Mounting your net while fishing

[Daniel Podobed]

Hey Everyone,

Just picked up a Brodin Ghost net today, and while I am going to love it regardless, I am struggling to find a way to properly mount my net. I currently fish with a Simms Headwaters Chest/Hip pack almost always chest mounted. I have an old french style free reach net release, but my pack doesn't have any d rings mounted on this pack towards the top, and dropping it off the belt loop would be in the water.


Do you guys have any creative solutions, thoughts, moans, groans, etc? I may look into a William Joseph pack, which has the middle insert by the back, where it actually goes in the pack. I'm happy I got a net after I had to try and grab the line and lost a 3+ pound rainbow last week *new waders should be here next week too*, but the set up is frustrating. It seems like Simms actually forgot something, usual for them. Maybe I'm just missing the obvious.


and should i switch to a magnetic net release, versus that clip style?

[Dejon Hamann]

That's a tough one.  There are really only SO many ways to hang a large piece of wood off a big monkey.  Is your brodin a pretty hefty net? Cause if so that could negate some of the lighter magnets and retractors. 

[Daniel Podobed]

Eh, I have to say yes. I purchased the Brodin Tailwater today, however, I am exchanging it for a smaller model tomorrow to my local fly shop. I am looking at the Gallantin at the largest, and most likely the exchange is going to be for the Frying Pan model. It needs to be much shorter in my set up, despite me liking its 30" length.

[Dejon Hamann]

They are gorgeous.  I'm in the market for a nice rich wood, rubber net one myself.  Probably a boat net for the pontoon though as this would be primarily for netting those special fish and putting them to digital memory.

If you're not into the "tuck" method of putting it in your belt/hip pack belt then I'd just go with a heavy magnet/retractor and create a space for it by modding your current setup or moving to something else.

[Chris Smith]

When using my Tailwater, I simply tuck it between my fanny pack and my back.  You could do the same with a wading belt.  It slides in and out very easily AND provides great back support.

The only problem with the Tailwater as a comp net is the net bag itself.  Small fish have a way of squeezing through the webbing.  As Dejon noted, it's great for trophy waters and capturing fish on film.

Finally, be sure to look at the Gearkeeper as a retractor.  

[Daniel Podobed]

Thanks Chris, I'll try it out.