Net Reccomendations..?

[MuskyBrian]

I'm looking for a solid net mostly designed for musky fishing, besides something that performs well it would be nice to get an affordable product as well. Anyone have any good ideas, something I could order online perhaps?

[AWH]

I don't know what your budget is, but I would strongly suggest getting a high quality net and not worrying about the cost. It's an expense that you need to pay if you're going to musky fish, in my opinion. I compare a good quality net to hook out materials. You wouldn't go fishing without something to remove hooks from the fish. And you shouldn't go without a good quality net.

Frabill and Beckman both make quality nets. I would suggest getting the biggest or second biggest size that they make. And an absolute must, in my opinion, is to get a treated bag. Not only is it better for the fish, but they hold up better and they'll eliminate a lot of headaches for you. They pretty much eliminate hooks getting tangled in the net which can be a pain in the butt with a non treated bag.

You'll likely have to spend in the $100 neighborhood for a net like this. But it's the cost of musky fishing and a price that you should pay if you want to be prepared. Personally, if I didn't have my large net with the treated bag, I wouldn't be musky fishing, I feel it's that important.

Aaron

[Guest]

I have a finsaver from Beckman. Very nice net. Don't go cheap on a net!!!!!!!

Brian Muskieschaef

[hoggs222]

You can make your own cradle using the same material as the other cradles that you can get from Axe Man Surples. Use some 1" dowel rods & stitch it up & you're set to go for $20 or so.

[Doonbuggy]

I just bought a big Frabill net at Fleet Farm for $80. I think it's called the "big game" net; made for pike and 'skis. Just look for the biggest net they have - that'll be it. Tanglefree netting and the handle pushes into the net for storage. Pretty good buy I thought (plus 15% off last week). You might want to call ahead, they don't stock a lot of them in their stores.

Also consider if you will be fishing alone much. If so a cradle might not be the way to go.

DB

[squeedunk]

I also just bought the frabill big game net with the coated netting. I found it at Sportmart in a back corner. It was marked down to $65, when I got to the register they rang it up for $45!! What a deal. The thing is huge and also has the telescoping handle, I'm not sure why it was so cheap there. There was one other net there marked the same price but the handle didn't slide too great so I took the good one. A little WD-40 and it would be just fine. I got mine at the store in Roseville by Rosedale Mall if anyone is in need of a net for cheap, it might still be there. I used to use a homemade cradle but I have heard too many horror stories from people hooked while trying to cradle a fish, plus they are a little tricky if you are on your own. ~Dan

[guideman]

I have a Frabil "power catch" however the Beckman

"fin saver" is also a good net for muskie. Either one is well worth the money, and they are so much better than a craddle, homemade or otherwise.

"Ace"

[MuskyBrian]

just the info I was looking for, thanks boys

[CALVINIST]

I just bought a Frabil Power Catch net. Haven't used it yet, and still wonder if it will work for ski's (looks a bit small). Anybody else have experience with this particular Frabil net?

Also....

Does anyone use a Kevlar glove when landing/handling big fish? I heard that you can get a real good grip on the tail and basically boat the fish that way.

[TBone1]

I'm waiting patiently to use my new gloves, hopefully tomorrow

[guideman]

A simple pair of cotton work gloves will work as well as any high dollar "Fishing Gloves". I have used them for years to tail both Muskies and very large Pike. They are cheap and they are very easy on the fish as well.

"Ace"