Choosing The Right Net

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Walk softly but carry a big -. net?

In the multifaceted market of fly fishing nets, bigger is not necessarily better unless of course, it is-

Such was the case, as I vaguely recall on March 2, 2017 at exactly 10:14 AM, when Capt. Shanks dropped anchor and lunged for his long-handled boat net. You see, a rare and timid 20# 'steely-saurus’ had just flipped his wig for the last ten minutes and finally seemed ready for the net. Knotless, custom made and sporting a 38" inch hoop, Shanks’ net had dwarfed many a fish but not this one-

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After the third try, Capt. Shanks, now out of the raft, knee deep and straining against the current, was about to thank his 38" inch hoop. It was fourth down and on the last try, the deal was sealed. Taping at just over 40" and thick to boot, (21" girth), bigger had indeed been better for this buck. We were lucky that day, but what if we had the wrong net for the job? What was that saying about bringing a knife to a gunfight?

So, how do you pick right net when fly fishing? Well, if you’re steelheading, bring a gun figuratively speaking, of course. A steelhead net, like any of today’s nets, does not need to be expensive, handmade or blessed by the local priest. But, it does need to be long-handled, knotless and large. In many steelheading situations (not all), these fish must be released by rule, ergo the modern 'catch and release’ net.

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C&R nets, whether nylon or rubber meshed, are made with no abrasive knots or materials that can damage your fish. Almost all net manufacturers carried here at North 40 now market their version of a low impact net. In today’s angling world, a C&R net makes sense for a number of species (not only steelhead) that anglers would like to preserve for future generations. And the net-making companies have stepped up.

Given that you want a knotless net, it brings us to the most important features of your net: hoop size and handle length. But, in order to choose the proper net, you need to take a good look at yourself in the river what do you see? Are you a rock-hoppin’ creek explorer (like me) or do you rev up your 90 horse and punch it to your favorite hole? Are you reading this on your waterproof tablet while kicking around a lake on your pontoon? Maybe you’ve just bought a drift boat. Indeed, whoever you are as an angler, there is an appropriate net for you.

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Let’s start with you jet boat junkies. You’re likely going to be landing your fish from the boat, as you drift with the current or anchor. Larger species like steelhead, salmon and pike might be on your tally sheet-so you’re gonna need a large 'hoop’ I’d start looking in the 22" to 24" range. You probably have a heater in that thing too so I’m guessing you like to be warm and dry. If so, you need a long handle you don’t want to fall in while leaning over the gunnels to net that fish!

Drift boat anglers might consider The Guide Net by Measure Net or the Nomad series by Fishpond. Besides looking great, Fishpond nets are light and boast a clear, large: grid rubber weave. This can be an advantage when the current is heavy, permitting water to flow through the net more easily. The stealth factor of the clear rubber may also help keep fish from spooking, and there is a ruler on the long handle to help you guesstimate your catch. The Guide Net has the added feature that it telescopes long or short to reach far or tuck into a small boat hold. And it wouldn’t be a Measure Net if it didn’t offer that easy-to-read ruler right down the center of the basket where your fish will lay.

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If your idea of a boat is small, inflated and human-powered, your net is likely to be well, smaller! Hoop sizes are more trout or bass sized, say in the ranges of 13" to 20". For 'tubers and 'tooners like we have all over our gorgeous Central Washington stillwaters, one quality remains most important in a net that it floats! It’s easy to recover the net you just dropped when it’s bobbing around in the chop. I can’t say the same for a certain 5 weight at the bottom of Big Green Lake though-

For still waters by tube or pontoon, I really admire the attractive Brodin 'Ghost’ lineup of nets. When I’m pinching my flyline with one hand, rod totally bent overhead and spinning circles chasing a trout around my belly boat, I remain chill. For I have the Ghost Trout Float Tube in my other hand extending my reach and quickly cradling the fish to hand.

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Last but not least, I succumb often to that aboriginal urge to wade a creek don’t you? Light tackle, crossing often, rounding bend after bend as you walk up the drainage, exploring. Though exhilarating, hiking a few miles of creek can take it out of ya. You need to keep your net compact and light, discreetly hanging from the back of your vest or pack. For light trout and panfish in a pond or creek, a simple hand net is the way to go. A short handle and small to medium hoop characterizes this category. I’d look for a hoop size about 12 to 14 inches and a light feel in your grip.

Looking for a fishing net? Check out North 40 Flyshop for the right one. You may end up owning a few to get the job done right. If so, well done! Just don’t let it get too out of hand- like our friend and Omak North 40 Fly Shop customer Dan. Yes, Dan recently confessed to me that he owns 29 fly rods. To which I responded: Dan, you’re obviously not well, but as long as you’re insane, I say we go out and fish all of 'em-you bring the rods, and (you guessed it) I’ll bring the nets.

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