Landing net

I can see, that if I ever hook something more than a few pounds and a little feisty, I am going to need a landing net.  I do have a small, short, fixed shaft that will work fine for little stuff, but obviously the goal is to hook BIG stuff. 

Suggestions?  Features?  Extensible shaft?  How big of a hoop diameter?  Folding?  Purchase where?   

I have 3.  I've had all of them for years, now, and am not sure where I got all of them.

First, you should know that in WA, if you want to practice CnR on fish, you're required to use a knotless net to avoid damaging the slime layer on their skin.

The smallest I have is a cheap little knotless, cloth bag, laminated wood job meant for fly fisherman and the like. The opening is egg-shaped and about 10 1/2" X 14 1/2". I think it was $10 at Ace. It's OK for trout and panfish if using single hooks, preferably barbless. Absolute b!tch with treble hooks; (insert Wali's favorite clause). I use it most frequently for wade fishing along streams and it hangs off the back of my vest. I replaced the cheap bungee (after it failed ) because if the net caught in the brush and then pulled loose, the bungee would slingshot it between my shoulder blades. A magnet system with one magnet on the vest and one on the frame of the net, works much better.

The mid size number is aluminum framed with a rubber bag (knotless), and is the one I use the most. The rubber bag is great for the rare times I use trebles (like with Rapalas). The opening is around 16" X 20", with about about a 30-36" handle length. Good for most fish up to small steelhead size. It was a hand-me-down from a friend. It's a good convenient size that can handle most of my fishing needs. I have no idea what make it is, or how expensive. Based on the aluminum handle, I'd bet it's relatively cheap.

The big gun is not really all that big compared to what a lot of PBers use, but then a huge net is a PIA in a small boat. It's a Ranger model with a 48" fiberglass handle (touted as unbreakable), and a 24"X24" opening. It's at least 15 years old. I don't remember how expensive it was, but considering my Dutch heritage, it probably wasn't too much. I did have to replace the bag, a few years ago, after a 25# halibut blew through it. It has handled salmon up to 20-25# and even a 40# halibut. It took several tries to get the flattie in the bag, each of which ignited another long run by the 'but. The advantage of wearing it out this way was that it did not have the energy required to blow through the net, by the time I managed to bag it.

I have several as well. 

An oval trout wading net.  I don't use this in the kayak much at all.


A folding promar net with a 18" round opening and a 30" deep net basket.  I use this for bass, walleye, trout fishing in the kayak.  It folds in half and I usually leave it up on the bow of my T13 under the side rail bungees.


Finally, I have a large Frabill salmon net with about a 30" opening and a sliding handle.  I don't remember what model it was, but it was about $40 on sale at Bi-mart.  Aluminum handle and a basic knotted mesh net.   This one comes out with me for salmon and is generally a pain.   I usually keep this fully extended and standing straight up behind me in a rod holder.

considering my Dutch heritage, it probably wasn't too much.

Now it all makes sense. A fellow cheese head.


Z