I never found a net to be essential for trout under about 16-17 inches, but if you have a real chance of hooking larger trout you'll want a net. I like the rubber coated measure net.

Thanks for the input
I too have always thought they were an extra problem. I always make an effort to bring the fish to hand aas faast as possible, wet my hand beefore handling and try to keep the fish i the water.
As mentioned removing medium size flies is easy this way but find myself handling the fish more for small flies.
I will try a net on streams with potential for larger fish. I can pick up a Frabill net with clear rubber bag for about $25 at the local sporting good store - will give it a try - if it works, great. If not I'll pass it along or donate to the local kids fishing group.

BTW for those that carry the net on their back - does your back get wet from the wet net after use?

Thanks much

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I think that would be a good problem to have, means your catching fish!

I made the switch to a ghost type bag. I got one of these Cabela's nets. Its a decent net, the construction is not as high quality as a brodin net, but the bag is the same and it gets the job done for about $40. Cabela's ghost type net

I also got a cheaper rubber net for around 25-30 bucks. It's great. I used to hate how my hooks would get caught in my old mesh net- doesn't happen anymore.

You can get this net at Wally World for $20. It's the net I currently use and it works well. I had a deeper Frabil, but streamlined all my equipment and this doesn't stick out as far (which equals less snags while navigating the stream banks). Nets are nice and great way to reduce handling the fish. As mentioned, don't forget a magnetic net release or some other means of securing your net so that it doesn't go amongst the missing!

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Just give it a good shake or two and all will be well. It's not really an issue with chest waders on.

I carry my net n my back without a problem, Just give the net a good shake or two before replacing it as lv2nymph stated.

I did'nt carry a net for quite a while as I did'nt feel I needed it. Then I hooked my biggest brook trout ever (18 1/2"). I caught the fish but a net would have come in real handy in that situation. I carry a net now even though I very seldom use it. I wear it in the middle of my back and it's attached with magnets. I really don't even notice it there.

I broke my cheap-o mesh net last season, and upgraded to a Brodin Phantom net, frying pan size.

I haven't testing it out for a day's fishing yet, but it doesn't SEEM to be too heavy, but it is much larger than what I thought I would be getting. For your average trout around here, you could get away with the Trout size net they offer. Just my two cents.