Folding net comparison (Frabill versus Uncle Josh)

Many kayakers fish with a big long net sticking way above their head from a rod holder.  I don’t like doing that.  When stored in that manner, big long nets catch wind and reduce the stability of a kayak.  When fishing for big fish, I like to use folding nets.  I’m writing to compare two folding nets which I’ve used.  On the left is a Frabill Power Stow net, and on the right is an Uncle Josh Quick Fold Net.  Frabill makes a folding net which folds somewhat like the Uncle Josh net, but I haven’t seen or used one of those nets.



Here the nets are open.  The handle on each of these nets extends to almost twice the length shown below.  Both of these nets have rubberized mesh, which I like because it reduces the amount of time I spend extracting lures from my net.



I leash my net so I won’t lose it, and bungie it on the back of my kayak where I can grab it easily, as shown below.



For a folding net to work, you need to be able to deploy it with one hand, perhaps with the assistance of a toe or a knee, while playing a large and irritated fish with the other hand.  If possible, try out a folding net at a store before you buy it, to be sure you can get it open with one hand.

The Uncle Josh net is easier to deploy than the Frabill net.  You just hang onto the handle and let the net flop out and lock in place.  To open the Frabill net, you need to first open up the rim of the net, and then slide the net out to the end of the handle.  It’s a more complicated process, but I can do it fine with the help of a toe, or by hooking the rim on my downrigger.  I haven’t been extending the handle on either net, as I don’t feel that I need a longer net.

The Uncle Josh net is quite compact when folded, but a disadvantage of this net is that it’s kind of floppy and fragile.  I have bent the arms on the side of the net when wrestling with a big fish, and the flexible support on the end of the net sometimes comes off the end of the arms.  The Frabill net takes up more room when folded, but it’s sturdier, and overall I like it quite a bit better than the Uncle Josh net.

Here's the Frabill net in action.

The idea of a folding net is great. I hate nets and never carry one unless I'm live baiting for big lings or salmon fishing. What's the largest fish you have landed in a folding net? I just don't think I'd trust one with a lively king or even a big coho.
Thanks for the write up.

What's the largest fish you have landed in a folding net? I just don't think I'd trust one with a lively king or even a big coho.

I haven't ever fished for salmon, but I've landed a lot of lake trout in the 30"-36" range.  The lake trout on the dock in my posting was 34.5 inches.  Lake trout can be pretty feisty, but both of these nets handle them fine.

Lake trout and salmon are not in the same realm of comparison for netting.  Salmon are way more powerful and prone to that last second surge!  Sure, the netting techniques can be similar for both species, but getting a salmon in a net is way different than a mack.  Not sure I'd go with a folding net for salmon...then again, I haven't done any product testing, so what do I know.

Yes, you want a really big net for salmon.   Personally, I like mine to be big enough to use as a hammock if I need a nap at the end of the day.

Brian

Yes, you want a really big net for salmon.   Personally, I like mine to be big enough to use as a hammock if I need a nap at the end of the day.
Brian

Sweet! Is that the new PSD net that Adobe just came out with? 
I want one of those for the kids.

Yes, you want a really big net for salmon.   Personally, I like mine to be big enough to use as a hammock if I need a nap at the end of the day.
Brian

Sweet! Is that the new PSD net that Adobe just came out with? 
I want one of those for the kids.

No, that is an untouched image.   It is a really big net, plus a bit (not much really) of forced perspective.

I really like the rubberized mesh for salmon as well.  Way easier to deal with hooks that way.

No, that is an untouched image.   It is a really big net, plus a bit (not much really) of forced perspective.

Wow! I was going to commend you on your skills of matting out the background around the net strands. But now I'm just in awe of the size of that thing. (insert jokes here) I'm sure the forced perspective and perhaps a wide angle lens helped, but that thing is big. (more jokes)
Is it a pain to store? I had a net once that I took back because it was too big. There's a post on here somewhere about it.

However, to add to the discussion. I find that I catch more salmon when I do not have my net with me. I have even started leaving it in the car on purpose just to increase my luck quotient. But they are very handy. I find on the kayak that I like a deeper bag combined with a slightly smaller hoop. I've been meaning to re-string an old collapsible net I have with a much longer bag. I think it'll work well for what I want and still pack down quite small.

I believe the net is this 32" x 41" hoop diameter one from Frabill.

http://frabill.com/landing-nets/pro-formance-nets/5420.html

Regarding stowing the net, I just slide the handle up and then bungee the thing down over my gear in the tank well.  I like to think it helps secure my gear and fish bag a bit more for surf landings.   

Wow! I was going to commend you on your skills of matting out the background around the net strands. But now I'm just in awe of the size of that thing. (insert jokes here) I'm sure the forced perspective and perhaps a wide angle lens helped, but that thing is big. (more jokes)

#1  How do you think he finally caught a salmon?  He used that trawl net.
#2  Bet he hasn't heard that before.
#3  It's not the size of the net but the skill of the angler
#4  He'll never get that fish smell off it
#5  I'm pretty sure Brian will be changing his member name to Chef.

-Spot-