What devices do people here like to use to land big fish from piers? Anything over 5-10 lbs can't be safely landed by just pulling the line up, and the lift on some jetties and causeways is a good 10-15 feet.

Where can I get the large drop nets that some people use to land the fish? Are there other devices (flying gaffs, etc) that work well?

they have something that looks like a crabbing net that is used for this.

Try this at Academy.
http://www.academy.com/shop/browse/_/N-0?Ntt=Pier+drop+net&Ntk=All&Ntx=mode+matchallpartial

Here is a picture of my Pier / Bridge Net. It has a 36inch metal ring on the top, and a smaller metal ring at the bottom. The extra weight helps to control it in wind and stronger current.

This one is a little on the light side, I have since gotten one that is much heavier, and when I can I am considering on building one that is a little larger and heavier / stronger.

This one in the picture has lifted over 40lb fish that were much larger than the net, you just have to make sure that the fish is in the net head first.



I had to make the harness which is three equal distant lengths of para cord, then the main rope is 3/8 inch rope with nots tied every foot or so to insure good purchase for lifting.

They also have a pier gaff which is a heavy weighted treble hook that is use to snag the fish and lift it up that way. I wouldn't use something like that unless you are sure that your are going to keep the fish.

Many piers do not allow the use of pier gaffs because they are so damaging to the fish.


The shark guys use tail gaffs which are much like lariats, they will use two, one on the front and another on the tail to lift larger sharks out of the water. These can injure fish also because of the weight being concentrated on such a small area on the fish.

Thanks, doesn't look too difficult to rig up.

Got this at Academy for about 15 bucks. I took the picture next to washer for context.

That's the one I got to replace the one in the picture.

They are selling it as a crab net, it works great! Nice part is that it comes with the harness and the float, all you need is to add the long rope.

Next one up from that is one custom made, and they get pricey.

That also looks a lot like the washer and drier we had......

Cabela's has a nice net (like the ones above). It's $25 an comes with the float and 50 ft of line.

Make your own.

Get the longest net with longest shaft you can buy. Stick it in PVC pipe with the length ya need , drill and bolt. Then go net your fish.

I use a big treble hook like in pic

I use the one above and also this one I picked up from Hawaii.

I really like the one you have,it slide down with your fishing line and likely will hook at the gill of fish.Anywhere on the net selling this

Be careful and check the pier rules, many don't allow gaffs of any kind, otherwise they work well.

I have to agree most don't allow gaffs you will kill the fish doing that in most cases. I don't know what your targeting other than a shark most fish can be netted. If I get bored I'm going to make me a bigger net. I already made one for rollover All I would have to do is add some rope. I don't pier fish much so it wasn't a need. I have some old shrimp netting and couple pieces metal and I'll be good to go I may do one this weekend and post it. You also could use pvc.

tranchinh, this gaff is used by the Hawaiian cliff fishermen for GT. I have only been able to find them online here but they don't have online shopping. You have to call them. http://www.tokunagastore.com/Menu/UluaFishingGear.htm They are just the right size for the pier fishing I do.