Making my own landing net out of PVC.

[somersetian]

After losing a fish that appeared to be 18" or ^ I finally was going to take my friends advice and purchase a landing net, then I saw the price tags. Being the do it yourselfer I am I started thinking of making my own. I've made my own tippet holder, rod cases, rod rack so why not landing net. I could purchase replacement rubber coated netting for 12 bucks online, and I think an 8' piece of 1/2 schedule 40 is only about 6 bucks. I have heated up schedule 40 pipe before to make all kinds of shapes. Could I use 10 lb mono to attach the netting? I don't know what do you guys think of the idea?

 

[JackM]

I bet a thin but semi-rigid piping, say 3/8 pvc would be able to be bent into a loop and then inserted into a 1 inch more rigid pvc pipe and secured with a screw or bolt/nut combo. I think most replacement nettings are designed or can be "threaded" onto the thinner piping. Personally, I would buy an inexpensive net at WalMart.

 

[MrMustard]

JackM wrote:
Personally, I would buy an inexpensive net at WalMart.

Agreed. If money truly is the issue, and you are already in for $18 with your plan, I would probably go with this:

Rubber Net

Then again, would be pretty cool to make one.

 

[somersetian]

Money is always an issue, that said once I get an idea I usually follow through with it. If I make one and it works out I'll post pictures.

 

[MKern]

I just bought that cabelas net for S and G. It's definitely worth $20 but the bag isn't as deep as it looks in the picture; fish almost wiggle out.

 

[MKern]

Just curious, why wouldn't you attempt to make the handle/frame out of wood or aluminum?

 

[somersetian]

I thought about wood first. With wood you would need glue/sealer/clamps/more wood to make a mold. I have previous experience with molding and shaping PVC, and it is very durable and lightweight. Plus I can probably get a stick from work for free sometime.

 

[poopdeck]

I too enjoy the challenge of a build over buying something but, I'm not sure pvc is the material I would choose. It simply has no character. I would go with a cheapie net or experiment with another material like branches for that rustic look.

 

[lv2nymph]

Yea, I like the branches idea. Then you could use some leather strapping to secure where the branch comes around to make the handle.

 

[somersetian]

My plan was to make the handle out of wood and router out the 2 sides so the PVC fits in. I'm holding out for a stick to be left behind on a job at work by a plumber and I'm gonna try.

 

[sandfly]

willow twisted and tied with leather works good.

 

[JackM]

I think a wooden-handled net with a bent/flexed PVC pipe would be a terrific net. Aluminum ring would be light as well. Paint either that you choose

 

[springer1]

I've used one of these for years and it works great and is never in the way. I get lots of compliments on how practical it is. LoL

http://www.neatoshop.com/product/Noggin-Net-Prank-Gift-Box