Catch and Release Net?

[BrianH]

I went into Boaters World at Jantzen Beach yesterday and found a Catch and Release net. The net was made from some kind of rubber webbing. Supposedly the netting is less hard on the fish. Anybody have any experience with these? Since we can't keep natives I was wondering if this would be a good net to buy.

Any suggestions on places with less expensive nets. I was stunned when I found nets for about $70.00.

[Lemon Head]

Brian H...........Call up GI Joes' at Johnson creek. They had a net on sale with rubberized coating (Beckman) for 39 bucks!! Not the thick rubber that you might be mentioning, just a regular net with a light rubber coating. They call it a hook proof net. Think it would work good for catch and release too.

Six foot handle.....a really great net for the price. Just not sure if it's still on sale. I was there yesterday and they had some.

Goodfishin' LH

[Riverkeeper]

Here's my catch and release net :grin:

[slabhunter]

This tool works for me.

[fishjet]

Here's my catch and release net :grin:

Mine too.

[Steelheadache]

My dad bought one several years ago with that heavy rubber netting. I've never landed a fish in it, but I've had to lug it through the brush a couple of times. The bugger's heavy enough on the net end that I wonder if it would stand up to its own weight plus a 20 lb fish without bending the handle--it sure wouldn't balance well. Maybe if you're boating it might be useful, but since I'm mostly a bank fisher, I too release most of my fish with pliers.