Nets

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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.
Click to expand...
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.
Click to expand...

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.
 
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.
 
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