Do you need a net??

[Iceman]

I have to confess to never carrying a net into the ocean on my kayak in 20+ years. I have in the bays tourney fishing. I have never heard of anyone being sited here in SoCal. Ideal release of short fish is never let em touch anything but water, especially these lil guys. simple pliers on the shank of the hook and pop em loose.

[Saba Slayer]

I carry a net...its a Promar hookless that doesn't split fins...I've had to release small trap hooked fish and its seems easier with a net...the reg is as written.
And Andy is right about releasing small fish...best done at the side of the yak without handling them. Especially the little ones like that baby in his photo...its a Trout hook...��

[skrilla]

Before my Promar net I stashed a mesh net laundry bag from the dollar store in my tackle box. Regs don't define what an actual landing net is other than having an 18" opening.