I got a beginners fly fishing outfit for now from Cabela’s (6wt WF line). Bought a pair of Dan Bailey’s waders. Got a pair of Korkers w/interchangeable soles. Now need a net, does any one have suggestions on one that is easy on the trout? I have done some research and rubber seems to be the way to go.
Thanks in advance.
Doug
I realize the trend is toward rubber nets these days but I don’t buy it. I believe if you handle a fish properly it will be fine. Just my opinion.
Bruce
I went fishing the other day with a cheapy net with a soft fabric bag, and every fish I put in the net wound up snagging a dropper and usually both flys in it. They had to be cut out to get them out. I’m going rubber.
As will I, when this Frabil bites the dust.
http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/templates/product/standard-item.jsp?id=0036699318923a&navCount=1&podId=0036699&parentId=cat20554&masterpathid=&navAction=jump&cmCat=MainCatcat20431-cat20554_TGP&catalogCode=IA&rid=&parentType=index&indexId=cat20554&hasJS=true I have been using this net for about two maybe three years and not had one problem with it and I know two guys that fish with it and feel the same.
www.fisknat.com Nice nets with light weight rubber bags. I’ve used one for the last year. The rubber bags have their pros and cons. They don’t snag flies and I believe remove less slime from the fish. However fish tend to struggle and bounce around in them more. At least that’s my experience.
That looks just like the one I’ve been cutting my flies out of. The material is just too prone to snatch up the hooks.
I’d suggest a MeasureNet. Relatively inexpensive and you can get either a nylon mesh bag or a rubber bag.
I really like my Brodin Ghost net. It’s not cheap but it really is a good net.
http://www.brodin.com/FireholeGhost.html
Jeff
Do you use barbless hooks?
Two of the best reasons (for me) to use a rubber net bag are seldom mentioned.
1 - Stink. After netting a bunch of fish, the nylon mesh nets get pretty ripe, no matter how well you rinse it. Rubber bags don’t retain the stink if you give them a quick rinse after releasing a fish.
2 - Rubber mesh nets dry very quickly.
These two factors are very convenient if you use a wader bag. My wader bags have seperate compartments for your boots and waders, and they have a “dry” compartment for vest, wading jacket, extra clothes, etc. My net is attached to my vest with a magnetic holder and a shock cord. With a rubber net bag, I can just chuck all my stuff in the dry compartment without getting anything wet and smelly.
I also hang my vest in the closet, and that’s the last place you want to hang a smelly old net!:roll:
Here’s a relatively inexpensive net with a rubber bag:
best net made!
my thoughts exactly. if using barbless hooks, they shouldn’t have to be cut out of most nets…especially those w/the mesh instead of the old-fashioned cord-and-knot style. worst i’ve ever had to do is use forceps to wiggle a tiny midge hook loose.
Yes I will always use barbless hooks, just a good thing to do.
Mostly using flys that I will be tying (as a back-up for first few times out some store bought).
From what I see and read here and around the different sites rubber is the way to go.
Thanks for the input.
Doug
I bought a Measure Net from Cabela’s, and then purchased the replacement rubber measure net for it. I think if you buy directly from Measure Net, you can get the rubber bag from the get-go. Here’s their link:
I also bought a Measure Net from Cabela’s. It’s a great net, but hooks do snag (I use barbless) and it does smell. I wash it with mild dish soap and plenty of water and the smell goes away. I am considering ordering the rubber replacement bag directly from them, and hopefully those two problem will go away. Great all around net, though.
Measure Net - hands down. But get the rubber bag from the factory at the link that’s been provided.
Kelly.
Rubber is a good way to go for all the reasons listed above. But if you want to stay with mesh, I’ve found the closer woven you can get the mesh (smaller holes), the less problem I have with snagged flies. I got my wife a William Joseph “hook net” (named for the shape of the handle). I bought it because it’s super light, but have found that there’s very little issue with hook hang-ups as well. The difference: the holes in the mesh are teeny tiny and the flies don’t fall through and get snagged, at least very rarely. Just an observation that might or might not help.
I have a Measure Net with a rubber bag. The problem is that the bottom panel that has the ruler is still made out of nylon. Also, the stitching on the seams looks pretty low quality. I’m guessing that it will start to come apart after a few seasons.
You should check out Brodin’s very affordable new Trout Bum series. They have basic aluminum frames, but the bags are ghost rubber. One of the models even has a built-in scale. They aren’t on the Brodin website, but you can find them at different online shops by googling the name.