The net or gaff is the final link between the angler and the fish. In this group you will find saltwater landing nets as well as hand, telescopic and flying gaffs. A net suits fish you want to land gently or release, while a gaff is for big fish you intend to keep.
A saltwater landing net is the safest way to land a fish you plan to release. Choose the net to match the height of your gunwale and the size of the fish you target: from a high-sided boat or a pier you need a long handle, and big fish call for a wide frame and a deep mesh. A rubber-coated mesh does not tangle with hooks and treats the fish gently.
A gaff is for fish that are being kept. A hand gaff is short and quick to use alongside the boat, while a telescopic gaff extends when the fish is further out or the side of the boat is high. A flying gaff is a big game tool: the head detaches from the handle and stays on a rope, so a large fish such as a tuna cannot twist itself free.
Always keep the point of a gaff covered when it is not in use, both for safety and to keep it sharp. Rinse nets and gaffs in fresh water after every trip so salt does not corrode the metal parts, and let the mesh dry before you store it.