rests are angled at 45 degrees, holding the net arms. The threaded holes allow you to adjust the ‘U’ rests wider or narrower so the Net Loc can accommodate any net.
On the back is a slot for your landing net pole, a loop of elastic and a push button (JAG’s quick release locker system). A thread on the underside so the Net-Loc can be attached to a bankstick or storm rod. Spare elastic is provided with the Net-Loc.
Why Use The Jag Net-Loc?
Many fisheries nowadays have banned retention in slings and sacks and want the fish unhooked in the water (and quite rightly so).
While the above is much safer for the fish, there is a risk of your fish escaping from the net while you’re preparing your scales and camera.
Some anglers push the net pole into the lakebed, but while this works, there’s still a risk of the net tilting and the fish escaping.
Some anglers push a bankstick between the spreader block and the net. While this also works, the net’s top is close to the water. Fish can potentially escape.
The Jag Net-Loc eliminates these possibilities, allowing you to secure your net without tilting and lifting it high enough so fish can’t get out while allowing you to unhook your fish in the water more easily.
How To Use The Jag Net-Loc
- Attach the Net-Loc to a bankstick or stormrod and push into the ground or margins in a convenient spot.
- Once your fish is in the net, place the net over the Net-Loc loop the elastic over the top of the landing net handle and the ball peg of the release locker system (make sure the system is set and the net is secure).
- Ensure the net is high enough (enough out of the water) so your fish cannot escape. You may need to adjust your bankstick or stormrod. Make sure your fish is fully covered in water. If necessary, get in the water and move the Net-Loc and the net out further.
- If possible, unhook the fish in the water. If unhooking in the water is impossible, carefully unclip the rig or cut the line.
- Prepare camera, scales, sling, mat, carpcare kit, etc.
- Put the sling in water and release the net from Net-Loc by pressing the red button on the back.
- Carefully fold and roll up the net, do it in a way that the fish can’t escape, ensure no fins are sticking out and that no line can get caught up when rolling the net (won’t be an issue if you unhooked the fish in the water)
- Put the net and fish in a sling, ensure no fins are sticking out and lift the fish from the water.
- Go through your usual weighing, carp care, and photography procedure and return the fish in the sling.
Downsides Of Jag Net-Loc
Not really on downsides overall, I’m very impressed with the build quality, function and ease of use.
The Net-Loc can be used to rest your net while waiting for a bite I don’t do this, however. I like the Net-Loc to hand, so I can use it as soon as I get a fish. I always push it into the margins at the start of each session.
If I rested the net on the Net-Loc while waiting for a bite, the mesh would be in the water, not ideal, as the net would have to be dried out after each session and being constantly wet would decrease the mesh’s lifespan.
If you were to pull the mesh back through the spreader block while resting on the Net-Loc (so the mesh wasn’t sitting in water), the mesh would likely get caught up on the ‘U’ rests or release mechanism while lifting off to net a fish.
While waiting for a bite, I always keep my net on the ground. I only use the Net-Loc after a fish has been netted, not before, because of the issues above.
Summary
The JAG Net-Loc is a simple yet highly effective tool that improves fish safety, provides secure retention, makes fish handling easier for anglers, and keeps fishery owners/bailiffs happy. Built to last and easy to use, the Net-Loc is a great addition to any carp angler’s kit.