Author Topic: Landing net for competitions - Stillwater (Read 817 times)

Chris Puchniak · « **on:** May 08, 2010, 11:56:05 PM »

I've reviewed some of the past threads, and in these I saw some recommendations, but I wanted to bring up the issue again.

For competition fishing in Stillwaters, has anyone found a net they recommend?

I'm looking for something 48-inches long to fit right within the rules, but 'most' are either 44-ish or 52-ish - not quite optimal. I am also preferring a wooden (or floating) one with a fine mesh.

I've seen some telescopic collapsible nets that are slightly longer than 48 inches (say 50-52 inches), but I was wondering if it was satisfactory to the rules to simply shorten the handle telescopically to 48 inches? Or if a net with a potential length of 52 inches would simply be outlawed regardless of how you had it set up - ie. if you had it shortened to 48 inches from its maximum of 52 inches, it would still be outlawed for being able to extend longer than 48 inches.

I am hesitant to use a telescopic landing net simply because most don't float and I've lost one before while fishing (and I prefer to have as few lanyards as possible hanging from me in a boat). And, sometimes the hoops aren't the strongest. Both of those factors are a liability.

I am assuming a good wooden one at 48 inches would be the ticket, but I'm having a hard time finding such a beast. Few nets seem to be made for competition purposes. Perhaps I am being fussy, but sometimes the details count.

I'd appreciate any recommendations.

Dejon Hamann · « **Reply #1 on:** May 09, 2010, 03:03:47 PM »

If I had a real boat and fished loch style more often I might search out a nice wooden net, but this frabil serves me quite well. It's nice and compact - perfect for fitting in luggage and working with my Pontoon Boat. It telescopes a bit longer than 48", but I've just marked out the comp legal spot and pin it there. I can't imagine any competition in North America would outlaw it. I'm sure you could add something to make it float if you're worried about that, but at $25 it's not a heartbreaker either.

http://www.amazon.com/Frabill-Trout-Kayak-Landing-3607/dp/B001FTU7YY

Chris Puchniak · « **Reply #2 on:** May 09, 2010, 10:45:36 PM »

Oh man. That's pretty darn cheap. Most of the one's I'm looking at are closer to $200 (wooden, etc...). I think a foam wrap might keep it from sinking.

Thanks for the feedback Dejon. I wasn't sure how much of a stickler the judges are in the competitions. Showing up and having your net voided would mean some fast begging to borrow one...

In BC, we have a whack of stillwater fishing, so researching a good net isn't a waste of time for me.

I've just found one line online that might suit my bill - Streamside has a model called the Beaverhead that looks just about right.

Dejon Hamann · « **Reply #3 on:** May 09, 2010, 10:53:20 PM »

I well aware of your stillwater options in BC and extremely jealous

That Beaverhead looks like a very nice net. If you've got the dough I'm sure it would photograph well too. Won't be easy packing that for the plane though

I give that frabil 2 thumbs up. I'd say give it a try before you drop that kind of change and see if it fits your needs. If not at least you've got a good backup.

Chris Puchniak · « **Reply #4 on:** May 10, 2010, 11:22:10 AM »

Thanks Dejon.

Dejon Hamann · « **Reply #5 on:** May 10, 2010, 12:34:43 PM »

Also of notable mention. A lot of guys were/are really keen on the S2 nets: http://www.s2products.com/zeph.html

I used to own the "Tri-something". It was the BZ-6 with the other 2 handles. They screwed on off so you could easily convert the same net from river to boat. I believe it floats too. Light as a tennis racket because it is one, but still super sturdy. I don't see the interchangeable handle version offered currently, but you could ask.

I personally ended up selling mine because I felt the bag type and net rim width created unecessary drag which dropped fish for me. But I know many guys who still love that net... a few on team usa!

Chris Puchniak · « **Reply #6 on:** May 10, 2010, 12:48:29 PM »

Well, it's amazing how much thought process can go into the selection of a net. 25 years ago it was soooo easy. I'll check out BZ-6 part number. Selectable handles sounds like a decent feature, if anyone still makes them.

