Author Topic: The Perfect Competition Net! (Read 350 times)

Mark Hanes · « **on:** October 25, 2010, 03:38:26 PM »

I learned the hard way that having a net that is not the Greatest can make a major difference with landing fish and finishing higher. It was never more evident in a smaller competition where catch rates were low and one fish more that is lost at the net could mean a big jump in the overall standings.

I am currently using a cheaper Frabil net that is really just to darn small. I will be upgrading to a bigger net and by my first major competition of 2011 I will be running with a better net.

What I am looking for is net that meets this criteria.

- Light
- longer handle (24" inch or greater total length)
- Deeper netting. (Similar to the Siman type net)
- Travel friendly.

This is strictly a river net. Any suggestions? What do some of the seasoned comp anglers recommend?

Todd Oishi · « **Reply #1 on:** October 25, 2010, 03:53:38 PM »

Check out Jan's page for "Landing Nets" (aluminum)

http://shop.siman.cz/

Landing Net Rocket with Flexible Cord Extension 4
Code: ln_al_1106
Price: 23.47 EUR

Details: Frame aluminum alloy, black anodized. Handle - hard wood, net 6x6 mm. Frame dimensions 40x53 cm, total length 65 cm. The flexible cord loop through the frame and the handle for easy manipulation. For landing trophy fish.

Mark Hanes · « **Reply #2 on:** October 25, 2010, 03:57:14 PM »

Thanks Todd. That is where I am leaning towards.

Does anyone have any reports on the S2 nets?

Todd Oishi · « **Reply #3 on:** October 25, 2010, 04:01:32 PM »

No problem Mark! I use a similar net for landing coho salmon while fishing our rivers.

I can't remember the name or model number of my net, as I bought mine while I was in Poland, and I removed and modified the handle to make its reach a little longer....

Chris Puchniak · « **Reply #4 on:** October 25, 2010, 04:49:51 PM »

I am liking my Frabil for the boat, but I'm also seekiing a good river net as well. So I'll be paying attention to what you find Mark.

Getting a big hoop always seems the toughest. I want one I can pack of course, but I'd love a hoop the size of a salmon net - 3-feet + in diameter. Just cannot pack the darn thing...

Kalvin Kaloz · « **Reply #5 on:** October 25, 2010, 10:29:45 PM »

I can post a pic if need be but I am very pleased with a modified Siman net using the frabil handle.

To me it has everything I want in a net
- large teardrop shape
- aluminum frame...a 3rd the weight of the same size frabil
- deep/soft netting
- small amount of weight in the bottom so it always falls through
- Frabil handle, much longer than the siman
- end of handle drilled and ziptie added for attaching tether…to avoid the inevitable breaking of the cord

I have seen others use a butterfly net on the frabils and that seams to work well too...

Mark Hanes · « **Reply #6 on:** October 26, 2010, 09:44:14 AM »

I am thinking I am going to go with the K2 Custom net. From what I am seeing there is some room for a better competition net to be put on the market. Siman nets have there positives and Frabil nets are light cheap. The S2 product nets look great but they just see slightly over priced.

Todd Oishi · « **Reply #7 on:** October 26, 2010, 01:44:48 PM »

I made a very similar modification to my net handle as well Kalvin. I used a urethane based two-part epoxy to permantently affix the handle to the net. It also added a few extra inches to the overall length and reach of the net. I also used a stronger and longer bungee cord that has kept my net (with a fish in the net) attached to me, while swimming across some very treacherous and fast flowing water in several of my beats at past competitions...

Here's a shot of my net after the modifications (I bought this net from Vladi):

Chris Puchniak · « **Reply #8 on:** October 26, 2010, 02:27:34 PM »

Quote from: Kalvin Kaloz on October 25, 2010, 10:29:45 PM

I can post a pic if need be but I am very pleased with a modified Siman net using the frabil handle.

To me it has everything I want in a net
- large teardrop shape
- aluminum frame...a 3rd the weight of the same size frabil
- deep/soft netting
- small amount of weight in the bottom so it always falls through
- Frabil handle, much longer than the siman
- end of handle drilled and ziptie added for attaching tether…to avoid the inevitable breaking of the cord

I have seen others use a butterfly net on the frabils and that seams to work well too...

Kalvin, I'd be interested to see that if you could post a pic.

Kalvin Kaloz · « **Reply #9 on:** October 31, 2010, 10:32:59 PM »

Sorry for the delay... Here are a few pics. Nothing here is that original just wanted a solution for a few issues I had with both nets.

Kalvin Kaloz · « **Reply #10 on:** October 31, 2010, 10:33:56 PM »

attachment

Kalvin Kaloz · « **Reply #11 on:** October 31, 2010, 10:34:51 PM »

most important mod...

Bill Steudler · « **Reply #12 on:** November 01, 2010, 08:38:28 PM »

zip ties get it done every time.....K2 where did you get that re-tractor?

Kalvin Kaloz · « **Reply #13 on:** November 02, 2010, 02:18:04 PM »

Bill,

The one I have is a "Gear Keeper" got it a while back not sure where. I do see they have the same thing at Feather Craft...

Really like this setup! Just hated finding the magnet every time and the larger net I dont like on my side.

Dejon Hamann · « **Reply #14 on:** November 02, 2010, 02:23:05 PM »

Sorry, dumb question. So, the net is hanging off your back hoop side down? So, you gotta grab the hoop, pull it out, and then kinda work your hand over to the handle? Also, the bungy cord is just backup then? And do you feel you have enough room with the re-tractor?

Chris Smith · « **Reply #15 on:** November 02, 2010, 03:29:18 PM »

D,

I use the same retractor, but place the net at my side...handle forward. The retractor reaches as far as I can reach, and the tension is strong enough to simply let it go ...it will wind back in.

Kalvin Kaloz · « **Reply #16 on:** November 02, 2010, 04:02:44 PM »

D,

Yes it is hoop side down. with the retractor being rather large and the longer handle on the Frabil nets I am grabing at the base of the Y and I an good to go. Yes the bungy is backup...always plan for the worst case and control any and all factors that you can! Like Chris said...as far as I can reach.

To be honest its not 100%. I like the position of the handle placement slightly better when hanging on the magnet but overall a ton better than playing with that magnet!