Net??

[mattrd]

I'm looking to get a new Muskie net, but not sure which one to get. Any suggestions? I want a net big enough to handle big fish.

Thanks

[andrew chadwick]

forget about a net, get a cradle instead.

[cjac]

Buying a net is one of those times when it's cheaper in the long run to do it right and spend a few bucks the first time. Beckmans or Frabills are the way to go.

I have the Power Catch "Big Game" Frabill net. Knotless bag is so much easier on the fish, and it's deep enough that in my multi-species boat the fish still sits in the water with the handle resting on the gunnel. The downside is that it runs about $120. However, worth it over time, lasts longer, easier on the fish, and large enough to net any muskie you'll ever encounter. Plus, the handle collapses, but easily extends, easy enough to do if you're fishing solo.

Some like the Big Kahuna, but it's $30 more and is just too darn big in a boat my size.

Got to get my net wet last night!

Chris

[cjac]

Cradles had their day, but just aren't the safest to use.

Leaning over the edge of a boat in November with 2 foot rollers, a large fish with three sets of hooks a foot away from my face is not a comforting thought!

Chris

[AWH]

Chris hit the nail on the head with cradles. Not the safest way to handle a musky with a face full of hooks. Also, if you fish alone, a cradle isn't an option.

Frabill or Beckman, both are quality products. I have the Big Kahuna and love it. But as Chris said, its size can be an issue. Not bad when I'm fishing alone. But when there's someone else in the boat where the net sits can get in the way. I guess I just need a bigger boat!

Get the biggest net you feel you can handle as well as what fits for your boat. The one MUST is to get a treated bag. Not only is it better for the fish, but a heck of a lot easier to get a lure out of the net as well.

Aaron

[Muskycrazy]

I invested in a Musky sized Stowmaster . Its as big as a Big Kahuna but stows at half the size . It is a touch more involved to use than the Frabil but the way it tucks away along side my drivers seat is worth the extra effort .

[MuskieMojoTackle]

Frabill and Beckman each make a number of good nets for Musky fishing. I've never used a Stowmaster, but they look very nice as well.

Buy what you think will work for you. Just make sure you get a knotless/coated bag that is big enough.

As for cradles, they seem to have gone the way of the dinosaur. They are harder to use than the nets on the market today, and they can be unsafe for the fisherman. And, they are basically impossible to use when alone.

[R. Miller]

I agree this Chris on the cradle as well. I'm borrowing my buddies Beckman musky net for the weekend and hope I can put it to use. It's looks great!

[garage_logician]

Quote:

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forget about a net, get a cradle instead.

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I bought a cradle last year, used it once on a 54" Muskie. Never again. They are not safe as far as I am concerned....

g

[Muskycrazy]

If you do decide to go with a cradle - I have one , used only once and I'll give ya a heck of a deal on it .

[Meat-Run]

I have to 2nd what everyone else said but I'll go a little further. I have the biggest net Beckman has and I'll only us it knowing that I'm in an aluminum boat or will take precationary efforts to protect my boat gunnel. The yoke system is below par IMO and will scratch your fiberglass so a towel or something to keep from scratching glass is important. Another thing is size of holes in the net, to big and it can damage fins, to small like the stowmaster it can be difficult to swoop up a fish in a hurry. I have both, beckman for big waters or lakes and my stowmaster for my river fishing that will collapse and not take up room. I just make sure to open it up before I start fishing because you don't want to fight with getting it ready during a frenzy boat side. I would look into the Frabil because of the stronger, less abrasive yoke system compared to a Beckmen. That's my .02. Maybe someone else can elaborate on there experience with net hole size and weight of a big net too.

good luck,

mr

[ArnieDB]

My vote is for the stowmaster muskie net.... When it is fully extended and open it is as big as any other net on the market. The net hoop folds in half and I can store it in my rod locker underneath my deck..... can't beat that! Frabill also makes a sweet net, the power yok is slick. If you like the idea of the cradle, the Frabil Kwik Kradle is the way to go. Combo net/cradle is huge and can support some big fish with ease.

I have a kwik kradle with the tags on it in my garage that i bought and never used i would sell for dirt cheap if you anyone is interested.....

[PDXFisher]

Quote:

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My vote is for the stowmaster muskie net.... When it is fully extended and open it is as big as any other net on the market. The net hoop folds in half and I can store it in my rod locker underneath my deck..... can't beat that! Frabill also makes a sweet net, the power yok is slick. If you like the idea of the cradle, the Frabil Kwik Kradle is the way to go. Combo net/cradle is huge and can support some big fish with ease.

I have a kwik kradle with the tags on it in my garage that i bought and never used i would sell for dirt cheap if you anyone is interested.....

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I would likely be interested in it.

[Blaineski]

I've got a similar question. I've been hemming and hawing about dropping the coin on a decent net for some time. Last time out I bagged a hefty 47" and tried to cowboy it into the boat with just my hands. A 5/0 hook through the meat of my hand, made me decide enough is enough: Time to get a net. I like the Frabill Big Game but was still concerned about the money. I happened to find a Power Catch the exact same size as the big game but for $60 cheaper(on sale). The difference is in the net bag. Is the better net bag worth the extra $60. Should I return it and bite the bullet on the Big Game

[TECK]

One thing about cradles you can get them cheep. From people that have lost big fish or have got hooked landing them.

[cjac]

Blaineski,

Same as the post on the cutters, I'd recommend spending the few extra $$$ and you'll be happy. Yeah, it hurts a bit up front, but if you're into the muskies, the way a good net helps with releasing a fish in good shape justifies the cost without question.

Chris