For many fishermen, the April 16 Chesapeake striper opener kicks off the fishing season, and that makes the timing of this month’s column on landing nets all the better. In my experience, there are two very good reasons to own at least one quality landing net: 1) minimize the stress of handling of a game fish you intend to release, either by choice or regulation; and 2) ensure that your dinner doesn’t slip back into the drink.
I have a few nets in my angling arsenal, but truth be told I really only use one 99 percent of the time. It’s an older model Frabill; the one that telescopes for easier storage and has a rubberized, flat-bottom net bag to help support a fish’s body.
Here's a Look at Some Other Nets
Standard Nets
Frabill has set a very high standard for quality nets that professional captains and hardcore anglers swear by. In fact, the outdoors market research firm Southwick Associates reports that in 2015, fishermen participating in their surveys said they purchased Frabill landing nets more than any other brand.
While there are lots of models from which to choose, I prefer the company’s Conservation Series Landing Nets, which are engineered not only to hold up to the rigors of big fish but also are designed with proper catch-and-release tactics in mind. They’re made with 100 percent knotless mesh netting, covered with a proprietary tangle-free coating that doesn’t chafe at a fish’s protective slime coat that hard knots can cause. The net bag’s flat, linear bottom helps support the fish’s weight evenly, while reducing fish roll. The design also minimizes hooks from getting snagged in the net.
Loki’s TechNet gets a serious nod because it features a larger mesh size and deeper net bags. Several models have knotless, coated netting and sewn-in bottoms, all of which aid in catch-and-release. For huge fish, the Mark-1 is worth a look. For resident stripers, redfish, and speckled trout, check out the Tech 11 and 12 models since both have squared front bows that allow you to more easily scoop fish. You can pick between low-gloss reinforced fiberglass or diamond-embossed aluminum for handles.
Another net that caught my eye was the Pro Guide Series from Ed Cumins Inc., which has been supplying anglers with gear for nearly 100 years. The net size (model # PRO-G-62) probably best suited for most Chesapeake sport fish (except trophies) has a bow size of 19.5 inches by 25 inches with a handle length that telescopes from 38 inches to 70 inches. The netting is rubberized, so it stretches and won’t invite nightmarish hook tangles. The bow itself is constructed of half-inch anodized aluminum, so it should stand up to almost all Bay situations.
Given the explosion of kayak fishing, especially in upper tidal and fresh waters, I’d be slack in my duties as a kayak fishing guide if I didn’t mention at least one. This spring the inventive folks from Yak Attack launched their new Leverage Landing Net, which not only sports a rubber coated net, 12-inch by 20-inch hoop, it has a wickedly cool forearm grip that offers unparalleled stability and control. The handle is hinged, so it folds alongside the net for compact storage.
Rock the Cradle
While not everyone has the freeboard or skill to use a cradle net, you’d be hard pressed to convince me that these nets, commonly used to tame monster and toothy, musky, and pike, aren’t the best choice for the angler dedicated to the catch-and-release of trophy fish. In many situations they are ideal for spring run rockfish and red drum.
I still have my Musky/Pike Cradle from Loki Nets that I bought more than a dozen years ago when I first began to fish the Susquehanna Flats for big rock. Like any quality cradle the netting is tangle-free to help protect the fish’s slime coating and avoid gill damage. Model MC-2 features a handle length of 56 inches and heavy-duty 1.25-inch tubular aluminum handles with heavy nylon sleeves. Should you decide to keep a trophy striper this spring, the built-in ruler should prove handy to determine that quickly.
As you’d expect, Frabill also has an entry in the cradle net category: the Pro-Tech Musky Cradle features a 16-inch by 60-inch cradle “hoop” with special cushion-coated mesh netting and heavy duty tubular aluminum handles with rugged nylon sleeves. There’s also a built-in ruler that is graded in 1/8-inch increments up to 60 inches.
A really sweet looking cradle net I spied is made by Ruston Landing Nets out of British Columbia. Two versions—Skenna and Kispios, 48 inches and 42 inches, respectively—are designed for hands-free handling and release of steelhead or salmon. These are almost works of art, though I cannot vouch how they’d perform on the Bay’s salt water species. My guess is pretty good. Nylon mesh netting between parallel handles gives gentle support to remove a hook while the fish is still submerged. An inlaid tape on the handle gives a quick measurement before release. Velcro straps hold the cradle in a convenient roll.
Expect to pay between $60 to $150 for a quality landing net. Think that’s too much just for a net? Now think about the time, expense, and energy you put into your boat, rods, reels and lures to catch fish. Put into that context, it’s a no brainer. A good net is an essential tool in your bag of fishing catching tricks. Skillfully using that tool, well, that’s another column altogether.
by Capt. Chris D. Dollar