Dear partners in crime,

Wondering if any of you have valuable feed back, or insight, to offer regarding the Brodin Ghost Nets when it comes to catch and release?

I'm curious if these nets create a safer environment for the fish in terms of reducing any long term physiological and/or psychological scars when the ghost net is used properly.

Thanks in advance.

Rumor has it that the rubber mesh nets take less slime from the fish and does not promote entanglement of flies. The clear color, reportedly, has less of a spooky effect on the fish. I, personally, do not use a net, and have not in years. Granted, I do not yet have a Tenkara rod, but I am hesitant to use a net, due to recent successes without one.

I have no experience with these nets in particular. And, until quite recently I was with FlyKs in not using nets, I hadn't used a net in years and had no problems without one. But, then I recently took out a net to make a film and really loved using it. So, I started taking a net if I was going somewhere for fishing (as opposed to going somewhere for backpacking with good fishing).

The net I first used was nylon mesh. I don't think the mesh ever hurt the fish directly (as long as it's not those old-fashioned knotted types I believe you'll be okay). But, my hook got stuck on the mesh several times, and that's what actually hurt 2 of the fish when the hook tip got stuck but the fish were still hooked. Next day I looked for rubber nets. They tend to be expensive, but I learned about the Measure net (http://www.themeasurenet.com/index.htm). I'm not crazy about the measuring tape on it, but they sell the rubber nets that are fairly inexpensive (http://www.themeasurenet.com/catalog/pr ... ucts_id=42). I have been using that since and had not hooks getting stuck on the net. As FlyKs said, the rubber mesh is suppose to be easier on the fish, and I believe there are grounds for that.

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I have one and they are superior to the Brodin net bag. Flies don't get hung up in the ghost and the rubber is softer and non-absorbent- better for the fish.
I have the float tube model with the longer handle...perfect for dealing with the longer tenkara rods. They make two more models with even longer handles. I carry it stuck in my wading belt at the small of my back and it never gets in the way.
One can almost be graceful when netting a fish!

Thanks to everyone who offered feedback regarding this post.

Much appreicated.

I took the dive and ordered the Brodin Cutthroat Ghost net and once I get the opportunity to try it out I'll provide a review.

Thanks again.

MC

I know you already decided to pull the trigger but for what it's worth, I think they are great nets. Two observations beyond what you've already heard, which was all spot on in my experience.

1. Brodin makes the point that the net should be used simply to "corral" the fish when you bring it in. I think the stiffer rubberized material excels in this regard, and I think the "corralling" mindset is a good one to have instead of the scoop-->pick up-->remove fly-->release model, if you are practicing C&R at least.

2. I mentioned the stiffer rubberized material. That has a downside as well in that it won't lie flush against your vest, so just keep an eye out for it getting snagged in branches as you tromp through the underbrush as you maneuver around the stream.

I would have to agree with makova. I think the Brodin Firehole Ghost is perhaps the best net for tenkara anglers. The right size, the best net material, and a very well made net.

http://www.tenkarabum.com/brodin-firehole-net.html

(Not to say that the cutthroat model is not a good choice, I just like the size of the Firehole better)

To use a net or not...what net is best?...I see this question frequently and will offer my opinion. I Handle fish for a living and have captured and held hundreds of thousands of fish. I use nets. If you are good with a net, you can reduce handling time with a fish and increase the likelihood that the fish will survive. If you are bad with a net, the opposite is true. I frequently see people trying to sneak up on the fish with a net. This in my experience is a bad idea. If you are able to get the fish into position and with one committed stroke capture the fish and use it as a fish pen in the water, you will be doing the fish a favor. Dragging the fish up onto the rocks and dirt is one of the worst things that you can do to a fish. Dropping the fish from waist to chest high onto the rocks and dirt is the WORST thing you can do to the fish (it will likely swim away and die). I know this from 17 of experience as a fisheries biologist and more years as an angler. I own two personal nets that I use for sport fishing (A brodin ghost net and a brodin pro brook trout net for smaller streams and fish). While I like the rubber net, the ability to use a knotless net correctly far outweighs the material in a knotless net. In my experience, people who play racket sports are great netters. It’s all about commitment and good hand eye coordination. That being said if you fish a dry with a dropper, rubber nets are great because the extra fly does not get hung up in the mesh. They are also easier to clean.

Just some thoughts,

Scott

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****edited -

In retrospect my post was WAY too preachy. I should probably be banned from middle-of-the-night-can't-sleep-websurfing-posts!

I started with a net when I started fishing with my grandparents generation around 40 years ago....strayed with the bass folks - the lip grip...the grip and grin the fly fishing mags use...suffice it to say I've come back to being a netter - happily and less guilt-ridden - for the past 7-10 years or so. I'll just leave it at that.

don't own a Brodin, just a simple "fish-friendly-mesh" model (that's what the tag said anyway)
but I think the Brodins are really beautiful.

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Lucky to get out. Whenever I can. Never enough. Romans 8:31

I love my Brodin - in fact when I lost mine I bought another one, that's just how much I love them. Netting and keeping the fish in the water as much as possible is a huge benefit to the fish.

Nets also help you land that lunker you know would be difficult with your Tenkara - especially when fishing with a long line.

If you want to save a couple of bucks, buy the "fish friendly mesh", a replacement ghost net and string it your self. Saves about $25 to $30. Use some old fly line - I used the tail end of a 5wt peach colored floating line.

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