[Adam Taylor]

The Salmon and Steelhead run is beginning out here and I was wondering if anyone has a preferred landing net that they like. I am in the market right now for one and it seems like there are a bunch of different options.

Is a rubber bag that much better for the fish? Wood vs. Aluminum?

My budget is about 125 bucks. All steelhead and big browns are to be released. We historically keep a salmon or 2.

Thanks in advance for any recommendation on what to look for or avoid.

 

[Galpster]

Lex, jump in here.

My suggestion is to pm Lex Story

 

[megajumbos]

Fisknat makes a great wooden steelhead sized net with a lightweight rubber bag but its $159. Measure net makes a good aluminum steelhead/guide net with a rubber bag for $79. Both are great for the boat but pretty big if you're walking, but anything big enough for steelhead is going to be tough to tote around anyway. Rubber is better too for the fish and your hooks are more easily removed than mesh. It's also usually more durable than mesh.

 

[Plecoptera]

Rubber nets are the way to go if your looking to have the lowest impact on fish you intend to release. I have a long handled wood frame with a rubber net and its been perfect for trout and small salmon. In a bigger net I would look into an aluminum frame for durability.

IMO nets are a pain if your bank fishing, and rubber nets add a considerable amount of bulk. I only use mine when I'm in a boat. Carrying around a large rubber net all day may be a chore.