Net Recommendation
KDogg14
Posted 4/16/2022 5:19 PM (#1004447)
Subject: Net Recommendation




Posts: 21


Location: NJ
What is a decent net to get that doesn't break the bank?
Weiseyyy
Posted 4/16/2022 5:22 PM (#1004448 - in reply to #1004447)
Subject: RE: Net Recommendation





Posts: 64


Location: Minnesota
KDogg14 - 4/16/2022 5:19 PM

What is a decent net to get that doesn't break the bank?


Before I found my net on Marketplace, I was gonna go with one of Ranger's nets from the Musky Shop. Here's the link: https://www.muskyshop.com/products/nets-ranger-net-co-tournament-fla...

It is the 9877FB model, and to me, it sounded plenty big and well made for the price.
Ogandrews
Posted 4/16/2022 5:39 PM (#1004450 - in reply to #1004447)
Subject: Re: Net Recommendation




Posts: 224


Location: Minneapolis, Minnesota
I picked up one of the clam colossus last year and really liked it. Right at $200, really impressed with the netting. With as thick as it was i barely had fish get tied up in it and easy to get hooks out of. Found the round net east for solo netting although it’s not light
Cover Dog
Posted 4/16/2022 6:52 PM (#1004454 - in reply to #1004447)
Subject: Re: Net Recommendation




Posts: 15


Location: Chardon, Ohio
Don’t know what your $$ bank is, but RS Nets are very impressive. Have toured their factory here in Ohio, met the owners and was showed production from start to finish. I purchased their Solo Slimer which is their smaller Muskie net which is easier to handle when fishing solo the size is 36L x 30W x 48 deep. Their larger Muskie net is 40L x 36W x 48 deep.
Fishn'goon
Posted 4/17/2022 8:18 PM (#1004527 - in reply to #1004447)
Subject: Re: Net Recommendation




Posts: 11


Location: Blaine, Minnesota
It also depends on if you fish mostly solo or with a buddy. I'm also looking for a net recommendation and fish mostly solo so I'll need a light net for easier maneuverability. For some ideas for you, I've narrowed it down to a Frabill Power Catch 8430 that I found for $139.99 on Fleet Farm, the Frabill conservation series also seems like it's pretty light and more affordable, or those Ranger nets look pretty good too. But I've also read on older forum threads that the two Frabills that I listed have weaker netting that may not be ideal, so really not sure.
Ogandrews
Posted 4/18/2022 6:49 AM (#1004541 - in reply to #1004527)
Subject: Re: Net Recommendation




Posts: 224


Location: Minneapolis, Minnesota
Fishn'goon - 4/17/2022 8:18 PM

It also depends on if you fish mostly solo or with a buddy. I'm also looking for a net recommendation and fish mostly solo so I'll need a light net for easier maneuverability. For some ideas for you, I've narrowed it down to a Frabill Power Catch 8430 that I found for $139.99 on Fleet Farm, the Frabill conservation series also seems like it's pretty light and more affordable, or those Ranger nets look pretty good too. But I've also read on older forum threads that the two Frabills that I listed have weaker netting that may not be ideal, so really not sure.

I don’t have any experience with that conservation series so take what I say with a grain of salt but I have heard multiple guys say to me that with as thin as that netting is that fish get wrapped up terribly in it. If a fish starts thrashing in the net and gets tied up it’s quite a pain to get them out of it with thin netting, especially if there are a couple trebles holding everything in place.
ToddM
Posted 4/18/2022 7:20 AM (#1004544 - in reply to #1004447)
Subject: Re: Net Recommendation





Posts: 20221


Location: oswego, il
The thick net bag is the way to go. Muskies and pike.will cocoon in a thin bag net creating extended difficult unhooking times... cutting books becomes often and a pain not to cut the net. If the fishes head is above water which happens a lot the releases take more.time.
jase2
Posted 4/18/2022 7:55 AM (#1004548 - in reply to #1004447)
Subject: Re: Net Recommendation




Posts: 66


https://www.lokinets.com/sport-fishing-nets.html

Several of the guys here locally have been using these nets. In fact, if you don't see what you want in their catalog, they have been known to do a custom build for suprisingly cheap. Give them a call on their customer service line.
Rudedog
Posted 4/18/2022 9:56 AM (#1004556 - in reply to #1004447)
Subject: RE: Net Recommendation




Posts: 625


Location: S.W. WI
I fish alone, usually.
I prefer the Drifter Predator XL Bag over others. The frame is OK, but I put their XL bag on the Frabill conservation frame as it is a super light frame. This is not exactly economical, but it works good for solo fishing.
The netting the Conservation comes with is- well, not fish friendly and super thin.
A good compromise in size of mesh and thickness is the Drifter Predator bag. Other super thick bags are impossible for me to move thru the water when alone.
- just my 2 cents
Solitario Lupo
Posted 4/18/2022 12:34 PM (#1004562 - in reply to #1004447)
Subject: Re: Net Recommendation





Location: PA Angler
I got a cheap net and I can tell you it sucks. It’s just string and when I net one the string gets caught on the Muskies gills mouth anywhere it can get a grip. Another problem is the treble hooks are dangerous in it. They also get caught up in it. Last one I had in it the hooks caught my sleeve then pants I was stuck to the net with the fish still in it lol. So I would spend a little more money and get a good one. Just giving you a heads up on what not to buy. Stay away from those small strings with big holes.
WVMUSKY5025
Posted 6/13/2022 6:49 PM (#1006967 - in reply to #1004447)
Subject: Re: Net Recommendation




Posts: 5


I have bought 2 of the Promar grande nets with the hook resistance netting. Been few years on the purchase...at the time spent 79.99 each. Worth a look,
chuckski
Posted 6/13/2022 11:45 PM (#1006971 - in reply to #1004447)
Subject: Re: Net Recommendation




Posts: 1415


Location: Brighton CO.
Had first generation Beckmen from 1990ish, replaced the bag with the treated version but still had the metal things that held the bag, then I moved up to a Frabill Big Kauna and now that I fish mostly by myself it's a little hard to net fish but I choke up and hold it by the T. (But mostly release fish in the water) We'll see what happens if I run in to Kong!
RyanJoz
Posted 6/14/2022 9:26 AM (#1006975 - in reply to #1006971)
Subject: Re: Net Recommendation




Posts: 1722


Location: Mt. Zion, IL
Frabill 8425.

Buy once, cry once. I have never had to repair this net. I put the same bag on my power stow net for trips with the small boat.
mcnewbski
Posted 6/15/2022 12:20 PM (#1007001 - in reply to #1004447)
Subject: RE: Net Recommendation




Location: Canada
Frabill 8425
Bought it about 15 years ago, has held up great. I use it solo every year. It's not super light, but it's totally useable solo. If I ever lose it, I'll buy another without thinking twice.
upnortdave
Posted 6/16/2022 1:55 PM (#1007020 - in reply to #1007001)
Subject: RE: Net Recommendation




Posts: 670


Location: mercer wi
Spend the money. You'll pay $100 for a budget net and hate it or spend $200 and have the net for 20 years and love it.