Todd Oishi · « **Reply #7 on:** May 10, 2010, 01:24:52 PM »

Chris,

I have a collapsible net that I purchased from G.I. Goes in Washington State. The main handle slides down quite nicely, which allows it to fit into my larger suitcase. A larger hoop is very helpful for landing scrappy fish and multiples. I cut the handle and modified to it to comply with the 48" rule.

Don at Moby Nets has a regulation size net, but it is a bit of a challenge to pack for flights...

Check out the Snowbee net on this website (I used one while I was in England two years ago): http://www.fly-fishing-tackle.co.uk/acatalog/snowbee_nets.html

Chris Puchniak · « **Reply #8 on:** May 10, 2010, 05:44:35 PM »

Good - I have some shopping to do now.

Thanks Todd/Dejon.

Todd Oishi · « **Reply #9 on:** May 10, 2010, 05:55:39 PM »

Chris,

If your are worried about the fact that most of the nets don't float, just attach a bungie-style tether strap, in order to ensure that it doesn't go overboard. Unfortunately the lack of flotation becomes a reality whenever the nets fold or colapse...

Chris Puchniak · « **Reply #10 on:** May 11, 2010, 10:45:56 AM »

No doubt. Having lost one net that way in the past makes me wary. The fact that I caught it again 2 years later while fishing a deep leech on a Hi-D line is another matter...

But, I am going to experiment with using some of those high density foam floats you can get for rods to keep them floating (if they fall over) - they may wrap around the arm of the net. Right now I use those for my kids fly/fishing rods for when the rod "accidentally" gets dropped overside of the boat, and they work well there. I suspect a couple will not only work well to keep the net floating, but will also cover the metal portion of the "arm" of the net to help minimize any noise when the metal net strikes the metal Gunwales on the boat. Stealth all the way.

Todd Oishi · « **Reply #11 on:** May 11, 2010, 11:44:31 AM »

You could always pack the center of the handle's tubing with high-density foam for added bouyancy. This has worked for me in the past...

Chris Puchniak · « **Reply #12 on:** May 11, 2010, 02:15:15 PM »

Good thought as well.

Steve Sawyer · « **Reply #13 on:** May 12, 2010, 09:19:26 AM »

Quote from: Dejon Hamann on May 09, 2010, 03:03:47 PM

If I had a real boat and fished loch style more often I might search out a nice wooden net, but this frabil serves me quite well. It's nice and compact - perfect for fitting in luggage and working with my Pontoon Boat. It telescopes a bit longer than 48", but I've just marked out the comp legal spot and pin it there. I can't imagine any competition in North America would outlaw it. I'm sure you could add something to make it float if you're worried about that, but at $25 it's not a heartbreaker either.

http://www.amazon.com/Frabill-Trout-Kayak-Landing-3607/dp/B001FTU7YY

This is the net I use for Steelhead fishing. Really great net and I couldn't believe how cheap it was (but it definitely doesn't feel all that cheap).

Dave Pehle · « **Reply #14 on:** May 13, 2010, 08:09:42 AM »

I use nets from S2 , very lite and great for comps,

Chris Smith · « **Reply #15 on:** May 13, 2010, 08:48:10 PM »

Quote from: Dave Pehle on May 13, 2010, 08:09:42 AM

I use nets from S2 , very lite and great for comps,

Baker has the Triangler from S2. It's a fantastic net, but expensive. You can't beat having 3 different handles for varied needs.

Chris Puchniak · « **Reply #16 on:** May 23, 2010, 10:44:20 PM »

I have picked up a couple of the Frabill nets locally here, and so far I am pleased with them. One Mid-length one (3607 model which with a little modification will be good for competition fishing) and an extra long handled one (model 3608) for fishing some of the rivers we have here where sometimes you are 6 feet above the level of the water - it may not be regulation length, but its much "healthier" for the fish and minimizes the damage (erosion) I may cause on the river banks from climbing up and down them to retrieve fish.

Thanks for all input.