Catch And Release Nets

[MaxDrown]

I've been looking for a good catch and release net for a long time. I do a lot of hiking, wading, and bush-whacking. I need some light and sturdy (i.e., won't get torn apart by brush and thorns). I saw this Burlwood Catch and Release net and liked the way it looked and felt. I was wondering if any of your folks have used this net and would care to review it for me?

http://www.hendrix-outdoors.com/nets.html

Are there any other suggestions on good catch and release nets for the situation I describe above?

[flytyer57]

I bought me a "Lippa-4-Life" tool and got rid of the net. I got tired of the net snagging brush while getting to the river and my hooks getting stuck or wrapped up in the net. No more net for me! I carry this on a loop on my vest and it works great.

Shop around, the prices vary. LLBean is advertising $36.

[Andrew324]

I don't use a net, but I plan on buying one here someday. I have always liked the Frabill 3407 because it is relatively inexpensive and looks like a perfect catch and release net.

Although I suppose if you want to be the ultimate returner of fish unharmed, you could try hookless flies or pegging beads.

[troutbum479]

Brodin nets are sweet. The ghost series are the way to go. You just have to pay an arm and leg for one, unless you find one on sale.

[3wt]

I bought me a "Lippa-4-Life" tool and got rid of the net. I got tired of the net snagging brush while getting to the river and my hooks getting stuck or wrapped up in the net. No more net for me! I carry this on a loop on my vest and it works great.

Shop around, the prices vary. LLBean is advertising $36.

Probably not great for trout though, if that's what you're after.

I used to be a no-net guy, then got sick of loosing the chance for a quick picture by loosing bigger fish whne they were right at my legs. I just use a cheap cabelas c&r style net. They're much better at not snagging brush and your fly when you get a fish. All that said, I found a big hole in the net last time I used it. So if you find a good option, I'm in.

[Trout Commander]

I don't use a net, but I plan on buying one here someday. I have always liked the Frabill 3407 because it is relatively inexpensive and looks like a perfect catch and release net.

This, for the price.

The net bag is very nice for the price. You can go and fondle one at Bass Pro before you buy even.

Also there are a few locals and board members who build very nice nets if you would like to spend some more money on a better looking net that would (IMO) mean more to you since it was handmade locally.

[MaxDrown]

net bag?

[flytyer57]

Probably not great for trout though, if that's what you're after.

I bought it just for trout fishing.

If I bass fish, I don't need it cuz I can just lip a bass. Try lipping a large trout once though. They got some pretty sharp teeth that will tear up your thumb.

This tool subdues the fish and they don't thrash around, causing less injury to the fish.

When I use it, I just slide it up to the trouts face and grab it's lower jaw.

Seems to me it's a lot more humane than letting a trout thrash around in a net while you try to reach in and grab it and remove the hook.

[Trout Commander]

net bag?

The actual "net" part of the net. The either cloth or rubber part of the net. In the case of the Frabill it is rubber and comparable to many high dollar nets. The wood frame isn't anything to write home about though.

[3wt]

I bought it just for trout fishing.

If I bass fish, I don't need it cuz I can just lip a bass. Try lipping a large trout once though. They got some pretty sharp teeth that will tear up your thumb.

This tool subdues the fish and they don't thrash around, causing less injury to the fish.

When I use it, I just slide it up to the trouts face and grab it's lower jaw.

Seems to me it's a lot more humane than letting a trout thrash around in a net while you try to reach in and grab it and remove the hook.

So you just use it to hold them still in the water and not to lift them?