Get the largest hoop and green. The green at least with the new ones have a more fish friendly net if needed to release.

 

Size matters, go big.

 

That and if fishing out of a boat, get the long handle.

 

I use a smaller net like a medium for Coho they don't run that big,second is a larger net for Chinook. I always have two nets in the boat and numerous trips I was very happy I was smart enough to have two net. Large nets can be a hazard in a boat hanging up on every thing you had no idea they would hand up on. Make sure you purchase a long handle net with these 10 ft. 10 1/2 poles a short handle net can be a nightmare.

 

It looks like the longest fixed length handle is 6' on these so I'll probably look for that. I think I read somewhere that the telescoping handles weren't as strong.

I did find a spec sheet and looks like the depth of the coated (green hoop) net is 40" for both the large and medium as compared to 58" depth for the large standard (blue hoop) net. At this point I think I'm leaning toward the large green (coated) net. Maybe the shorter depth wouldn't hang up as bad. Has anyone had any issues with the shallower 40" depth on these? I would think that is deep enough and the flat bottom should be a lot better for released fish.

 

It looks like the longest fixed length handle is 6' on these so I'll probably look for that. I think I read somewhere that the telescoping handles weren't as strong.

They are not as strong however if you're using them right it doesn't matter. Reach out and net the fish but never then just lift it up while extended. Instead drag the fish in the water to the boat, with the loop out of the water but not lifting the fish, once along the side you'll tilt the handle 90 degrees and lift straight up. This will take the fulcrum action out of the net and reduces the stress on the net. This is how it should be done regardless of the handle length because the collar is still a very weak point. Although you don't need to do it this way for small fish it's good practice for bigger fish.
I prefer longer handles for a bunch of reasons: you're always reaching out the back or over the downriggers or just the height of your boat or....
Fish spook when they see the boat. If you can net them before they get close all the better.
It avoids the truffle shuffle of people on the boat trying to get the fish positioned just so.

 

When they were first introduced last year, the nets were shallower and a little weak. With the newer released versions, I've noticed the bags are deeper and look like a beefier mesh so stronger IMO.

 

The folks that have used a fixed handle verse the style that locks into place with 1click button..

How much nicer is the fixed handle to have and use.. I just bought a medium size green hoop with 6? handle.. considering exchanging it for a 7-8? handle... I think the 6? is great for 80% of the fish and larger the 7-8? might get in the way fairly often.. ?

 

I’ve been looking for the largest size net that Beckman makes and finally found one. It’s the green hoop, and has the 6 foot long handle. But it’s $139. Does that sound a bit high? Does anyone know if that’s what they go for?

 

I think that one is about $100 at Fishermans.

 

I picked up a blue hoop with 6' handle for $95 at Fishermans just before christmas and got a $20 gift card with it.

 

Ok thanks everyone. It sounds like $139 is on the high side so I’ll keep shopping.

 

Whats the difference between the blue and green hoops other than the color?

 

The green hoop has the coated fish friendly net.

 

Thanks

 

The coated fish friendly bag doesn't hold up very well. I only used mine for one season and it has 2 holes in it that I have had to zip tie shut. This bag is also a little shallow for my liking. If I had to do it over again I would buy the same hoop but a different bag. I have a friend with the same net and bag and has the same problem with the bag.

 

Thanks 2slow. I read an older thread where some guys were changing the netting out with a Promar replacement. Sounded like a good setup and I think it was fish friendly.

 

http://www.ifish.net/board/showthread.php?t=648161

 

That’s the one, thanks Doc.

 

I still use my promar..its the extandable one...and a lil shorter than this blue beckman. I like it on the boat since its a space saver and has good deep net. Was on sale for 34.99 or sonething like that last March/April I believe....can't remember. Still have to use my blue beckman on boat and see how it performs. Did great on bank...I know I hate to use it on bank since more chance of damage by rocks and what not..but just wanted to try it...since it was only a day old