Nets

[J-]

Hello-
Can anyone give me some information on Muskie nets. Maybe some pros and cons of certain makes or what I should look for in a net. There may not be a lot of difference with Muskie nets, but I figure I would ask before I buy one. I see the prices range anywhere from $40 to $120 and there are other things to consider like net whole sizes, treated, weighted ect. Any info would be helpful.

Thanks

J-

[HerbB]

Frabils and Beckmans are both good nets. Things I'd look for:
1. Net size and bag size. Get a good sized one that can hold a big fish easily while she sits in the water.
2. Coating. A coated net takes less slime off the fish, fish don't get tangled in the net nearly as much, and the hooks don't get tangled much at all.
3. Weights in the bottom help the net to open up to give the fish a good live-well to lay in at boatside.

I'd recommend either a good sized Frabil or the new fin-saver Beckman. Both are fine nets. I have a Beckman and big, coated Frabil and both work very well.

Good luck.

Herb

[btpf]

I just bought a Beckman Fin Saver Pro musky net.

Its awesome. For a $132 dollars it should be though.
Its big enough to handle just about any fish and has the treated bag which stops hooks from getting into the net and is the fin saver model so the fish doesnt get damaged.

It has a fool proof yoke which has a life time gurantee. If you get it get it off of Thorne Brothers. They have it for a good price and if you dont live in Minny then you wont have to pay for tax.

[Silver Scale]

On coated nets I think the knotless is better than one with knots. Fin savers are the best of all.

[JoyofESOX]

I would recommend buying either a Beckman fin saver or a Frabill big game catch and release both are great nets from what I've seen. Unless you are fortunate enough to find a Frabill quick-cradle they are top of the line in my book. I don't belive they are produced anymore(but I did see some at Cabela's near Detriot last fall) they are a hybred of net and cradle. Just remember to buy a net that is treated to protect the fishes slime coat and big enough to net a monster and give you room to work on hooks. Good Luck!

[Musky Mike]

I have the Frabill Big Game Net. It's big, tough, and comes with a knotless, coated net bag. I can't say it's any better than a Beckman, they're both top quality equipment.

[Dan Dean]

This is one area I would not skimp on, the wrong net can not only keep you from boating the fish of a life time but can really damage the fish. The points have been made but I think the treated bag, small or the new tiny mesh (fin Saver) are real vital. The new smart yokes make a lot of sense. You may need to spend the $125 YOU WONT REGRET IT you will regret buying a cheap one however.

Dan