I've had pretty good luck using those, 8" I think, green aquarium dip nets you find at the pet store. Holding one in each hand you can, say, use the left to coax the fish closer to the right and vice versa. Takes a little practice and lots of patience. Make sure you have a license and only collect what's legal, but you might start with juvenile wrasses, etc. You can also purchase "invisible" nets which are a clear acrylic handle/frame + monofilament line netting or fish collecting nets/bags that are similar to a cross between a plastic bag/net. These are expensive and I've done just as well with the regular aquarium dip nets. Once I catch the fish they're easily transferred to a zip-lock bag and placed in a mesh goodie bag while underwater, though you'll need your buddy's help.
You might also just try pulling a seine in shallow seagrass. Not sure what the sport fishing regulations are concerning this (we had permits), but we've caught lots of interesting fish here and in the Keys this way.
Good luck,
Dave