Landing nets

[NAGG]

Hey all

I've got to replace a mid size landing net (currently a environet - 1m handle ) . The studs are tearing out .

This has been a pretty good net - for snapper & even some larger fish like jew , mackerel etc - the heavy handle making it pretty robust .

That said I want to go away from that kind of mesh net as it is a pain in the bum when hooks get caught up in them - so I'm looking to a silicon net .

Unfortunately from what I'm seeing - the options are pretty flimsy specially where the hoop attaches to the handle .

I do have one of the large "Gold" Wilson Barra nets .... it's a cracker - very strong with a sliding handle ..... it's just too big - but they dont make a smaller version of it :'(

now I'm yet to see one - but has anyone got any experience with the Hookem nets ? I've used their gaffs for years & like their products but I'm not too sure on how good a screw on net head would actually be :-?. I do like the idea that the silicon net is replaceable ' Does anyone have any experience with the Hookem nets ?

appreciate your feedback

Chris

[NAGG]

Shit .... not one comment :o

Oh well - I ended up buying one of the Hookem nets -

Certainly quality - replaceable silicon mesh , very sturdy 1.2m handle , screw on stainless steel hoop (?)

You'd certainly be able to net a 1m jew , king , barra in it as the silicon net has stretch - perfect smapper net

Because of the use of stainless steel & a very sturdy handle - it is a bit heavier than the mid sized environet it's replacing but more than manageable single handed .

This one has a clear silicon rubber net

Storage with the screw on net should be pretty easy for travel

Looks the goods

125457

[tunaticer]

I use the Berkley silicone nets Chris...love them.
I have two sizes one about 50cm and the other is a big one for barras and threadies.
My smaller net is so old the anodizing has decayed off the aluminium handle...it's got to be over 10 years old....the net is starting to get a few strands break now too. A decade is a pretty good lifespan I think.

[NAGG]

I use the Berkley silicone nets Chris...love them.
I have two sizes one about 50cm and the other is a big one for barras and threadies.
My smaller net is so old the anodizing has decayed off the aluminium handle...it's got to be over 10 years old....the net is starting to get a few strands break now too. A decade is a pretty good lifespan I think.

Good to hear - 10 years is a good run

I went through 2 large environets in my barra fishing days ..... so about 3-4 years only. The big Wilson is going strong but it doesn't get used unless I'm heading to Qld - then it comes with me.

I still could have continued to use the mid sized environet which has served me well for 16 years - I bought it when I got my Quintrex Hornet in 2006 ...... so thinking of it - that's excellent longevity .
This is about getting away from the mesh of the environet - going with the silicon as getting trebles caught in them is a pain .

I'm not sure if your nets are the same design as what is currently available from Berkley

The first net I looked at was the red Berkley ones ..... I think the big net looks ok - but I've seen the plastic bit that the handle goes through & the net attaches to crack on a barra.
By comparison - That same piece on my big gold Wilson barra net is extruded aluminium .

Anyhow I'm all good for the big barra net .

Looking at those mid sized 1.2 m nets - both the Wilson (blue) & Berkley (red) nets .... the handles are pretty thin aluminium tube & again use that plastic connection with screws that keep it together ...... I just reckon that over time it will fall apart (dunno)

I saw that Shimano do a smaller silicon net but not the mid size - 1.2 m one ..... I would have gone with that .

Anyhow - This Hookem I don't think you could kill it - very robust - you would have to put some serious force to bend the hoop - The handle is typical hookem & probably the same as their gaff handles . You could dead lift 10kgs with it .

Pricing is reasonable - a few dollars more than the berkley large snapper net

Anyhow - time will tell .

Chris