Swimming is a very different thing from fishing from shore, requiring a gear to be compact and functional. Boat suction is not just an accessory, it's insurance for the trophy and your nervous system. The wrong tool can cause a fishing line to break at the most critical moment or even damage the board of an inflatable vessel.
Many anglers make the mistake of using shore models that don't fit in the confined space of the cockpit. A long handle can catch a motor or interfere with oars, while a too short net will not allow the fish to be safely lifted, especially if the board is high, like metal kazaks or inflatable boats with rigid decking.
The modern market offers dozens of options, from budget Chinese models to professional American systems, the key parameters are weight, mesh material and, most importantly, the mounting system, and it is about how to make the right choice and what to pay close attention to, we will talk in detail in this article.
Selection criteria: size, shape and material
The first thing that fishers encounter when searching is the geometry of the suction head. Triangular or drop-shaped shape is considered optimal for fishing from a boat. Round models often take up too much space in width, which is critical in a narrow PVC boat. Triangular profile It makes it easier to pull the tool between the seats and the sides.
The rim material also plays a role. Aluminum alloys are lightweight, but when they're under heavy loads, they can deform. carbon And composites are very durable and very lightweight, which is important for long transitions, but they can cost up to several times the standard price.
Special attention should be paid to the depth of the basket. If you plan to catch a pike or a pike, the depth should be sufficient to prevent the fish from jumping out. Smaller models can be used to catch bass or roach. The depth of the bag should exceed the length of the fish body at least one and a half timesTo prevent the trophy from being thrown out.
Handle: Telescope or fixed length?
In a boat's limited space, the length of the handle becomes a determining factor: Standard shore poles 3-4 meters long are simply unnecessary and even dangerous here; the optimal length of the working part is from 1.2 to 1.8 meters. This is enough to reach the water without falling out of the boat.
The most popular solution is telescopic handleIt allows you to fold the instrument up to a length of 60-80 cm for transportation and unfold just before catching. The fixing mechanism must be reliable: threaded connections are more reliable, but take time to build, whereas telescopes with a lock button work faster, but can jam in the cold.
⚠️ Attention! When using telescopic handles made of aluminum, be sure to wash the mechanism with fresh water after fishing. Getting salt water or dirt between sections will cause the knee to jam and you will not be able to fold the sucker back.
Fixed handles are less common, usually short kayaks or low-side inflatable boats, plus no moving parts that can break, minus it's harder to find storage space folded, and for general fishing, it's better to choose models that can adjust the angle of the head relative to the handle.
Grid: line, nylon or silicone?
The material of the bag is not only a matter of durability, but also of humanity towards the fish. nylon-net It's cheap and drying well, but it's got a tendency to get tangled in hooks and tee stings, and pulling fish out of that web on a rocking boat can be a long and nerve-wracking procedure.
The monoleaf net, called the forest net, is considered the gold standard for spinners, and it's smooth, it doesn't get hooked, it doesn't get injured against rough knots, and it doesn't absorb water or rot, and the only downside is that it can be tougher to the touch than soft nylon.
- 🐟 Nylon: Soft, cheap, but catches hooks and dries for a long time.
- 🎣 Leska: It does not entangle hooks, it dries quickly, it protects the mucus of fish.
- 🌿 Silicone/Resina: Ideal for catch-and-release, but heavier and more expensive than its counterparts.
Why are rubber nets becoming more popular?
Rubber mesh completely eliminates hooks from getting stuck, it doesn't absorb odors, it's easy to wash and it doesn't injure fish scales, which is critical for catch-let-go fishing, but it does have the ability to tan in the cold.
When you choose, consider the size of the cell. You need a frequent cell to catch small fish so that the fish don't fall headlong. For a trophy pike or catfish, on the contrary, a large cell is better at letting water through, reducing sailing when lifting a heavy trophy.
Fixing systems: safety and convenience
In a boat, the suctioning machine has to be fixed, and lying on the bottom of the cockpit, it can pierce the PVC cylinder with the sharp end of the handle, or get tangled in the gear, and specialized mounts (holders) solve this problem by allowing you to keep the tool on hand in a vertical or horizontal position.
There are several types of fasteners. On the grazing. They are suitable for any boat, but take up space at the engine. On board. (on the pier) - ideal for inflatable boats, as they do not require drilling. On pyeol (floor) - an option for metal boats, where you can use magnetic holders or regular glasses.
| Type of attachment | Compatibility | Pluses | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| On the timber. | PVC boats | No drilling required, reliably | Takes up a seat on the side. |
| Trans holder | Any boats. | Universality, accessibility | Interfering with the engine, risk of corrosion |
| Magnetic on the floor | Metal | Mobility, compactness | Not holding on to the roll/wave |
| Suspended (sling) | Anybody. | Cheap, easy to do by yourself | Less reliable, confused. |
It's important that the mount provides quick access. When you bite a large fish, it counts for seconds. If you have to mess with a hold or a carbine for a long time, the fish can get off. The ideal option is a one-handed system, where the suction is simply inserted into the nest and fixed by a spring or rubber band.
