Net?

[MJBo]

I've got a 150$ gift certificate for cabelas and need a good net (can't stand the cradle any longer). Sounds perfect righ? Except I can't seem to find a decent net on their HSOforum. Can this be right?

[whitewolf6647]

I ran into this same problem here last year. I never did find one in Cabelas so I eneded up ordering one from Rollie and Helen's Muskie Shop. I also just looked at the HSOforum again and they still don't have the kinds of nets we need for muskies.

[TheIceFishingKid]

The thing with Cabelas is their web site doesnt have every thing they have in the store. Just run up to the new Cabelas in Rogers.

[Random guy]

They have lots of nets. Just go up to Rogers and take a look. Then try to get out of the store with just a net.

[MJBo]

Perfect. Wifes out of town this weekend. Should be able to stash all my new fish repelling gadgets in the garage by the time she gets back.

[MT Net]

Net? Have you tried lipping them?

We spent hours wandering around the Rogers store. Lots to see, much to buy. Wife kept me from the muskie bait ailse. Not too much there, I'm used to Thorne's display, of course she won't let me go there either. I don't recall seeing the nets, I was in ice gear heaven.

What's wrong with the cradle?

[MJBo]

Well, with two people who are experienced its OK but I can't use it when I go alone and I'm not crazy about hand landing. Last time I went with a non musky guy and he was completely baffled by the cradle. It was a mess. If you look close in this picture (by the motor/over my shoulder) you can see the cradle floating off into the sunset.

[MT Net]

Got it. My wife was thinking a cradle would be easier to deal with than the net. More gear is always a good thing.

[Random guy]

Cradle + new guy = big mess.

Cradle + old guide = big mess that will not be spoke of.

[RuKiddingMe]

When my litter brother and I used to fish more we used a cradle, that was unitl I lost a personal best next to the boat, then we went to a net. We did cradle quite a few fish without a problem but the net is just plain safer. With the cradle atleast one of you have your face right down near the business end of the line and if you think about it, it is quite scarey what could happen if the fish spits the hooks at the last minute. I for one like my eyes and I'm not looking for any facial piercings...

RU

[Random guy]

I have often though about that. Hook comes flying out while leading the fish in. Good way to lose an eye.

[MJBo]

So any of you guys want to buy a cradle?

[RuKiddingMe]

I second that I have one in the garage... haha

[shae1986]

Ok guys,

I am relitively new to muskey fishing and you say that a craddle is not the way to go. I don't know anything about the craddles other than i have seen people use them. I have a large regular muskey net but was thinking of getting a craddle, but you guys think this is a bad idea? Any help would be appreciated.

[RuKiddingMe]

Biggest draw back to the Cradle is that it is definetly a 2 man operation. IMHO if you currently have a big net keep on keeping in with it. Also a safety concern or two with them, look up a couple posts on this thread.

I know some guides and fisherman use the cradle for releasing and doing measurements in the water.

I only have a 14 foot boat and there isn't much room for both a net and cradle.

RU

[Random guy]

I don't run a cradle for the simple fact it is a two man operation. I also had a fish start thrashing in a cradle that got it's head up and out of the cradle and put a treble through my wrist. That was enough for me, the cradle now hangs in the garage next to the non coated nets.

[cliffy]

In my opinion, I would spend the money on a good coated musky net rather than a cradle. I have both but the cradle has not seen any action lately. My wife gave me a beautiful Frabill big game net with the power-lok-yoke system thingy for my birthday this past spring. I LOVE IT.

Very easy for one person to use, you never have to remove the fish from the water if you don’t want to...or the fish can rest safely in the net while you get the camera ready....and you never find yourself looking down at a large musky hook with tension on the line. It’s a simple and safe way to go. I also like the Frabill model as the handle slides up when not in use and you save some room in the boat. Its still a monster net, so it takes up room, but I think there are other makes and models that fold up even more.....

Just my 2 cents.

[Random guy]

Cliffy I watched a guy pick up a net like yours and pretty much give it a snap like a shotgun and it was locked. Is this normal? If so I need one.

[MJBo]

Count me in too. I lost a nice fish in another guys boat cause the darn little peg things wouldn't come out of their holes in the storage position (guess he hadn't caught a fish in awhile). Having one that just swings into position would be great. Like the Doc Holliday of musky fishing.....

[cliffy]

Yup, that is normal. Trust me, If I can operate it, anyone can do it. When I get a fish near the boat, I just pick up the handle, the net slides down and automatically lines-up in the locking position..and then you hear....Click..she’s locked. You are good to go. Like I said, If I can do it, anyone can do it.

[Random guy]

To the store!