Landing nets.

[fish eater]

Well I've been using the same landing net for walleyes for years, and I'm looking to get something new and up to date with the times. My net is pretty old.:lol: Anyway, I'm looking for something with more reach, and it seems the black anodized finish is key for "spook proof". Tangle free as well of course. What do you other Walleye trollers use? Recommendations? Nylon, rubber? Hoop dimensions, etc, etc? Thanks guys.

[Gone Fishing]

I typically always use a rubber net even though it’s heavy. There are minimal tangles and it’s easier on the fish if you plan to release them. Heck, I even use it on Steelhead in the Central Basin of Erie where 20 fish days are not uncommon. Definitely get the one with the deeper basket if you go that route. I believe mine is a Ranger and the handle does extend.

[WALLEYE MIKE]

I use rubber also. No tangle.

[Slick fishing]

I have a rubber net and I like it but I have lost fish using it because it is not to deep.. The guys razz me about it, they call it a trampoline but on a up note I won a big deep nylon net at a fishing forever dinner and I am going to try that net this year and see how it works.. Cya Brent

[MiketheElder]

I prefer the rubber also. Flopping fish, flying hooks and a soft net equals a hook in the hand eventually. You can usually see all the hooks easily in a rubber net. And if you're releasing fish I think the rubber net removes less slime from the fish. The occasional musky on a crawler rig is a problem though.

And I don't want to hear any of you smartbutts comments about a hardly ever used net on my boat:lol:

[Hotwired]

I lost my buddie's first 10lber in a rubber net and never used one since.
Give me a Beckman any time.

[JJ Mac]

I keep a small rubber net occasionally when still fishing and targeting smaller fish. I would never use it during a tournament or if real serious. For trolling, I like the Beckman nets. They have about the nicest coated net bag. The only downside is the the round handle on the extendo model...hard to hit the holes sometimes. I took a permanent marker and drew a line on it and that helps a lot. Unfortunately it now sits in 200 feet of water on Little Traverse Bay. I haven't broken down and spent the 95 bucks to replace it yet. Probably this spring. I also have a Cummins (hex handle) that I like really well after I replaced the bag with coated net. Gander sells one for 15 bucks and it greatly improves your average net. Never again will I use a regular net where the hooks get caught in it, that's for sure.

[fish eater]

Wow. Great responses and input guys, thanks a million. Man, where to begin. Alright. I'm looking to upgrade my walleye trolling net. Not looking for a still fishing net, the boat will be in motion. This is tough, cuz I'm not 100% keen on the rubber nets. I've picked them up in the stores, and they do feel really heavy. I would rather have something light and quick hands. However, Gone Fishing endorsing a rubber net carries some clout. Aah, decisions, decisions. Then again, Hotwired and JJMac carry clout agaisnt the rubber nets.:dizzy: I agree JJ, my old current net is round, and I don't like lining up the holes, I noticed where the hexagon handle would be an advantage. Also, keep in mind 'eyes are the only fish I net. 95-99% of the fish that go in it, will eventually travel into my freezer. I don't net the occasional stray LSC Muskie either. I don't wanna handle em. I've always just grabbed the harness or the crank with pliers (and gloves on:yikes: ) at the side of the boat and shook em off. So net damage to the fish is not a real concern. Now, these Beckman nets, where do you get one of these at? What kind of length on the handle? JJ, the cummins net, sold at Cabela's isn't it? Do you just use the one called "Walleye Edition"? Probably a dumb question I know.:lol: Guess that's it for now. Thanks for the advice so far guys and keep it coming.:grouphug:

[Hotwired]

I use a short handle Ranger with a hook proof net for handlining ang a "walleye edition" Beckman with an extending handle for trolling and jigging. I also marked the hole with marker to line them up faster.

[Gone Fishing]

I lost my buddie's first 10lber in a rubber net and never used one since.
Give me a Beckman any time.
I lost a 10+ lb Steelhead for Jr last year and he still brings it up. It was in the net but flexed its body the other way and sprung out. The only fish I've ever missed for him in the net and he'll never let me live it down! :p Although I use the rubber 99% of the time, I do carry a Muskie net and also a medium size nylon mesh net when you need to be absolutely sure the fish goes in the boat such as a wallhanger Walleye or Steelhead. :)

[WALLEYE MIKE]

My rubber net is a little deeper than some I've seen. They don't(walleyes) bounce out like some I've seen. It's also bigger around with an adjustable length handle.

[ted stehney]

When I kept my boat in Monroe I had a rubber net. It is great for the 1 to 3 pounders. Yes we would have the occational walleye flop out, but in Erie during the June bite it was not long before we had another chance. The net was named "the spoon". For St. Clair I use a Beckman walleye series. We have put 48" muskies in it. And for walleye and big cats it is great. Ranger makes some nice walleye nets also. A good place to look is Gander Mountain or Bass Pro for high line nets like Beckman. Lakeside on Jefferson carries the Ranger nets in many flavors.