07-30-2005, 10:50 PM
[cool][#0000ff]I give those nets a big "thumbs up" for float tubers after the first trial. You are right though. They are heavier. That is not a problem for tubing if you can drive up and launch, without having to carry your gear very far. I would leave that net in the car if I went hiking/fishing with Leaky and Sparky.[/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]One of the motivations for trying the net was that I just ripped a hole in my nylon mesh net, trying to free it from a hangup on a D ring on my tube while attempting to net a large fish. I think all anglers (boaters, bankers, tubers and tooners) have their own "fond" remembrances of times when a net was snagged or tangled when it was needed for its intended purpose. Most of us also have stories about fish that arranged their freedom by snagging the hooks of a lure in a net and then twisting free.[/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]My observation was that the soft rubber seemed to cradle and calm the fish more quickly than when they are snared in a rough tangle of netting. It might have just been wishful thinking, but it really did seem to make them easier to control and to handle. I am sure that the smooth rubber is less harmful to the protective coating and scales on fish too.[/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]My next project will be to work out a snap release type of holder for the net, that will keep it safely out of my way but make it easy to reach and detach for quick use. I think I feel another PVC attack coming on. OOOH. OOOH.[/#0000ff]
[signature]
[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]One of the motivations for trying the net was that I just ripped a hole in my nylon mesh net, trying to free it from a hangup on a D ring on my tube while attempting to net a large fish. I think all anglers (boaters, bankers, tubers and tooners) have their own "fond" remembrances of times when a net was snagged or tangled when it was needed for its intended purpose. Most of us also have stories about fish that arranged their freedom by snagging the hooks of a lure in a net and then twisting free.[/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]My observation was that the soft rubber seemed to cradle and calm the fish more quickly than when they are snared in a rough tangle of netting. It might have just been wishful thinking, but it really did seem to make them easier to control and to handle. I am sure that the smooth rubber is less harmful to the protective coating and scales on fish too.[/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]My next project will be to work out a snap release type of holder for the net, that will keep it safely out of my way but make it easy to reach and detach for quick use. I think I feel another PVC attack coming on. OOOH. OOOH.[/#0000ff]
[signature]