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landing net and handle
- Thread starter Darren Rosie
- Start date
Mike Hodgkiss
Senior Member
Bag for life , Tescos , any big carrier bag with a bit of billy band tied on . Sorted
Keith Humphreys
Senior Member & Supporter
Why do you need a stink bag??
When you get home simply hang your net outside (rain or shine) and let it air and/or dry overnight and then put it in the garage /shed to dry.
No more smell
When you get home simply hang your net outside (rain or shine) and let it air and/or dry overnight and then put it in the garage /shed to dry.
No more smell
Andrew Boyne
Senior Member
That fact has led me to read every thread on every forum I know of, and ask around endlessly for opinions on folding net frames. The obvious answer is to revert to the standard wide front triangular carp style net, but I find they are OK in open swims...not good in tight ones. So, a good quality folding oval/spoon/D shaped net frame would seem to be a godsend. Sadly my research so far points to the fact that all of the existing versions of these seem to have major faults that cause them to fail sooner rather than later.
Why is it that tackle companies seem able to devise hundreds of ingenious variants of things that no one really wants....but fail miserably on things that would TRULY be useful?
Cheers, Dave.
They've been trying for a good few years now but as it stands you either have a good solid frame spoon or a good folding triangle net. A good folding spoon doesn't exist, and probably never will for me - at least not if they persist with the curved arm triangle format most use. If the arms are curved it doesn't fold flat so defeats the main object of a folding net and if it uses a tension cord at the front it's not a solid frame like a spoon so looses those benefits too! Surely someone can do better!
There's been quite a few over the years. I had a Nash/Dean Macey spoon net that came in a bag a few years ago. Nice idea but in practice trying to stuff a wet 32" Spoon net into a bag wasn't easy, neither was trying to walk from peg to peg with it strapped to my back! In the end the bag got ditched and the net got dragged through the undergrowth with the inevitable tearing of mesh seeing it's demise.
For the last few season's I've been using the 30plus IQ Strong Arm net coupled with Middy's Rock Ard handle. The net is the dogs do dahs! Solid arms, chunky spreader block with isotope recess, weighted mesh at the bottom which is really usefull in fast water and it's camo so matches my socks. The handle is no longer in production but works well enough - I wonder if it's worth an upgrade to the Gardner XT? The Middy is a 3m telescopic 2 piece. It has to be used at full length and if I want to net a fish at close range I simply hold the handle further down it's length. Would an adjustable handle really be that much better?
Dan Whitelock
Senior Member
Nets and handles have been an issue for me for a while, I have what I consider the best handle for over 10 years now, probably longer, I can't even recall what brand - if any - it is but it has a fool proof locking system and is super long. I picked it up at a local shop but my only worry is the day I ever break it or lose it I'd struggle to replace it!
As for nets, I've experimented with various big spoon nets, until recently I was using the abu ''folding'' specialist spoon net which was great for smaller fish but I had a large fish last month and it just couldn't handle it, the arms have since been somewhat floppy and the locking system unreliable.
I've reverted back to the old faithful 42" triangle folding net. It's easy to roll up and carry to the bank, I love the fact that once I have a fish in the net I just pull the net out of the spreader block and lift the fish out with no cumbersome pole sticking out and it's the same for returning fish down to the water. I fish some ridiculously tight swims and never had an issue with the size/shape getting in the way. I always make a point of fishing swims where I can get down to the waters edge so I've never had the need to lift fish out via the net/pole.
As for nets, I've experimented with various big spoon nets, until recently I was using the abu ''folding'' specialist spoon net which was great for smaller fish but I had a large fish last month and it just couldn't handle it, the arms have since been somewhat floppy and the locking system unreliable.
I've reverted back to the old faithful 42" triangle folding net. It's easy to roll up and carry to the bank, I love the fact that once I have a fish in the net I just pull the net out of the spreader block and lift the fish out with no cumbersome pole sticking out and it's the same for returning fish down to the water. I fish some ridiculously tight swims and never had an issue with the size/shape getting in the way. I always make a point of fishing swims where I can get down to the waters edge so I've never had the need to lift fish out via the net/pole.
John Cook
Senior Member
Some of the pan type nets that i see classed as for Barbel look rather small and surely the wrong shape, spoons are a better shape but some still see small for the job...As for triangular shape nets what would you say would be the minimum size needed? I know it depends on the size of fish you are fishing for
Alex Gowney
Senior Member & Supporter
Berkley 36in net and Lone Angler handle. I know people think these handles are heavy but they are brilliantly made. I don't consider them heavy either, not when considering how much bait, chairs etc weigh.
