Could someone explain to me the reason for MLF not allowing a net to boat their fish while other tournaments allow it. I don’t fish tournaments and not even competitive but was just curious. Seems like smashing the fish between the angler’s hands or hand/chest would be more damaging then a simple silicone net. If they’re trying to save their fish slime, it seems grabbing the fish and hugging it would put a lot more slime on their jacket then a simple net. It would seem there would also be a lot more hook in the hand accidents. Trout fisherman have switched to silicone nets which is by far better than the old net material.

Drama for those times when it jumps off at the boats edge.

Don't know about MLF since I rarely watch it. BASS does not allow nets either. A long time ago when they banned the use of nets it was argued that the guy netting the fish was losing valuable fishing time. Remember these are not team events.

https://www.bassmaster.com/blogs/team-championship-blog/no-landing-nets-allowed

I think originally nets were banned by trout fishermen because they didn’t want to mess with their slime layer. The silicone nets were developed to counteract that and used almost exclusively now. As said before, I know zero about tournaments but while watching MLF this morning, I guarantee you I saw more squashed bass than any net could do. All released fine though. I think they’re hardier than trout

I believe securing the fish against your body is also a MLF penalty

yes as Brian said securing the fish with your body, letting it flop on the floor, and or even let the tail touch the floor are all 2 minute penalties.

yes they don't use nets to protect the fishes slime coat. A lot of times when they have an accident they actually apologize to the fish and the viewers which helps make it good TV.

did you know that the MLF Pros don't pay any entrance fees? .

On a side note, I just like getting up in the morning and turning on a bass tournament. Reminds me of the old Virgil Ward Saturday mornings

Virgil Ward? I didn't think anybody on TFF was old enough to remember Virgil

They do allow it in MLF Pro Circuit. The no net thing goes back to Ray Scott and BASS, they passed it off as being more sporting but it was done for TV to create more drama.

I still have a card full of beetle spins.