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| I have a large beckman rubbercoated net but have been thinking of a cradle. I caught two good size fish a 36 inch and 49 incher that had bad split fins from prevous encounters that healed. Unfortunately the frabil or net Pete Mania endorses I believe would be too big for my boat. Suggestions? Thanks, Al[:0] |
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| It takes two to operate a cradle, get a net. You could have had the big beckman finsaver last night under 100 bucks. that was a deal. |
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| The one thing I don't like about a cradle is that you pulling a fish (with hooks in it's mouth) into your fishing partner's face while he's getting ready to scoop it up. If the fish shakes free he'll be the one wearing the hook's! |
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| Bill brings up a very good point, safety is one key point that we tend to overlook.
It is a lot easier to net a fish by yourself then it would be to try and cradle a fish, especially a green fish!!! [:0] Not to mention the benefit of being able to reach out and go get that fish of a lifetime!!!
I use the Beckman finnsaver Magnum model and net fish by myself all the time, you can get the next size down and fit "BIG" fish in it with no problem!!!
Good luck! |
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| Definitely stick with a net. I used a cradle for a couple years, and now would never trade my Frabill in for anything.
Matt Beulke |
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| Cradles are a dangerous way to land a fish and can only be operated with 2 people in the boat. A net you can operate alone and are much safer. If you already have a Beckman Net, you can get a FinSaver Pen replacement bag that will fit on your hoop. Just need to figure out if you need the Pro size (30"diameter (across) hoop) or the Magnum size (34" diameter hoop) and you can convert your old Beckman into a new, fish friendly FinSaver Pen.
Hope this helps,
Brett Erickson
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| I'll second Slamr's comment about Cradles. Aside from the safety factor and the need for a partner... you have to play the fish out longer to effectively use it. The extra stress/exhaustion makes for a poorer release... especially if you want to click a few photos of the fish out of the water.
Just one man's opinion...... |
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| I second Jlong, Slmr's and Schwartz responses.
Cradles were a fad...a fad that was before the quality treated nets we now have today. Now with the treated nets we can carefully work on the fish in a deep coated Beckman bag over the side of the boat.[:)] |
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| "The ten second rule" I like that, Jason.
It's good advice for us all.
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| Thanks for suggestions. Good Fishing, Al[:praise:] |
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Cradle or Beckman Net