What net does everyone use and why do you like it (or dislike it)?

I use my hand, because its free and adds more challange especially when crankbait fishing.

Clancy W

I use a short-handled rubber net - can't even remember the brand or where I got it (EDIT - it's a Frabill). Rubber is the only way to go - good for the fish and easier to untangle hooks. The short handle works perfect for fishing from my canoe since I'm sitting real close to the water level. When fishing from the bank - I don't use a net.

None.

I use a Frabil rubber net. Not having that net cost me a tournament once last year. Never again.

I wouldn't use anything other than a rubber net, trebles don't get caught in it as much as the others.

I can see not having a net because your not allowed to use one (BASS Elites), or you don't have room for one, like on a yak or small boat, but if you like catching fish your not doing yourself any favors by refusing to use one.

I use a net on Pike and Pickerel , much safer getting my hooks out.

Get the largest net your boat will hold and not be in your way especially if you are a tournament fisherman.  A few years ago I had a net that was too small cost me $5000.

Kelley

I use a green frabill net.  Bought it at a garage sale for $2, and some dude gave me a free wooden handle from a garden hoe, so I threaded it on the handle of the frabill to make it longer.  It's saved me a bunch of times in these coon-tail infested canals.  Like for instance, it allowed me to land that one in my avatar .  Cheap=good, functional=win.

I use a short-handled rubber net - can't even remember the brand or where I got it (Cabela's perhaps?). Rubber is the only way to go - good for the fish and easier to untangle hooks. The short handle works perfect for fishing from my canoe since I'm sitting real close to the water level. When fishing from the bank - I don't use a net.

Rubber netting is the only way to go!

   

I've had a hibernet in my boat for a number of years now.  It works good and more importantly, it stores great.  There is  a learning curve to using this net, but as long as you remember that the top part of the hoop is flexible, there isn't any problem.

The only issue with the hibernet is deploying it when you have a fish on.  For this reason I also keep a long handled gripper in my boat that I use most of the time when I'm fishing by myself.

Maybe I should reword my question.  I am interested in buying a bass fishing net for fishing alone and for tournaments this summer.  For those of you who use nets, what brand and/or model would you recommend?  Any help would be appreciated.

I've been using a small deep Frabill for the past 3 years. Frabil has great customer service. I netted a 36" musky last year and the handle broke. (probably shouldn't have netted it, hindsight is 20/20) I spoke to CS, emailed them a pic and received a replacement handle within 3 days at no charge to me.

Maybe I should reword my question. I am interested in buying a bass fishing net for fishing alone and for tournaments this summer. For those of you who use nets, what brand and/or model would you recommend? Any help would be appreciated.

I just checked my net and it's a Frabill. So, you've had 5 recommendations for the Frabill brand - sounds like you might want to visit: http://www.frabill.com/landing-nets.html

You've had 3 recommendations for rubber netting material - it really is better at protecting the fish's slime coat and it is much easier to clear treble hooks from the rubber netting. Rubber netting is a bit more expensive, but well worth it.

You've had one recommendation to get the biggest net that will fit in your boat. Another consideration on size is when you're fishing alone, make sure that you have a net that you can swing with one hand since the other hand will be holding the rod...so, you probably don't want an enormous net!

What you haven't said yet is what type of boat you plan on fishing from - that will determine the handle length that you will need. If you will be standing when you are using the net - you will need a longer handle. In my case, I'm sitting at water level in a canoe and have a very short handle.

I think the Frabill web site will give you all the selection you need for size, type, and quality/cost. Once you've found a net you like, you can web search on that model to find the best deal.

Good luck in your decision...

Frabill conservation series.  It isn't as likely to damage slime coat as other net bags, it isn't as heavy as rubber, and it won't rot like rubber.  They're spendy, but very nice nets.