A net for the roving angler?

[johnesmithson]

Any recommendations for an affordable well-built net that hangs out of the way from a loop on your back, is easily accessible and deployable one-handed when playing a fish, and can accommodate fish of up to two or three pounds? (I know that sounds optimistic but I need it to fulfil a number of different roles!). Thanks for your suggestions.

[Pete Tyjas]

I've been using the Mclean shorthand weigh net and have had trout of 2 and 3lb+ from our streams in it.

It has a clip that makes it easy to attach to your vest and I've found that it is strong enough that I've not needed any extra lanyard on it just in case it slips off. It also has built in scales which has kept me honest and has a deep net and is light to carry.

There is a downside. I'm afraid it is expensive £90 odd. I know this doesn't fit your criteria for this reason but I have had it 5 years now which does make the cost per use a little more palatable but understand it may be a bit too high.

It is called the short handle weight net and believe there is one that goes up to 6lb on the scales and is 17"x13" I think.

www.fly-fishing-tackle.co.uk/acatalog/mclean_weigh_nets.html

[johnesmithson]

Thank you for that Pete, it sounds just the job. I don't think that price is too much considering the quality and likely longevity of the net. I like the idea that the scales keep you honest: I can't be the only one who has been overly optimistic when estimating fish weights. I think the DAA somehow knew that already and factored it in when they revised down my 'shading 4lb' sea trout to something over 3lb when they posted a photo of it on their website!

[boisker]

Yup... another vote for the Maclean, the deep net is great for large fish and allows you to leave them alone to recover...
I use the Maclean if I am wearing a vest

If using a hip pack I use a fishpond nomad net... the emerger, which has a longer handle so sits in the slot on the waistpack....this is my regular set up... there is a nomad native net which has a shorter handle, which would work well with a vest.... again a great net, not as deep as the Maclean but long, so great for netting big fish and still deep enough to let them rest and recover... alas they start from about £130... so slightly more £££

fishpondusa.com/core-fishing/nets

Either Maclean or fishpond would be a great option

[Pete Tyjas]

I don't think you'll regret it. I haven't.

I didn't buy it for the weigh option but mainly because of the weight of it.

That having been said, the first fish I caught in it was 2 1/2lb from the Taw and it seemed a fitting way to christen it!

My wife was with me at the time and I asked her to film me releasing it. Things got a little lost in translation and all I have is the fish shooting off in the distance and me letting out a huge expletive after capturing such a beautiful fish.

Bet you can guess what I said!!!