Nets

M

Mwo10mwo

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Joined
Nov 6, 2024
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Moosic
Hello Everyone,

I see a lot of people wading with different nets and was wondering what nets people are using and why. I am currently rocking a 20 dollar cortland wood handle rubber net that works just fine. I have been thinking of upgrading to a long handled net, but wanted to hear some opinions on it before I purchase one because they significantly more expensive!

Looking forward to your thoughts.

Thank You.
 
Mwo10mwo said:
Hello Everyone,

I see a lot of people wading with different nets and was wondering what nets people are using and why. I am currently rocking a 20 dollar cortland wood handle rubber net that works just fine. I have been thinking of upgrading to a long handled net, but wanted to hear some opinions on it before I purchase one because they significantly more expensive!

Looking forward to your thoughts.

Thank You.
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I got a fishpond, mid length handle not the long boat handle but the middle size. It's got a big rubber hoop. I keep it in my belt so it's not an issue. I really like it the longer handle helps alot imo and it can hold some big fish. I wish I had bought one years ago
 
I had a Handi-Pak foldable net that I really enjoyed while I had it. It packed up really nicely into my sling back while bushwacking on small streams. Made in PA too. Unfortunately I left it unsecured and fell out of my pack up while I was hiking up a small stream in the Catskills this fall, so now I just have a similar wood handle rubber net with a leash system that gets the job done.
 
I use this basic, but very cool net, for my small freestone streams. Small and compact, which suits my needs perfectly.
IMO A long handled net is more practical/commonly used on bigger water. Use what fits your needs the best.
 

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Recently I've been using an inexpensive aluminum frame net with a white rubber bag. I like it a lot more than my fancy wood nets. It's way lighter, has a bigger hoop opening, and the magnet is built in to the handle. I may put my custom wood nets up for sale after using this. I think you can find them at Bass Pro among others. In the photo you can see the frame at the edge of the pic.

Edit - whatever net I use I always tie a cord to it and attach to my wading belt, vest whatever. prevents loss. Also this type of rubber bag doesn't hold water and soak your back.

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Rubber bagged nets for me, not just for the fish but also they are WAY easier to get tangled, two fly rigs out unhooked! I have a cheapy Bass Pro net with my chest pack rig I use for bush whacking adventures and also a Brodin that my wife got me for turning 45 that gets used with my vest set up on larger waters.
 

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I own more than a few nets, all collapsible because I like the convenience and smaller size but if I am wading I never carry a net for a lot of reasons, mainly related to the fact I don't take photos so I don't care if I lose a fish and I can release a fish much faster sans net.

However, at a few places where wading is impossible I fish from the bank. At those places the only alternative is to try and lift a fish up 10 or more feet. In those locations I use a long handled net so I don't have to lay my rod down, lay on my belly and try and net a fish that is way below my position.

I also like a long handle net at places like the Letort or Big Springs where I typically fish from the bank or stand in shallow water just so I don't have to bend all the way down or get on my knees to net a fish.
 
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FollowTheBlueLines said:
I had a Handi-Pak foldable net that I really enjoyed while I had it. It packed up really nicely into my sling back while bushwacking on small streams. Made in PA too. Unfortunately I left it unsecured and fell out of my pack up while I was hiking up a small stream in the Catskills this fall, so now I just have a similar wood handle rubber net with a leash system that gets the job done.
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If you are considering a replacement, Handy Pak typically has a sale every December. There is also the much pricier but nicer McLean Foldable Weigh Net with a built in scale.
 
how is it carrying around a net with a long handle? i keep my normal length net tucked into my wading belt.
 
I’ve been using McLean nets for over 20 years. I’ve only ever had two, one large for steelhead and one medium for everything else. They have deep bags. Replace the bags when they die. Rubber bags. The net never dies. It’s light, and has a scale built into the handle. Made in New Zealand.
 
JoeE said:
Thank for posting Hany Pak, I have an old one from the 60's that i need to replace the net. Joe E
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Varnished wood handle with the "Shamokin PA keystone decal? If so, post a photo.

Regardless that's pretty cool to have one that old!!

A while back I bought one of their "vintage nets" when they were offering one with a varnished wood handle and a replica "Ashland, PA keystone decal.

Once they switched to the teak handle with an embossed logo, I bought one of those and retired the one with the decal because it looks like the originals and has that cool factor.
 
caddisflyer said:
I think all the rubber nets are heavy and the rubber does not drape neatly so it gets caught on things.
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Rubber or ghost rubber?

I have some rubber nets and they are fine. I don't have any use for ghost rubber because I only use collapsible nets which are always in a scabbard so they never get caught on anything...
 
Bamboozle said:
Rubber or ghost rubber?

I have some rubber nets and they are fine. I don't have any use for ghost rubber because I only use collapsible nets which are always in a scabbard so they never get caught on anything...
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I bet I am thinking of ghost rubber because they are translucent white. I am happy with my mesh net because it stays wet and I can easily unhook a fish. I rarely take photos and sometimes do not even touch the fish. My net cost $10.00.
 
Mwo10mwo said:
Hello Everyone,

I see a lot of people wading with different nets and was wondering what nets people are using and why. I am currently rocking a 20 dollar cortland wood handle rubber net that works just fine. I have been thinking of upgrading to a long handled net, but wanted to hear some opinions on it before I purchase one because they significantly more expensive!

Looking forward to your thoughts.

Thank You.
Click to expand...
If it ain't broke, don't fix it!
 
caddisflyer said:
I bet I am thinking of ghost rubber because they are translucent white. I am happy with my mesh net because it stays wet and I can easily unhook a fish. I rarely take photos and sometimes do not even touch the fish. My net cost $10.00.
Click to expand...

That's a ghost or ghost rubber net... Ghost nets have some advantages in regards to tangles and hook penetration but compactness isn't an attribute.

Regular rubber are mesh nets (knot-less) that are coated with rubber. In the UK and many other countries, knot-less & rubber nets or ghost nets are all that is legal.

I never take photos any more and almost never carry or use a net. I just leave the fish in the water, lightly grip it by the lower jaw and extract the hook.

By the end of the year my thumb is shredded, however for me it's worth the damage and occasional blood because it is so much easier than carrying, deploying, releasing and re-stowing a net...
 
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