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Posts: 189
Location: Hoboken, NJ / North Webster, IN | Looking for a reasonably priced net, that won't beat up the fish or my wallet too bad. I usually do most of my Muskie fishing with people I know with boats, but a few times a year(2-3) I rent a boat. I assume even a cheap net would be better for the fish then trying to just tire it out, and use a boga...so I'm looking for some advice. Any help would be appreciated.
Thanks,
josh |
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Posts: 3242
Location: Racine, Wi | Depending on what you believe is resonable, I believe Frabil makes a decent priced net for around $60?? Not sure if that is still made, but it won't drain your pocket. I think it was the pro series or something like that.
Here is the link to Rollie and Helens where the nets are. They run from a little over $40 to the higher end nets.
http://www.muskyshop.com/modules/cart/navigate.php/nav_id/19
Edited by tuffy1 9/22/2004 1:06 PM
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Posts: 75
Location: ft wayne, IN | Personally as with ANYTHING you buy I would recommend a quality one time puchase of a very decent product that may cost a little more but could last a lifetime and do a much better overall job w/ your fish. The Frabill power Catch is superb and you can handle it on your own. Beckman has a new fin saver net as well. Cradles are nice but not if you're by your lonesome. Make sure you purchase a coated net as well. |
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Posts: 38
| I could not agree more with BRAINSX. Muskiefishman, do yourself a favor and get a good net that will last you a good long time and help save some of our beloved Hoosier muskies. Thanks for not wanting to beat them up! Good luck out there!
Mike Ice
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Posts: 2384
Location: On the X that marks the mucky spot | I had to help someone revive a muskie for over 1/2 hour today. He had a "cheap net" and that fish's fins were so torn-up that even if it did survive, it'll have huge infections by the end of the week. The guy was using what he called a "pike net" because the guy at the baitshop said it'd be "good enough." I measured the fish @ 50-1/4" and by the time I got there it was so tangled I almost told the guy to bonk it right there on the spot; that fish was in BAD shape. Too bad it probably won't make it. I'm very confident that if he had a net up to the task that fish would have been an easy release.
Call Thornebro's and get yourself a Beckman finsaver and you'll thank yourself when you do want to release that fish of a lifetime.
-Shawn |
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Posts: 189
Location: Hoboken, NJ / North Webster, IN | thanks fellas. Never intended on getting something that would hurt the fish. Was just hoping someone knew of a slightly less expensive, tangle free, coated net I could find. I'd sooner try and hand land it and possibly loose it, then put it into a net that will tear it up. I'm going this weekend, and could have a hard time finding one in Jersey before then...but no worries....fish first, me second.
thanks,
josh |
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Posts: 600
Location: West Bend, WI | You could save all your dollars and buy a bunch of raffle tickets at the shows this winter  |
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Posts: 1936
Location: Eau Claire, WI | Buy a good quality net once, take care of it, and it will take care of you and your fish.
I have been using Frabill products for many years now with great success. The quality they build in to their product line is second to none. I might suggest the ProFormance line from Frabill, a quality net that would suit your needs well as the occassional solo-angler. If you have plans to fish in your own boat in the future my best recommendation is to check out the PowerCatch series, the Big Game model would make for a wise investment.
If you any questions regarding any of Frabill's products feel free to email me or check out their website at www.frabill.com
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Posts: 1023
Location: Lafayette, IN | Josh,
We all know how expensive this sport can be. But, keep in mind that if you "invest" in good quality equipment now you can always get some of your investment back if your interests turn to other endeavors. Taking care of it is the key. I bought a used Beckman for $30 at the MuskyFirst swap last winter in Chicago. I've netted a 29, 35, 38, 2- 40's, and plan on a few more this fall and saved a bunch of money on a very good net that belonged to a guide who wanted a Frabill because of features. It has a 36 inch hoop and is 52" deep. Buy a good musky net. You'll be glad you did.... sooner than you think! |
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| If $ is a bit of an issue, look for a good quality used beckman or frabill. Keep your eyes open and you may find someone looking to unload a used net for an upgrade or something. That way you have the best of both worlds. |
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Posts: 1996
Location: Pelican Lake/Three Lakes Chain | I agree with the rest of the folks here. Don't short yourself on a net, you won't be happy and neither will the fish. I would very much suggest a Frabill Big Game or a Big Kahuna. The Big Kahuna is the ultimate musky net out there.
DaveP had a great idea. You may want to take it a step further and put a post here on the "swap" board and actively look for someone that has an extra net. You may be surprised at what kind of deal you may find. |
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Location: Contrarian Island | Not cheap, but I believe the best nets out there are Beckmans...The finsaver pen is sweet, and BIG...buy it once and it will last you a lifetime.
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Posts: 189
Location: Hoboken, NJ / North Webster, IN | Thanks guys, and you're preaching to the choir on the spend now, and get the best theory. My only issue really was the fact that if I do rent a boat, it's a 13' john boat, and it happens roughly 2 or 3 times a year. Not sure that I and a big kahuna could even co-exist in the boat. I will buy a good net....but on a more specific note, how much different is the fin saver vs. the regular beckmans? On the same note, what is the difference between the regular Frabills and the "tangle free knotless"? |
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| I recommend the Frabill Performance Series Musky Net.
I had the Frabill Big Game until it found the bottom of Lake of the Woods. The reason I bought the Performance series this time is weight. It has the same coated knotless bag and the Big Game, but the hoop and handle are much lighter than the Big Game.
Also, it was only like $70, I think $20 or $30 cheaper than the big game.
Just netted my first fish by myself with it on Labor Day. Nice fat 43.5" on Lake Vermilion.
Was amazed at how easy it was to handle with one hand.
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