I've been meaning to do this for awhile. I've got one of the floating G2 nets I got from Academy that I really like for my kayak, but the handle is awfully short. Having to pause the fight to reach for my net has cost me a few fish that I can very clearly remember from this season. I've seen people with modifications to them, I finally got around to doing it to mine.

Now it's got a 2' PVC handle, filled with expanding foam, wrapped in the same grip tape made for golf clubs and tennis rackets. 

 

No more stretching to reach for it during the fight. Previously the handle would reach about to the locking point for my kayaks pedals (the first dark tape spot on the handle closest to the net). 

Been meaning to do the same to mine. I can't see the photos due to bad internet right now, but I assume it's that orange one I got on Amazon. Blanchard modified the same net.

 

Did you use screws or anything to clamp the handle onto it?

5 minutes ago, schplurg said:

Been meaning to do the same to mine. I can't see the photos due to bad internet right now, but I assume it's that orange one I got on Amazon. Blanchard modified the same net.

 

Did you use screws or anything to clamp the handle onto it?

Yes, it's the orange G2. 

 

I put 2 small screws into the aluminum handle through the PVC to help sturdy the handle, but that was after the handle was coated in JB Weld and allowed to set up for 24 hours. I'm not sure the expanding foam inside the handle was really needed. Since the hoop is covered in foam, I think it still would have floated, but it doesn't hurt and doesn't add much weight either and adds some rigidity to the handle to help avoid it getting smashed. 

1 minute ago, Bluebasser86 said:

Yes, it's the orange G2. 

 

I put 2 small screws into the aluminum handle through the PVC to help sturdy the handle, but that was after the handle was coated in JB Weld and allowed to set up for 24 hours. I'm not sure the expanding foam inside the handle was really needed. Since the hoop is covered in foam, I think it still would have floated, but it doesn't hurt and doesn't add much weight either and adds some rigidity to the handle to help avoid it getting smashed. 

 

Thanks and now I can see the photos too. Very cool.

I’ve done a few.  My latest iteration has been my best effort.  First I used an aluminum handle. Super light.  My friend gave me a 20 foot alum tube!!
 

i discovered that expanding foam needs air to cure.  Squirting it in the end doesn’t work well. You need to drill some access to squirt into a few spots.  This time I simply recycled some foam packaging cushions from our latest office computer delivery. I just cookie cuttered cylinders and stuffed them in and silicon sealed the end.  My goal was 100% sealed to prevent the transfer of zebra mussels and plant-life.  And it floats. 
 

 Wrapped it with Winn fishing rod grip tape since it’s made to work wet.  
 

I ended up with a net with a handle thin enough to hopefully fit in one of those YakAttack cradles. 
 

oh. My end cap is one of those cups you fit over then end of one of those old school kitchen chair legs.  It’s perfect!!

Net.