Input on a (Beckman) net

[Mattman]

OK people, my net blew out of the boat this weekend going down the freeway. It wasn't a great net but nice enough that I'm kinda bummed. HAVE to get a new net. I was just looking at some Beckmans and really would like to hear some feedback about them, particularly their Walleye series with the rubberized coating. Are they really hook resistant? I have one of their Steelhead (shorty for wading) nets and I love it, but its not rubberized. Thanks in advance.

[Chuck Pederson MN]

I have a Beckman, telescopes to 8ft and the rubber coating on the net is hook proof. Works great, I love it they sell for around $90. I'm sure it has boated many fish we could have missed especially when trolling. You will like it.

[Roscoe]

I bought a beckman this last year. Best net I have used. I have yet to get a hook in the net, and I troll alot. I used to have to mess with untangling hooks, not anymore. Most of the Lake Michigan charters around me are using beckmans now. By the way, I have the pro walleye net.

[Walleye Herbie]

I purchased a new Beckman Walleye net last April. I think it's a great net. I don't know if there is a hook resistant net in exisistance but the Beckman comes close. I have 60 plus days on the water this year and can honestly say that I have had to get the pliers maybe three or four times to dislodge a hook from the Beckman. The handle extention needs to be locked in before use as it is hard to locate the locking button. If this is done prior to fish on its not a problem. If you don't need it extended it's not a promblem.


Good netting and fishing,
Walleye Herbie

[eyewinder]

My biggest problem with my non-Beckman net comes when two large fish are hooked on crankbaits at the same time (admittedly it's a nice and not terribly common problem). The first fish netted invariably rolls in the net, and you have a fish with two (at least) sets of treble hooks wound up in the net.

It almost always seems like the second fish is larger, and the other guy in the boat has to lead it around in circles until the first fish (and crankbait) is removed from the net. I haven't lost the second fish yet, but it's not good for my heart!! Will a coated Beckman net solve this problem?

[RANGER]

LAST EDITED ON Jul-17-01 AT 08:09AM (CST)[p]For the most part - yes! Those coated nets are a God-send. It is an excellent cross between standard netting and the rubber trampolines. You can buy the netting separate from the hoop and redo your existing hoop w/o buying a whole new net. That's what I did.


RANGER


"KEEP YOUR LINES WET, YOUR POWDER DRY and THE BEER COLD"!

[Dave in Mpls]

I have two Beckman nets that see alot of use. One is a 6' from the Walleye Series, the other is a 8' extending, also from the same series. If you do any amount of trolling, I would suggest the extending handle, as the extra length can be a real blessing! Very good nets.

Regards

[JoeyO]

Where did you get them? I have been looking all summer for just the net

[RANGER]

Dick's Sporting Goods. I don't think they are "Beckman" but they are high quality and coated. Cabela's sells them separately, too (page 138, 2001 'Tackle Shop' catalog). Mine works beautifully! As one other poster stated, I don't believe there is a perfect, hook-free net but this is awfully close.

Last year, as an example, I had a 36+" Northern on with a 5 3/8" Daredevil in it's mouth. He hit my line because he missed my buddies 21" Walleye that he was working to the boat. I netted the slimmer, flipped him over in the net, a couple of shakes and 1 plier flip of the hook that was in the net webbing and I turned to land the Walleye with the same net. The slimmer was still flipping around on the "landing carpet" in the boat when the Walleye went in the tank. A quick gill-grab, hook out and the Northern was free to fight again! All in a matter of, maybe, 15 seconds at the outside. It impressed me!


RANGER


"KEEP YOUR LINES WET, YOUR POWDER DRY and THE BEER COLD"!

[Mattman]

LAST EDITED ON Jul-17-01 AT 11:04AM (CST)[p]773-539-4775. Ask for Julie. It'll ship from the (Beckman) factory. Just ordered a Walleye series net not more than 5 minutes ago.

[Dave in Mpls]

I believe Beckman will also redip your existing net, which may be a cheaper alternative than replacing it. You may want to inquire about that option if you call them. They are excellent folks to work with.

Regards

[Dave in Mpls]

Is anyone able to get the Beckman web site to come up?? The address is www.beckmanet.com Every time I try, it comes up with beckmannet.com, and some jibberish about the websit being reserved for me!!

[RANGER]

Dave,

Check your VHF post - Kaz is trying to get a hold of you to help.


RANGER


"KEEP YOUR LINES WET, YOUR POWDER DRY and THE BEER COLD"!

[Bad Finger]

Well, one thing you won't have to worry about....the Beckman will not blow out of the boat!! One heavy bugger.

Personally, I like a lite, aluminum handle with a quality rubberized net. You can put 3 together for the price of one Beckman.

[Dave in Mpls]

Thanks, Ranger

I just got done sending him an email! Actually, I tried an hour ago or so and it got bounced back to me. Guess that .com vs .net does make a difference!!

Thanks for your help as well

Regards

[Mattman]

Me too Dave! And I was just on there this AM to get the phone number to order one.

[MR.FISH]

YOU'LL NEED ALL THREE TOO ................ SPEND THE EXTRA FOR THE BECKMAN IT'S THE BEST NET YOU CAN USE FOR FISHIN'. IN THIRTY YEARS OF PROFESSIONAL FISHING IT HAS MY FULL ENDORSMENT.:-)

THE'RE ALWAYS BITIN'

[Chuck Pederson MN]

Dito,Mr.Fish Also I used a permanent marker to mark the hook up of the extention for added help during a chinese fire drill. Good fish'n

[ETT]

Here's a true story... 12 or 13 years ago we took a tackle rep out fishing on Erie. As a thank you, he gifted us with a nice heavy duty net (6' fixed handle & no rubber coating). It soon became the #1 net on the boat ( we always carry 2). A few years later my brother got his charter licence, and over the years that net has netted at least 2O,OOO fish mostly walleyes. Additionally it had been used in 1 serious rescue when noone would have cared if it had been ruined.

Last year the hoop was crushed beacuase it was hanging over the gunnel in a dock knocking incident. The year before I had become involved with Beckman in some promotional work and because of the similarity of our old reliable net with their current line, I pretty much it was a Beckman.

I contacted Bill Beckman and he sent me a new hoop and a modern rubberized bag for the old net and we're using it now.

There are other good nets, but I know of none better than the Beckmans. Good guys who stand behind their products. If they cost a litle more, you know what... that's OK with me.

Sorry for the lengthy post. Good fishing.