[sand flea]

I've been relying on gaffs for years to bring big fish up. I'd really like to switch to a drop net, but the giant metal hoops on them make them a pain in the butt to store and transport.

There's a collapsible drop net that I've run across and I was wondering if anyone out there has used it. It looks like it might be a tad flimsy, but the manufacturer claims it can hold up to 80 pounds, which is more than enough for the stripers, trout, little sharks, rays, etc. that I usually run across.

P.S.: I'm getting rid of my gaff. If anyone out there wants it (cheap), let me know.

 

[outdoorsoccer15]

I like my new net

Hi! Sandflea,

I just recently bought the collapsible drop net (tired of losing fish trying to haul them up to the pier). I really like it cause it stores great in my backpack. Unfortunately due to my fishing timing, I haven't hauled in a really big one yet, but i have managed to bring up several big spanish macks and hadn't had any troubles with the net.

Outdoorsoccer15

 

[wizardude]

A buddy uses one and loves it, mostly for flounder and trout. The one he has fits nicely in a 5 gal bucket

 

[SeaSalt]

How many clams for these nets?

 

[JerryB]

$23.00

plus shipping, looks cool!

 

[cocoflea]

What is the biggest fish they recommend trying to land using the net

 

[cocoflea]

I know it says 80lbs but I need to know the real deal

 

[wizardude]

What is the biggest fish they recommend trying to land using the net

They claim: "The net has an overall weight capacity of an incredible 80lbs", but I have to seriously doubt that. The one I've seen, I would probably be comfortable with 15-20.

 

[BigJeff823]

I had one of those type of nets Anglers in Annapolis had them at one time.Baught mine for about $30;but forgot it one time and left it at the Tank;I hope someone made good use of it

 

[FishRung]

I brought a 60lb stingray up to the Jolly Roger in the pier's own drop net with no problems. Let it back down the same way. Or was it the Triple 'S'? Whichever, I favor a drop net if you're going to return the fish and it seems to be easier than gaffing - less hit or miss.

 

[BigJeff823]

The collaspible net was better than my other bridge net because it can fit in a 5 gallon bucket.Arround this time last year I was using the collasible net to net those Severn River Bridge Weakies(Trout) from 30ft up from the water.

 

[LongRanger]

I've been trying to find them since I returned from the Outer Banks two weeks ago. Thanks for the source.

 

[catman]

It looks like it would be difficult to position in a strong current like we get at the Tank. I don't think I'd trust it on a 20 lb. rock. Also the 30" dia. seems too small. My drop net has a 36" dia. and sometimes I wish it were larger. I've seen them up to 48" being use off the Rt. 50 bridge at Ocean City. Na, I think I'll stay with what I have.

Catman.

 

[cocoflea]

I guess $30 is not much to spend but I would hate to lose a trophy bass because of net failure and if I do you'll be able to hear my scream trust me.

 

[neuman]

nets

try to get a 35"let alone a 35# rock in that thing with a screaming tide. sorry i will lug the big ring and it doesnt look very manuverable in a hard tide just my buck two eighty >ZOOM
'

 

[seafisher]

Two weekends ago, I caught a 10 lb. blacktip shark off a king rig and had no use to gaff it (even tho I brought it with me that day), or eat it, I used the pier's drop net and it worked fine. There was a fairly rough wind out there that day and the big steel ring on it, plus an 8 oz. weight in the bottom, it didn't move in the wind and it brought up the shark nicely. Caught and released to be caught again, when its bigger.

 

[DavB]

I considered the plastic drop net too. Seems like it would get blown around in a strong wind.

Just purchased a steel net last week. Used it twice already.

 

[cocoflea]

So my question is What is the best method to get a large fish landed from the pier without a gaff The pier I go to in Stamford is a vert short one and I'm able to walk the fish down the pier(I know this must sound crazy to most of you) I haven't lost a fish yet and I have landed a 39" Striper, but I know there is a better way.

 

[BigJeff823]

The old 450 bridge has stronger curents than the Tank and it still works;I also used it to net fish at the Tank.But,my bigger steel frame net that I've had for years works better.My bigger net is 36'"in diameter perfect for big Stripers.You can probily get a big Striper in those nets;the collasible net folds up after you get the fish in it;so if its in there its traped for good.If I get a real trophy Striper I will use my bidge gaff that I baught at Bass Pro.

 

[catman]

Pappy, you're not allowed to gaff a striper in Maryland.

Catman.