View Full Version : Nets
I think it's time for a new net. My old one is full of holes from tearing hooks out of it. Any suggestions?
Beckman nets get my vote.
Rob Ensor
03-26-2001, 06:48 PM
Beckman gets my vote also.
Hawgeye
03-26-2001, 07:49 PM
Beckman, Beckman or Beckman. Any of the three will do just fine! Have had one for 6 years and it looks like the day I bought it. And that isn't because I never use it, my wife catches fish all the time!!! :)
Just another vote for Beckman. i sell all different kinds at the shop. but Beckman is without a doubt the best. good luck and good fishin.
Den
steve(IL)
03-27-2001, 04:54 PM
Do you ever fish alone? Do you troll or pull anything with long leaders/snells? Do you want a handle that adjusts from 48" to 96"?
Beckman's are well made, but too heavy and too expensive IMHO. I bought the Bass Pro walleye scoop for around $30. It's very light, stiff, it floats and hooks don't get caught in the mesh. I bought the older style which had an aluminum handle. I prefer that over the newer style w/ fiberglass handle.
If you've got someone else in the boat to net your fish and are willing to pay the premium, the Beckman is good. Does the Beckman float? I'm not sure.
I agree with Steve.Beckman's are heavy,the bag is too deep, and clumsy and too expensive.I use a Dotline(by Frabill,I believe).6' with 2' hoop.Taylor your net to your situation.
Eyecon
03-27-2001, 05:25 PM
Ditto Beckmans are nice but very heavy especialy when handles are extended when fishing long snells.Still looking!
if you want a lighter net, the frabill, or the cummings extending handle are nice, and the bags are shallower too, also one called the ranger is nice too. good luck and good fishin.
Den
Juls_WI
03-27-2001, 06:24 PM
Beckman nets too heavy? You guys are killing me..hehehe
A skinny gal like me uses it all the time. I love it.
They have a newer walleye pro net that is not heavy. Trust me, If I can use it anyone can!
Beckman gets my vote.
Juls
montana
03-27-2001, 06:40 PM
Beckman nets get my vote also best net I ever used.
Jim Carroll
03-27-2001, 07:52 PM
A very good alternative to the excellent Beckman net is a Loki. They have a tangle-free net bag that is second to none. JC
Victor
03-28-2001, 03:01 AM
I was at the Beckman factory this past weekend. They redesigned the hoop with a lighter aluminum with the same strength as the older version. They have also added plugs in the handle to add flotation (they create air pckets in the handle). I had one net converted to the lighter hoop, and added the plugs in both of my handles. Bruce took care of this personally for me while I waited. I'm not sure if you can get this type of service and quality anywhere else. Great product!
Roscoe
03-28-2001, 05:21 AM
Just got my first beckman pro walleye a couple weeks ago. No way is it too heavy. I have already used it by myself this year and had no problems with weight. Best quality net I have seen hands down.
I was able to compare the Frabill and the Beckman side by side. The Beckman was $84, the Frabill was $65. The Beckman was nice but I didn't like the handle. With it being round, the sales guy showed me how it would turn and the pegs and holes would not line up. I fish alone a lot and that bothered me. I checked at another store and found the Frabill for $40 WITH an extension. Needless to say I went with the Frabill. Thanks for all the input!
Fin Addict
03-28-2001, 05:31 AM
I wish they would leave them heavy. I used to go through 2-3 light weight nets per season as they would blow out of the boat while trailering. Bought a Beckman probably 10 years ago. It's still like new and has not blown away.
steve(IL)
03-28-2001, 06:08 AM
With all due respect - going through 2-3 nets a season? What does that say about you :-) ? I do a drill I call "rig for travel" to make sure everything is secure. Whether at WOT or on the trailer - you've always got to make sure your gear is buttoned down.
I agree with Steve. Beckman's are wonderful, but are heavy. I have the same net as Steve (Bass Pro Walleye Scoop). However, I added the extending handle and I switched the bag to a Beckman coated bag. Light, strong and hooks don't tangle.
Best Regards,
FJH
Phil T.
03-28-2001, 07:31 AM
Why not just replace the bag? You surely don't need an $85 net if you are satisfied with your old hoop and handle. Even my small-town tackle shop stocks replacement bags (Frabil brand I think) to fit an assortment of net sizes.
BigPointer53
03-28-2001, 07:36 AM
Had the Beckman for years, since have been converted to the Frabill walleye net. They are gold colored handle. Whats really nice is the peg you push in to release the extension is always lined up where the Beckman can be any where and that is a real hassle in the dark. Although I do not like Beckman or Frabill nets for crankbaits, then I like a rubber net.Much easier to get shadrap out of . Lets Hope For Ice Free Opener!
Hawgeye
03-28-2001, 07:49 AM
Frabil is a good product as well. I did have a Frabil at one time but it did not hold up for more than about 3 years. They are probably better now.
I have never had a problem with the handle on the Beckman. I like to have all my stuff ready before dropping a line just in case I hit a fish right away. Keep the net handy and ready.