Richard Longmuir
Senior Member
Hi Andrew,
I've also got the rockers handle and if I've fish where the fully extended Mandela is a problem or not needed ie when I'm trotting and wading then I unscrew the but end and just use the top section
I've also got the rockers handle and if I've fish where the fully extended Mandela is a problem or not needed ie when I'm trotting and wading then I unscrew the but end and just use the top section
David Gauntlett
Senior Member
It just seems such a rubbish situation to me. We all get by with the nets and handles on offer, of course we do....but only because we have to. We modify bits, glue screws in place, repair bits, send off for replacement parts...but why do we have to do that?
The tackle company's have always used anglers as test beds for designs, rather than getting things right before putting them on the market. They put the latest 'must have' item out there, feed it to customers that have been duped by expensive ad campaigns into rushing out and buying it....then wait for the complaints (and the much needed anglers suggestions for a better way of doing things). The much improved Mk2 then follows a year later, promoted by yet another expensive ad campaign...and on and on the band wagon rolls
Bad as that system is, at least we usually end up with a half decent end product. I can't imagine why that hasn't happened with landing nets and handles. I guess they sell enough of what already exists to be bothered. Shame really.
Cheers, Dave.
The tackle company's have always used anglers as test beds for designs, rather than getting things right before putting them on the market. They put the latest 'must have' item out there, feed it to customers that have been duped by expensive ad campaigns into rushing out and buying it....then wait for the complaints (and the much needed anglers suggestions for a better way of doing things
). The much improved Mk2 then follows a year later, promoted by yet another expensive ad campaign...and on and on the band wagon rolls Bad as that system is, at least we usually end up with a half decent end product. I can't imagine why that hasn't happened with landing nets and handles. I guess they sell enough of what already exists to be bothered. Shame really.
Cheers, Dave.
Derek Funcks
Senior Member & Supporter
What would your perfect net be like ? shape, size, depth.
I use a triangular shape, that can be taken apart, folded flat and rolled up. It does the job for me, although its a tad small, still looking for the same net in a bigger size.
Sorry about the pic, but i,m no artist, only the " P " type
Cord across the top, decent drop, nice flow mesh.
As for poles, to me, its either one or the other, lightness ( carbon ) or strength and weight, ( fibre glass ). i carry two. A 3 piece carbon putover, shakespear hercules, which i can use at 2 or 3 sections. And a 2 piece telescopic fibre glass, quite heavy, but strong as hell. I decide what to use at the swim i,m fishing.
I use a triangular shape, that can be taken apart, folded flat and rolled up. It does the job for me, although its a tad small, still looking for the same net in a bigger size.
Sorry about the pic, but i,m no artist, only the " P " type
Cord across the top, decent drop, nice flow mesh.
As for poles, to me, its either one or the other, lightness ( carbon ) or strength and weight, ( fibre glass ). i carry two. A 3 piece carbon putover, shakespear hercules, which i can use at 2 or 3 sections. And a 2 piece telescopic fibre glass, quite heavy, but strong as hell. I decide what to use at the swim i,m fishing.
David Gauntlett
Senior Member
I think a 30" spoon is my favourite shape and size for barbel Derek, I really like the Gardener I have. The comparatively slim, rounded business end is ideal for pushing through undergrowth, and doesn't get caught so readily on any submerged marginal snags at that critical moment when the fish is heading for the spreader block. As far as drop goes, that has to be another compromise, manoeuvrability versus ideal depth for resting fish. I think 30" is pretty well it for me.
I have several triangular nets I use for carp fishing, and they are great for open banks, can't fault them for that. They handle very big fish brilliantly, and collapse to an unbeatable convenient size and shape when required. They are a strong, simple design that takes some beating at doing the job they are designed to do. But....that wide, flat leading edge you have to try and push through bankside undergrowth etc. if you are fishing a parrot cage of a river swim...can be a nightmare.
Surely someone can design a strong, reliable folding spoon? As Andrew said, they are never going to fold down to as compact a shape as a triangular net will...but just reducing their opened size by 50% would make a massive difference to the convenience of transporting them about. As the old saying goes...we have sent men to the moon, yet here we are....
Cheers, Dave.
I have several triangular nets I use for carp fishing, and they are great for open banks, can't fault them for that. They handle very big fish brilliantly, and collapse to an unbeatable convenient size and shape when required. They are a strong, simple design that takes some beating at doing the job they are designed to do. But....that wide, flat leading edge you have to try and push through bankside undergrowth etc. if you are fishing a parrot cage of a river swim...can be a nightmare.
Surely someone can design a strong, reliable folding spoon? As Andrew said, they are never going to fold down to as compact a shape as a triangular net will...but just reducing their opened size by 50% would make a massive difference to the convenience of transporting them about. As the old saying goes...we have sent men to the moon, yet here we are....
Cheers, Dave.
Alex Gowney
Senior Member & Supporter
[QUOTE=David Gauntlett;164370]It just seems such a rubbish situation to me. We all get by with the nets and handles on offer, of course we do....but only because we have to. We modify bits, glue screws in place, repair bits, send off for replacement parts...but why do we have to do that?
