It’s been a very long time since I bought a new net. I’m looking for something that is easy on the fins, can be used alone, and has plenty of room. What are the nets on the market that you would recommend?
Musky Fishing
New Net Recommendations
Displaying 1 to 9 of 9 posts
How's that Ranger musky net? I bought a walleye one, used it once and left it at the boat launch because I hated it so much. That netting was simply awful on treble hooks when netting a trolling fish. Hooks would go through that rubber and into the real netting and become next to impossible to get out. Had to cut out hooks out most every time.
I went to a Beckman net for walleyes and have had zero issues since.
Curious if that Ranger musky net is any better than their walleye one.
And from what I've seen, that rubber coated netting isn't just a Ranger net thing, I've seen it on Beckman's, too. So I just steer clear of that stuff.
I went to a Beckman net for walleyes and have had zero issues since.
Curious if that Ranger musky net is any better than their walleye one.
And from what I've seen, that rubber coated netting isn't just a Ranger net thing, I've seen it on Beckman's, too. So I just steer clear of that stuff.
I use all-rubber nets now. Easy on fins, easy to get hooks out of and just all-around better for the fish, reduces slime layer damage, etc. I have a couple: one Frabill Sportsman 17" diameter x 9" deep net with a 36" handle for panfish and a 23" x 16" deep net for bass/walleye. For muskies I have a Ranger 9877FB, which has the deep, flat-bottom bag with small holes so fins don't get ripped. An all-rubber net of this size would weigh a TON, so it is rubber-coated mesh, but nonetheless it is not terrible to get hooks out of. I like this net because you can leave the fish in the net, in the water, and put the net handle under your arm or between your legs while you remove hooks. This limits handling and keeps the fish in the water to recover while you remove hooks and prepare for a couple photos before release. Smaller fish can be unhooked and released directly from the net. Win-win for you and the fish!
ETA: I also recently forgot my net on a trip that was a 2.5 hour drive, so I stopped at WalMart and bought an Ozark Trail rubber telescoping handle net for $25. I haven't used it much, but I like that it has an aluminum yoke where the handle telescopes versus plastic. I'm not wild about the fluorescent orange rubber net, as it is like waving a giant flag that catches nearby anglers' attention, but the quality of the net itself seems just as good as the Frabill. I also like the more rectangular hoop, which would allow it to be used for slightly longer fish than my Frabill panfish net.
ETA: I also recently forgot my net on a trip that was a 2.5 hour drive, so I stopped at WalMart and bought an Ozark Trail rubber telescoping handle net for $25. I haven't used it much, but I like that it has an aluminum yoke where the handle telescopes versus plastic. I'm not wild about the fluorescent orange rubber net, as it is like waving a giant flag that catches nearby anglers' attention, but the quality of the net itself seems just as good as the Frabill. I also like the more rectangular hoop, which would allow it to be used for slightly longer fish than my Frabill panfish net.
Chaw when fishing by myself I have it unfolded and the handle out with it over top of the rear chair. Space isnt really an issue when I'm solo, and this keeps it out of the floor so I'm not tripping on it. The the hoop and the handle are aluminum so not terribly heavy, but its bulky enough that I wouldn't want to try solo netting with their bigger 116 model.
I still like my Frabill Conservation Series net. Handle collapses nicely. I can open it with one hand by stepping on the hoop and pulling. And it's lightweight to net muskies solo.
I've held the RS Nets Solo Slimer. Man, I don't know how people use that net. Steel handle that doesn't collapse and the net itself is just really heavy.
If I were you, I'd go to a few different shops and just hold the nets and see what you like. Maybe RS is for you. Maybe Frabill. Maybe Beckman or Drifter.
I did put a Beckman Finsaver bag onto my Frabill frame years ago. It has held up well.
I've held the RS Nets Solo Slimer. Man, I don't know how people use that net. Steel handle that doesn't collapse and the net itself is just really heavy.
If I were you, I'd go to a few different shops and just hold the nets and see what you like. Maybe RS is for you. Maybe Frabill. Maybe Beckman or Drifter.
I did put a Beckman Finsaver bag onto my Frabill frame years ago. It has held up well.
Displaying 1 to 9 of 9 posts