Specifics for PVC and metal boats
Inflatable boat owners face the risk of puncture, and any sharp element of the sucker, whether it's the joint of the handle sections or the sharp edge of the rim, is potentially dangerous for cylinders. PVC boats It is strongly recommended to use models with rubber or plastic tips on the handle and rims.
Metal boats ("Kazanki", "crows") are more resistant to mechanical damage, but have their own specifications. Aluminum and steel are susceptible to corrosion, so all metal parts of the subsuction must be made of stainless steel Or have a high-quality anodized coating, and ordinary steel rusts in one season, staining clothes and equipment.
☑️ Checking the sucker before the season
Also worth considering is sailing. On a high-sided metal boat, the wind can snatch the suction from your hands if it's not fixed. On a low-sided PVC boat, the main problem is the height of the board above the water - the handle must be long enough to reach the surface, especially if the boat is loaded.
5 mistakes in the selection and operation
Even experienced anglers sometimes make mistakes that can cost a trophy. The first and most common mistake is buying too heavy a sucker. At the end of a fishing trip, when your hands are tired of catching, every extra gram is felt. Lightness of construction is the number one priority.
The second mistake is ignoring buoyancy, and if you drop a non-floating suction in open water (like a big fish jerking a big fish), you lose it forever. Modern models often have foam handles or special linings that provide positive buoyancy.
⚠️ Attention! Never leave a sucker just stuck in water without insurance. Even if the handle is floating, the current or the wind can take it away from the boat faster than you react. Always use a safety falcon tied to a transom or sont.
The third mistake is improper storage: wet nets, laid in a sealer or closed backpack, immediately begin to rot and produce an unpleasant odor, after fishing, the net must be thoroughly dried in the straightened state.
Use a carbine fastener at the end of the suction handle, which will allow you to quickly fasten it to the loop on the vest or on the boat, freeing both hands for other tasks.
Equipment care and maintenance
For the suction to last, it needs to be taken care of, and after every fishing, especially in salt water, the tool needs to be rinsed with fresh water, and the salt aggressively affects metal hinges and rings, destroying their structure.
Once a season, it is recommended to prevent telescopic mechanisms. Mud and sand trapped inside the tubes work like abrasive, scratching the walls and making it difficult to walk. Pressure washing and grease with silicone lubrication will restore smoothness.
- 💧 Washing: After every fishing in salty or dirty water.
- 🛢️ Lubricant: Use only specialized lubricants for fishing equipment.
- ☀️ Drying: Dry in the shade, avoiding direct sunlight.
If there are holes in the grid, don't put off repairs. A small gap on the nylon can quickly turn into a huge hole under load. There are special remixes or just a solid line for tying the knots.
Proper care of the podsuck increases its service life by 2-3 times and ensures that the tool will not fail at the time of pecking the trophy fish.
Concluding recommendations
The choice of sucker is a balance between weight, strength and storage, and for most anglers using inflatable boats, the best telescopic model with a triangular head, a fishing line net, and a hinge beam attachment, a configuration that has been tested over the years.
Don't skimp on this piece of gear. A cheap sucker can burst at the most inopportune moment, leaving you without a much-anticipated trophy. An investment in a quality model will pay off with the emotions of a successfully implemented fishing trip.
Do I need to buy a poop for catching perch?
Small and medium bass don't usually require suction, you can pick up the fish with your hand or pick up the line, but if you're purposefully fishing for a humpback weighing between 500 and 700 grams, suctioning will make it easier and keep the fish lips if you plan to let it go.
Can I use the suction as a paddle in an emergency?
It's not recommended, it's not designed to handle that kind of load, and it can break, and it's also going to create a lot of resistance to water, which makes rowing inefficient and can damage the tool itself.
What length of handle to choose for a boat with a high side?
For boats with high sides (metal boats, RIBs), the minimum working length of the handle should be 1.8-2.0 meters. This will allow you to reach the water without being overboard, which is dangerous when catching large fish.
How to replace a suction if it breaks on a fishing trip?
In an emergency, you can use a backup net (if you have one), but the safest way is a kukan. If you have a fish on the surface, you can try to take it with your hand (with a glove), but it is risky for the pike. It is better not to take the risk and carefully pull the fish to the gently bank or boat ramp.