Muskie nets

[Tippman]

Well it's time I get my own muskie net instead of using someone elses. The net I'm used to is a Frabil Big Kahuna and really like it, except it takes up so much room.

So my question is: for those of you who have used the Beckman and Stow Away also which would you choose? Pros & Cons of those? Also for Big Kahuna would you stick with the largest size only or does the smaller work fine. (They don't even sell the large size in St. Cloud anywhere) Since it's over a $100 dollar investment wanna make sure I get the right one.

[cjac]

Hi,

I use the Frabill Big Game, and am happy with it, little smaller than the Kahuna and $30 less, but it will handle any muskie or even sturgeon we'll come across.

I fish a deep V, and it's still more than deep enough of a bag to keep the fish in the water while I pop or cut hooks.

The Mrs picked it up for the first time, extended the handle and netted a fish for me and said "Wow, that was easy!" Point being, it's not you netting your fish, make it as easy for whoever is your netman/woman to safely land the fish.

Chris

[Meat-Run]

Hey Tippman,

Cjac nailed it on the head. I have both nets that you mentioned and I like the stow-away for one purpose and one purpose only and that it fits into small places like my river boat!

If I were to purchase another net I would buy the Frabil because of the graphite yoke system and easy for the other boater to slide the handle into place without worrying about missing the hole like on the Beckman. Personally I don't trust a Beckman. I would highly recommend the Frabil. Plus the Beckmans yokes will scratch the side of your boat because it is metal and does wonders on my fiberglass. If you want I can show you both of my nets on Wednesday if you would like and you can make a decision then. OR better yet when you head to Park Rapids you can barrow both and give them a try. Let me know?

mr

[MJBo]

Hi. I've got the largest non-big kahuna frabill big game and think its a little to small for some situations.

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[Knut]

I really like my Stow Master. Never enough space in a Musky boat and I can keep that net folded in half leaning against the side out of the way. Kind of a fire drill to get it open quick and it drives my wife crazy that I don't just keep it open and ready. It's also a good fish freindly net capable of netting any fish

[8-Ball]

I agree with the votes on the Frabil. It is way less than the Beckman and is easier to use. Buy the Frabil net holder for 10$ and install it on the rig. I did, it stays out of the way but is ready when you need her. Big enough for any Musky- IMO...

[10,000 Casts]

I have to be the first one here to vote for My Beckman.

They are lighter and have metal yokes. I also have the flat bottom which nice.

I have what Beckman calls a Penn Net. My hoop is bigger in diameter, a 36" I believe, might be a 34" but it isn't as deep as there musky nets. It's 36" deep compared to 50". I really like the bigger hoop and if whoever is in my boat can't get the fish into it, it's not the nets fault. It also has a 4 foot handle instead of a 6', it's plenty for me, I guess it depends on what type of boat you fish out of.

There is nothing wrong with frabill, they do make a nice net and they have one serious hookless coating on them.

The net that I have runs about $100 depending on where you get it.

[harvey lee]

I have a Frabikll Poercatch Kwik Kradle nat. Its 28x50 and 36 inches deep. It has a tanglefree knotless mesh and sliding 48" handle. Power Lok Yoke system with a lifetime warranty.

I have had 50" muskie and 55" sturgeon along with 40# flathead catfish in this net with not one issue. I do believe that I could put 70" sturgeon in the net.

Great net.

[steffanf]

What is everyones opinion on the rubber-mesh nets out there? I think Frabil makes one, but I am not sure. I currently have a Frabil sliding-handle net... I think it is a 48". The net seems deep enough so far and has the supposedly "hookless" net material. It's getting a little old removing the hooks from the mesh everytime I land a fish. I was wondering how the rubber-mesh holds up to hooks, as well as teeth...

-Gregg B.

[Tippman]

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[Dano_the_jigasaurus]

The Beckman Fin Saver Pen nets are the way to go they are awesome. They are not as deep so it is easier to work on the fish hangin over the side of the boat.

Dan

[copterjohn]

I had been using Frabill Powercatch which handled some recent fish up to 50 inches, but was destroyed two weeks ago by a 54" thrashing about. Switched to Beckman and love it. Very solid and worth the money so far.

[MUSKY18]

Another vote for the Beckman. I have had mine for quite a few years and love it. If I remember correcdly, it is the Musky Magnum. My hoop is huge and the net is like 54" deep. With such a huge hoop, it makes netting fish by myself A LOT easier on myself and the fish.

Nothing against Frabill, as they also make a great net. Try out both and see what is more to your liking.