Net for Erie Steelhead

[GlenmooreJohn]

Greetings, Heading up to fish for steelhead for the first time and looking at purchasing a bigger net. Can anyone weigh in on the minimize size net I should buy? I was looking at the Frabill with the 13 x 18" hoop. Will that work for the typical size steelhead caught? Trying to strike a balance and keep net size reasonable. I might do this trip once a year so I don't need anything fancy or expensive. Thanks for any advice.

 

[JimNovo]

From a thread just a few days ago…

Wood Fly Fishing net - Handcrafted Custom Fly Fishing net made in the USA

Wayward makes Handcrafted wood Landing nets. We offer custom fly fishing net options and personalized engraving and epoxy inlays. Our wood fly fishing nets are made in the USA using traditional wood bending methods. Our goal is to make the best fly fishing nets on the market. We have a wide array o

www.customflyfishingnets.com

 

[Drifly]

Should work fine for Erie fish as long as it has a fairly deep bag

 

[GlenmooreJohn]

From a thread just a few days ago…

Wood Fly Fishing net - Handcrafted Custom Fly Fishing net made in the USA

Wayward makes Handcrafted wood Landing nets. We offer custom fly fishing net options and personalized engraving and epoxy inlays. Our wood fly fishing nets are made in the USA using traditional wood bending methods. Our goal is to make the best fly fishing nets on the market. We have a wide array o

www.customflyfishingnets.com

Thanks, but starting at $200+ that falls into the expensive and fancy category for me. Just looking for something practical and inexpensive.

 

[RLeep2]

Here is a steelhead/salmon net from FishUSA, which is right up there anyway. You could order it online and pick it up when you get up here. $44.99.

Ranger Steelhead & Salmon Wading Net

Shop Ranger Steelhead & Salmon Wading Net at FishUSA. The durable aluminum hoop and tough netting are specially designed for salmon.

www.fishusa.com

 

[GlenmooreJohn]

Here is a steelhead/salmon net from FishUSA, which is right up there anyway. You could order it online and pick it up when you get up here. $44.99.

Ranger Steelhead & Salmon Wading Net

Shop Ranger Steelhead & Salmon Wading Net at FishUSA. The durable aluminum hoop and tough netting are specially designed for salmon.

www.fishusa.com

Thanks RLeep2, very helpful! I am thinking either this one or the Frabill. I wonder if the coated netting on the Frabill is a better option than the nylon on the Ranger net - perhaps better for the fish/less tangles.

 

[CRB]

I usually just tail the fish. Use a wet wool glove.

 

[Silent Ocelot]

I'm going up to Erie with a Fishpond mid-length net as the net I wanted on Mad River Outfitters is out of stock and I MUST have this net. If I can recall I think it was around $150 which is more than I think you are willing to pay. I think it was a New Zealand built net and had a built in scale. I will probably resort to just tailing them...

 

[GlenmooreJohn]

I'm going up to Erie with a Fishpond mid-length net as the net I wanted on Mad River Outfitters is out of stock and I MUST have this net. If I can recall I think it was around $150 which is more than I think you are willing to pay. I think it was a New Zealand built net and had a built in scale. I will probably resort to just tailing them...

Thanks everybody, I appreciate your input. I ended up going with the Frabill net with the 17x22" hoop. Hopefully I make good use of the net!

 

[mattofcarlisle]

The Ranger is a good bet. I was fishing in AK with a father and son that each had one - easily handled the Pinks we were all catching.

 

[Silent Ocelot]

I just learned recently that Orvis (actually Fishpond) has a net now that follows the paint scheme of the Helios 3 blackout edition. Looks like it has an extended grip too and the net portion looks large enough to accommodate a steelhead comfortably. I am going to look into buying this net for my upcoming steelhead trip next week and will post a review on this net if someone is interested.

 

[BradFromPotter]

Have fished for steelhead for almost 40 years & never have used a net. You don't need one.