Any fish I've ever netted was head first. First of all once you get their head in if they try to bolt they go further into the net. Second the fins on all fish are swept back so they offer no resistance going into the net but from behind they will snag in the netting making things difficult to say the least. The main thing is to hold the net still and lead the fish into it. Once their head is in just sweep the net back toward the tail and up. Never start taking swipes with the net at a fish that's still "hot" or racing around wildly. One last thing, the only reason I ever use a net on trophy bass is if they're hooked on a lure with multiple trebles in such a way as to block a good hand grip. Those handles they supply on bass are by far the most reliable way to land a big one in my book. Oh yeah if you do a hand grip don't do the classic thumb in the mouth grip. It works a lot better to put your fingers in and thumb out. Then your fingers do the lifting and your thumb just keeps your grip.