Fishing nets have come a long way over the years. I remember going into the sporting goods store as a kid,
and only having to decide what size net I needed. All the nets were the same. Now there are so many different styles which one is best? To answer that question you need to take a closer look at the fishing net….
Netting Material
There are 3 main types of material, nylon, coated nylon, and rubber. Your best choices are either rubber or coated nylon. Plain nylon can be to rough on a fish, damaging it’s scales or removing the slime. Rubber or coated nylon nets are more gentle on the fish. Besides being more gentle, they tangle less than nylon, and do a better job at preventing hook penetration. When shopping for a net, you’ll notice some have knots are some don’t. I suggest a knotless net because again, it’s more gentle on the fish.
Size and Shape of the Net
The size of the net depends on what you’re trying to catch. Look for a net that will land the average size of the fish you catch.
The teardrop shape is the most common one. It works well for various freshwater species. There is also a shape out there called a scooper. It has a raised front and will aid in netting fish that aren’t up close.
Mesh Size
The size of the mesh holes is another area you’ll want to consider. For small to medium sized fish look for a mesh hole size of 1″. If you’re fishing for large fish, you’ll want a bigger net that also has larger mesh holes. These larger holes help making the net easier to work with in the water, and will help reducing overall weight.
Handle
A fishing net needs a handle right? there are many handles to choose from these days. Handles are typically made from aluminum, fiberglass or wood. Look for one that is sturdy and can handle what you’re trying to catch. Also, don’t forget about handle length. Most handles are 10″-36″ in length. When determining handle length, take into consideration if you’re fishing from shore or a boat. For example, if you’re in a boat with high sides, you’ll want a longer handle than if you fish from a Jon boat.
You may also want to consider a telescopic handle. Why not? Let’s face it, nets can take up a lot of room, you need all the help you can get transporting and storing your fishing equipment.
© 2007, Scott Gaines. All rights reserved.