Not sure where to ask this question.
I recently switched to a rubber trout net as I am told it is better for the fish in catch and release situations (which is all I do anyway).
I wonder what others use and what is your experience with the rubber net. I have found it great.
I believe it is better for the fish and I KNOW it is better for the fisherman as the hooks don’t get caught in the webbing like the older materials.
Thanks,
Byron
I agree Byron. I just started using a rubber net because I believe it is better for the fish. I usually carried my old nylon mesh net, but didn’t use it often when nymphing because of the hassle of untangling the second fly from the net after releasing every fish. I found myself handling the fish rather than using the net, which cannot be good. First impression of my new rubber bag is that I’m sorry I waited so long to get one!
Cliff
I’ve used the “measure net” for probably 5 or 6 years and really like it. It’s not rubber like a Ghost net, but rather a rubberized material that has the same properties - doesn’t snag hooks and hopefully is easier on the fish - though they don’t say.
Rubber type nets are the only way to go. I have two, a long handled boat net and a smaller creek water type net. Both are the black rubber netting, they didn’t have the clear netting when I bought mine. If I was going to buy a new one it would be the clear rubber type net. Many of the guides I use have gone to the clear net and those that have not plan to when the net wears out. They are much easier on the fish, hooks don’t hang up and they don’t smell of fish, which is nice when you toss the net into the back of your rig.
Larry —sagefisher—
I think the difference in convenience with rubber nets vs. nylon is as dramatic as any choice I’ve ever stumbled on in my fly fishing equipment. Hooks don’t get snagged, jaws and fins don’t get tangled up, and I can often land the fish, remove the hook, and release the fish without ever having taken it out of the water or the confines of the net. You couldn’t give me one with a mesh bag, unless I liked the frame and was going to put a rubber bag on it.
A couple of times I had the fly go through the fish and lodge in the fabric net. Then you are on the stream (or leaning over the float tube) trying to get your nippers to cut the leader to let the fish go - even before you start struggling with the fly!
I switched last spring - although I thought of it for a couple of years, wish I had changed back then. Not only is the rubber better for the fisherman - less frustrating - it is better for the fish. Mine is from Wolf Moon, I picked it up in Connecticut on the annual trip to the Farmington.
Replacement rubber bags are available separately, and if the wooden part of my original net had been better quality I would have just replaced the bag - it can’t be that hard. I recommend this for anyone with a quality net handle with a fabric bag.
Cheers, Greg
I’ve been using a Brodin boat net that has a rubber, I think they call it a “Ghost”', bag for a couple years and it works just fine. Not only is rubber easier on the fish, but since flies don’t get caught in the rubber as readily, we often release fish faster which is also better for the fish.
This spring I’m thinking of getting a Nomad boat net, that also has a rubber bag. I think it may hold up a bit better in the boat whereas the wood framed net tends to get a bit banged up over time.
Anyone have any experience with Nomad nets?
I have a Nomad net withe a rubber bag and I love it. Recently, FishPond bought interest in the Nomad nets.
The thing is pretty light and the rubber net is much better than the fine mesh net that I was using. You are exactly right John about being able to release a fish much more quickly.
I have the hand net, not the boat net. The carbon frame would hold up better than a wood frame. I’d recommend the Nomad nets. Not exactly cheap, but they are nice.
Brian
Thanks, Brian. I guess there will be a Nomad net in my future.
AND, anyone who has used , as have I, the "other " type should , as will I, for OBVIOUS reasons , run out and buy the rubber type. It’s really a NO BRAINER. What must I have been thinking??
,
Mark
It’s a piece of cake. I’ve ordered net bags only from Brodin and replaced the bags on two frames in the past and am getting ready to do a third. Theirs run $20-25 as I recall.
I have seen what appears to be a glove that caught my interest but lost the site.I think it would be great if it was made of rubber.
My bride gave me a Brodin a couple of years ago, and it really does live up to its billing. I dont want to hijack, so I am going to start a new thread on attaching/carring methods, I would be interested in how everyone does it.
Teeny Landing hand perhaps? http://www.flyfishusa.com/accessories/teeny-landing-hand/teeny-landing-hand.htm
A rubber net is fine from the boat or shore, but I prefer this to having to lug one around on the stream.
I admit I use rubber majority of the time but I use a very fine nylon mesh net with bamboo frame on rivers. I use barbless hooks so the net really doesn’t leave the water anyway. Just cradles the fish. Oh and the hooks don’t get caught in the mesh either. I have had problems with the larger holes in the Ghost Nets though.
Sincce I’m PAST the age of “question” and have FORGOTTEN my net several times and have purchased at least THREE onaccounta same, I would LOVE to buy conversion RUBBER for at least some of them. As I mentioned earlier, in my humble opinion, this is a NO brainer. ARE there opposing views???
Mark
There is to me, but most will agree hands down. The main concern is wiping the protective film off the fish and is a valid point. Problem I have encountered is the rubber nets. I have had hooks get caught more in some rubber nets then the fine Nylon like on the William Joseph Bamboo net. And as I mentioned, the bigger holes on the ghost nets have hooked the jaw of the caught fish. By leaving the net and fish half in the water I have little problems, but in this case, the nylon is not an issue. Not a big fan of gloves or Bogas, but if just tailing the fish, I think this can be quite effective with a glove. Bogas, only if you cradle the belly.Key for me is a wet surface just like your hand.
whatfly,that appears to be it.I wonder if I could make it out of rubber?
Joanee,
Since my arms are wayyyy tooo short to hug trees and I have NO intent on injuring the fish I fool, I AM interested in getting my catch the hell outta my net to make room for the next one ( hopefully???), I feel that the RUBBER net fiber will attain my objective in less time ( PERIOD).
Mark
Then that is all that matters. Others experience may differ;)