Looking for a new landing net

Gear & Reviews
1

I have used a ‘normal’ landing net for the last number of years, with the black mesh bag. The bag is OK for protecting the fish, but snags the flies. After this time the laminations are getting loose on the hoop. Not unexpected at the price.
I am looking at the Brodin. I really like the quality and material of the bag. Since I am in Canada and will be buying online, imports attract extra duties and taxes, so if importing from the US I need one that costs about $60-$65. Any other suggestions and recommendations are welcome.

2

For an inexpensive, but very functional net, I’d recommend the MeasureNet (http://www.themeasurenet.com/). They offer an option for a rubber mesh bag.

3

There was a discussion on nets last month; maybe you could find something to your liking here:

http://www.flyanglersonline.com/bb/showthread.php?45930-Opinions-on-nets

Regards,
Scott

4

I think rubber bagged nets are in a class of their own, for the reasons you mention and more. While there are a variety of good brands, I think the best kept secret out there is the fact that Brodin sells the Ghost net bags alone for you to install on your own frame. They’re only about $25 on average and a piece of cake to string onto your existing frame. (I’ve put two on myself). Great way to get all the benefits of a new rubber-bagged net without spending $100 or more.

http://www.brodin.com/Ghost_Bags.html

5

John,

Thanks for the link, that does look easy. I’ve got an old net that my wife found at a yard sale that would be a perfect guinea pig.

Regards,
Scott

6

I’ve been using the “Measure Net” with the extendable handle for a few years now and I do really like it. When fishing on the stream or river, I leave the handle short. When fishing from my pontoon boat or jon boat I extend the handle. I’ve given some consideration to the rubberized net but find that with my aging shoulders the added weight is a problem. Especially if the handle is extended. If you are using barbless hooks, fly removal with the nylon mesh bag is not a problem. However, the rubber bag would be easier on the fish. It all depends on your preferences and needs, but the extendable handle is really a very nice feature.

7

Nice looking wood frame, ghost type rubber bag, from Amazon Frabill Deluxe Wood Catch And Release Landing Net (3407) about $25; Walmart carries a similar Cortland net in some stores for around the same price.

8

I’ve used replacement nets on retired tennis rackets…one wood and one graphite.

9

This deal probably starts next week at your Ontario BPS store. Store brand with a ghost rubber bag $30. Page 26.
http://www.basspro.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/CFPage?storeId=10151&langId=-1&catalogId=10051&appID=163&template=circular.cfm&i=107900&m=22673&storeID=11

10

I really like my Iverson net. http://www.iversonssnowshoes.com/index.php?act=viewCat&catId=5

11

Two-handed backhand on the scoop? :wink:

Regards,
Scott

12

You bet Scott…but you have to remember to remove the strings:D

13

Thanks guys for all the input. Some of the nets you came up with had not appeared in my searches. And thanks ScottP for the link to the previous net thread.
My concern with the BPS, Frabill, and Cortland net is that they appear to all be the same, and to match the imported one with a mesh bag that I have used for about 10 years. They look good at first, and the net is still OK, but the varnish is thin and the glue is not top notch. I have actually inserted screws into the sides of my handle to hold it together. Given my age, I should just buy one anyway, but I will be happier with something nicer.
I like the graphite/fibreglass ones, odd that there are not more on the market.
Still trying to decide - thanks for your help in providing more choices.