Plans/directions on how to build a cradle net?

[SteveJ715]

So in preparations for our annual voyage north of the border, my Dad and I are thinking of building a cradle net for pike (or hopefully a monster walleye or two). The place lodge we're headed to supplies regular nets but not cradles.

Has anybody had any success making one of these? If you could share some tips and/or supply ideas, that would be great. (Yes, I did a search but didn't see anything.)

If you're reading this and thinking, "these guys must be really anxious to get out on the water," you're right.

Thanks,

- Steve

[Pikehunters]

You could use either dowel rod or any handle, shovel, pushbroom etc for poles. Talk to any landscaper that builds retaining walls & ask them for geo-grid, for netting, it comes in 6' & 8' widths. This can be cut in any lenght. The geo grid looks like chicken wire but the material is similar to your rubber nets.

[Mark R]

Steve, I have one that I bought for muskie fishing but never used it. I would sell it to you if your intrested in buying one.

[Obabikon]

My first one I made myself. I used two old hockey sticks that I cut the blades off of. I also put weights on the entry point to make sure the net itself stayed down when I went for the scoup. It worked well, but a high end scoop net is better and just as safe for the fish.

[a3dad]

If you do make or buy one be sure to practice using it on some smaller fish first. I lost a HUGE Pike on my buddy fumbling with the **** thing.

[pike50plus]

Originally Posted by SteveJ715

So in preparations for our annual voyage north of the border, my Dad and I are thinking of building a cradle net for pike (or hopefully a monster walleye or two). The place lodge we're headed to supplies regular nets but not cradles.

Has anybody had any success making one of these? If you could share some tips and/or supply ideas, that would be great. (Yes, I did a search but didn't see anything.)

If you're reading this and thinking, "these guys must be really anxious to get out on the water," you're right.

Thanks,

- Steve

http://www.jannsnetcraft.com/cradle-...785000020.aspx

[Mark R]

Mine has wood handles so it will float. The cradle has has a "ruler" panited onto the cradle that measures from the middle 28 iches in both directions. Also has a case so when not in use it will be out of the way not being snagged by hooks or anything else.

[Bill Krejca]

A friend has one, and it seems to work OK.

I've wondered, however, the possibilities of the "netter", while bent over directly in line with the fish, getting a face full of lure/fish mouth, as it appears the fish can quickly move forward much easier than backwards as it is being netted. Maybe kinda like squatting of front of a catapult.

Just my thoughts.

Bill Krejca

[bucont]

Originally Posted by Bill Krejca

A friend has one, and it seems to work OK.

I've wondered, however, the possibilities of the "netter", while bent over directly in line with the fish, getting a face full of lure/fish mouth, as it appears the fish can quickly move forward much easier than backwards as it is being netted. Maybe kinda like squatting of front of a catapult.

Just my thoughts.

Bill Krejca

I use a cradle and have had a few close calls with hooks and teeth. I now also use a large musky net coupled with the cradle. Where these shine is in fish recovery IMO. I'll use mine after the catch, dehook and photos and then a short recovery in the cradle to release.