Although I have only been asked once for it by the DFG, you are required to have a net with an opening of at least 18 inches. Bummer on the loss. I agree with the "secure first, then kill" advice. I also know that, in the heat of the moment, lots of gaff attempts do the same thing to fish. Loosening the drag is very important. Another thing I was taught was to use your dominant hand for grabbing, netting or gaffing and to get the fish to that side of your yak so you don't need to reach across yourself. Same holds true even if you are trying to go straight to game clip or stringer.
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