The tackle company's have always used anglers as test beds for designs, rather than getting things right before putting them on the market. They put the latest 'must have' item out there, feed it to customers that have been duped by expensive ad campaigns into rushing out and buying it....then wait for the complaints (and the much needed anglers suggestions for a better way of doing things). The much improved Mk2 then follows a year later, promoted by yet another expensive ad campaign...and on and on the band wagon rolls
Bad as that system is, at least we usually end up with a half decent end product. I can't imagine why that hasn't happened with landing nets and handles. I guess they sell enough of what already exists to be bothered. Shame really.
Cheers, Dave
You have to consider Dave that not everyone is dissatisfied with what they have, or the Mk1 if you like. I cannot myself imagine a better combination than the Berkley 36 inch net with the Lone Angler handle. No company will ever please everyone, that is totally impossible.
The tackle company's have always used anglers as test beds for designs, rather than getting things right before putting them on the market. They put the latest 'must have' item out there, feed it to customers that have been duped by expensive ad campaigns into rushing out and buying it....then wait for the complaints (and the much needed anglers suggestions for a better way of doing things
). The much improved Mk2 then follows a year later, promoted by yet another expensive ad campaign...and on and on the band wagon rolls Bad as that system is, at least we usually end up with a half decent end product. I can't imagine why that hasn't happened with landing nets and handles. I guess they sell enough of what already exists to be bothered. Shame really.
Cheers, Dave
You have to consider Dave that not everyone is dissatisfied with what they have, or the Mk1 if you like. I cannot myself imagine a better combination than the Berkley 36 inch net with the Lone Angler handle. No company will ever please everyone, that is totally impossible.
David Craine
Senior Member & Supporter
Looks like the old Powerstretch handle is available,the Keenets variety though.Only comes with a triangular net though.
Keenets Pro Carp Fishing Landing Net and Handle | Coarse Fishing Tackle | Gofishing UK
I have had one for quite a few years,gave it the Paul Whiteing Mod, and it is bombproof, I also have an unbranded Spoon net with a 33 inch length, which I found in a market tackle shop in Tenby years ago,had to give it a punt at £10.00 looks a bit flimsy, but has landed Pike to 20 lb no problem.
Whoever made it made a really good net, never seen one anywhere since.
Dave
Keenets Pro Carp Fishing Landing Net and Handle | Coarse Fishing Tackle | Gofishing UK
I have had one for quite a few years,gave it the Paul Whiteing Mod, and it is bombproof, I also have an unbranded Spoon net with a 33 inch length, which I found in a market tackle shop in Tenby years ago,had to give it a punt at £10.00 looks a bit flimsy, but has landed Pike to 20 lb no problem.
Whoever made it made a really good net, never seen one anywhere since.
Dave
Joe Fletcher
No Longer a Member
I have had a Drennan twistlock now for a couple of seasons and never had a problem with it and I have no reason to buy some thing else to replace it .
and I have no reason to buy some thing else to replace it .
Paul Collins
Senior Member
For years I've been using an aluminium Gye net and for most of my fishing I couldn't wish for anything better, especially combined with a Falkus type sling so it can be worn on the back, great for rolling meat, spinning, fly fishing, in fact any sort of stand up mobile fishing.
The mesh needed replacing recently and it seems the only ones available, without a frame included, are all for game fishing and the new mesh is a bit too large to prevent fin damage to Barbel and Carp so I needed to get a new spoon type net with a more fish friendly mesh.
Without doing any research at all I came across this beauty in a local tackle shop.wychwood-carp.co.uk : Specimen Quickfold Net 25"
It folds down very easily, shakes dry quickly, and has a wonderful little magnet in the bottom of the mesh which can be placed on the spreader block to hold the net up to avoid snagging and then easily releases when a fish is netted.
So far no complaints at all and I thoroughly recommend it.
Here's one of it's first guests- https://www.dropbox.com/s/gb93ahbvkqkkffg/2014-09-26 18.47.45.jpg?dl=0
The mesh needed replacing recently and it seems the only ones available, without a frame included, are all for game fishing and the new mesh is a bit too large to prevent fin damage to Barbel and Carp so I needed to get a new spoon type net with a more fish friendly mesh.
Without doing any research at all I came across this beauty in a local tackle shop.wychwood-carp.co.uk : Specimen Quickfold Net 25"
It folds down very easily, shakes dry quickly, and has a wonderful little magnet in the bottom of the mesh which can be placed on the spreader block to hold the net up to avoid snagging and then easily releases when a fish is netted.
So far no complaints at all and I thoroughly recommend it.
Here's one of it's first guests- https://www.dropbox.com/s/gb93ahbvkqkkffg/2014-09-26 18.47.45.jpg?dl=0
Dave Powell
Senior Member
Korum make a 30" folding spoon net. Been using one for this season and so far, so good, in combination with the Gardner handle.
Dave
Dave