Is A Rubber Landing Net Worth It?

[tcbass]

I have a large, older, landing net. It's big enough to net a big northern or muskie in. It is hard to stow in my boat. I was thinking about getting a smaller landing net and then it occurred to me if I'm getting a new net, I should get one of the rubber ones that is easier and quicker to use because hooks and line don't get caught up in it.

The rubber ones are usually not nearly as deep as the regular style but that's fine, I'm only using it to boat largemouth bass. The lack of depth would be fine and well worth it if hooks and line didn't get tangled in the net.

So, are rubber nets considerably better at not getting lines and hooks caught in them that they are worth it?

And if so, what's a good net?

[Will Wetline]

Yes.

 

Got one at Wal Mart a couple seasons ago for $29.95 and have fit several 4+ lb. bass in it just fine.

 

I like the shallow depth and flat bottom and, best of all as you know, that hooks do not penetrate the rubber.

[wnybassman]

Yes

[Cgrinder]

Yes. A wet rubberized knotless net seems to be easier on the fish as well.

[Hi Salenity]

I have a rubber coated net, it's the best of both worlds.

[MikeinFresno]

_{yes, I also got mine at Walmart}

[kikstand454]

Got a rubber frabil at sports authority for my kayak- great decision. Its awesome.

[Code54]

Great info - been looking at one also and now feel I should get it this weekend!

[Scott F]

I bought an expensive Frabil Conservation series net last year and it drove me nuts when my crankbaits hooks would get stuck. I used a rubber net this year and it's worlds better. Hooks will hang up, but come out easily. I'm sorry I spent 80 bucks last year on a net I'll never use again. Get the rubber.

[Eddie-NoVA]

g2 slider with rubber coating. I previously had a all rubber and only lasted a couple seasons before it tore.rubber coating will keep the treble hooks from fouling when landing. If your cheap you can coat a net by using plasti dip;)

[EmersonFish]

I love my rubber net. Easy on the fish, hooks never stuck in it, fits in my rod locker. I'm sure it wasn't cheap, but I don't even remember what I paid for it. I've had it for a long time.

[tcbass]

Now that people have said a rubber mesh is better I searched for nets and came upon Ego nets  ( https://www.adventureproducts.com/fishing.htm ). I see that they have 2 types of nets that are non-tangle/hook free; they are nylon coated mesh and rubber. They don't specifiy why one is better than the other. 

 

 

 

So what's better for being non-tangle/hook free, nylon coated mesh or rubber?

 

 

 

 

 

Are there other pros/cons to either one?

 

 

 

 

Is nylon coated mesh more durable than rubber?

 

 

 

 

Are Ego nets good?

[Bluebasser86]

Rubber nets are easier on the fish and less likely to tangle, they're also much heavier and more difficult to move through the water. Never heard of that brand of nets though. 

[WIGuide]

Rubber is probably the best for the fish and rubber never gets hooks in it though. As bluebass stated though, they are heavier and harder to pull through the water. Also, depending on the design the springy quality of rubber makes it easier for a fish to effectively bounce out of the net.

 

The nylon coated nets are the happy medium. They are better for a fish than a traditional net, but not as easy on them as rubber. However, they move through the water like a traditional net and although not as hook proof as rubber are close to it. Every once in a while you'll get a hook to go through the coating but those are rare occurrences.  They move through the water like a traditional net making it easier to net fish and they are of a deeper design making fish jumping out of the net something that doesn't happen. 

 

As far as durability, they both seem better than traditional netting material.

Ego nets are the top of the line nets with very cool features. Pricey though... 

[WIGuide]

Go for the coated mesh, you'll like it better than rubber. 

[Somertime]

I have the rubber coated mesh and the seams are are a cloth of some sort and your trebles will get snagged in them A LOT! I’m looking to go to a rubber net now. 

[steve-pierce]

I switched to rubber because of the trebles hooking in the others. I'm usually netting my on fish and it is pretty heavy using one handed. I wouldn't switch back though

[Darth-Baiter]

I have a rubber coated G2 Everlast or something. Treble hooks will bury themselves hard.  Not awful  f fishing is slow.  But if your in a hurry to get your bait back in the water. It sucks.  My next net will be full rubber. 

[Jig Man]

Yes

[A-Jay]

Not a rubber net bag fan at all.

Cumbersome as all get out . . . .

(that was for @12poundbass)

A-Jay

[roadwarrior]

25 minutes ago, A-Jay said:

Not a rubber net bag fan at all.

Rubber nets are too heavy and awkward for anyone fishing alone, but they work

very well if you fish with a partner. 

[A-Jay]

16 minutes ago, roadwarrior said:

Rubber nets are too heavy and awkward for anyone fishing alone, but they work

very well if you fish with a partner. 

I get that.

So can I fish with you ?

A-Jay

[Team9nine]

I've always run true rubber net - Cabela's Conservation Series, I believe. They are the best with hooks, and the best for the fish. Those are my top two considerations.

[cyclops2]

The SMB & LMB are rubber nets.

The pike get a stringer ride to another bay with weeds & lots of other fish.

[roadwarrior]

15 minutes ago, A-Jay said:

So can I fish with you ?

A-Jay

You are invited to my house anytime!  If you want to fish Pickwick/ Tennessee River this year,

it's  PRIMETIME!