Nets

Gold Medal Nets

A great net made in Glenwood Springs. Check them out here. These are the superior net for fishing our waters. There are a number of reasons:

●     First the wood is dried in Colorado so unlike other wooden nets they won't crack after a year or so when the dry atmosphere takes effect.

●     The netting is secured through a double hole ensuring that over time they won't cut.

●     The net is designed for strength. The wood is laminated adding a great deal of strength. This is more important than you might think. We have had a number of expensive "guide nets" snap when trying to net fish in the Fork on float trips. The weight of a fish and the pressure of the flowing water has proven too much for other nets which might look "pretty" but not be able to stand up to the pressure.

Overall we have had a great deal of success with these nets and being a local business we love to support local artisans.

Brodin

We carry a range of brodin nets which should satisfy your needs. Brodin nets are not cheap but they are beautifully made.

There new ghost net is a fantastic advance in net design and is probably the best net of its type on the market today. Here is a close up picture of the net. The image describes it all. The fish just don't see the net coming for them in the water and the very wide mesh eliminates the problem of water resistance where the flow is quite fast. It is a truly great product.

In my view they have one of the best boat nets about with a rubber basket.

Rubber nets if well made are excellent for protecting the fish and for not catching your hook. The principal disadvantage of rubber netting is the added weight.  Apart from being a little heavier, if you attach your net by magnet there is an added risk of it being pulled off as you walk through brush, so a lanyard is recommended.

The only negative comment about Brodin is that they do not have a policy of replacement if a net breaks. It is probably hard for them to stand by such a policy but given the price of their higher end nets it should be addressed. They will however replace a net where the netting comes apart.

For a further look at the range of Brodin nets, check their website.

Solitude

Great value wooden nets at affordable prices. Solitude have made several beautiful nets which we are able to retail under $30. Although one may enjoy the artistry in a product such as a Brodin item, most fishermen just want a sturdy product which will do the job and remain pleasant to the eye.  Wood of course is the preferred material for aesthetic reasons.

Solitude have come to the party admirably. We haven't seen another similar net on the market for this price with comparable quality. From time to time other purveyors offer their wares in the hope of new custom. We show them the Solitude product and that it the end of the story!!

McLean Nets

The McLean landing net is quite different, designed in New Zealand and a favorite of those fishermen who have become used to the style. We carry a range in our shop if you are interested in having a look. You can also get more details from their website here.

This is one example of their interesting folding net design. It was the only net my Dad used for 40 years. There are variations, but it is quite a clever design.

The Measure Net

I like the measure net for its very clever and simple design which enables any fish to be able to be quickly measured and released. It comes with a cotton mesh, but an addition rubber net is available. I use one a lot. The only criticism is that in fast running water, the mesh is so tightly woven that the resistance makes holding the net in the water a difficult task while landing a fish. But they are very reasonably priced. More information can be obtained here.