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Fly fishing is about patience, skill and attention to detail. And when it comes to landing fish safely, quickly and gently, the right equipment can make all the difference. That's why fly fishing equipment includes a good landing net. We give you 5 good reasons why for us a rubberised net is usually the best choice!
When fly fishing in creeks, rivers and on the coast, there are a few things you should never be without: Rod, reel, line, leader, fly and ... a landing net! Because on the one hand, a wading net reduces the time needed to fight the fish and thus reduces the stress on our catch. And on the other hand, it is easier and quicker to take care of a fish after it has landed in a landing net - for example, when removing the hook.
Especially when fishing for trout, grayling, barbel and co. in our local rivers, a landing net is therefore an absolute must! Carried on the back, secured in a special landing net holder or attached to a backpack or wading jacket, it takes up hardly any space and does not noticeably restrict us when casting or wading through streams and rivers. And landing nets are also becoming increasingly popular for predator fishing, because thanks to modern materials, large, spacious landing nets don't necessarily have to be heavy and bulky. There are also suitable models for zander, pike and other larger predatory fish. With a long (extendable) shaft for fishing from the shore or short and handy for fishing from a belly boat.
In short: landing nets come in a wide variety of designs and there is a large selection for every situation and budget. This also is true for the material of the net.
When it comes to the net, rubber is the best option for us. There are 5 good reasons for this:
1: Rubber nets are more gentle on the fish!
Rubberised nets are incredibly protective for the fish. In contrast to conventional nylon nets, rubber nets do not remove the protective mucus layer of the fish skin. This layer is important for protecting fish from parasites and diseases. When you use a rubber net, you are helping to maintain the health of the fish you catch. Overall, rubber nets are less likely to injure the fish when landing and releasing them.
2: Rubber nets are more durable!
Landing nets with a rubber net are much more durable than conventional nylon nets. You won't get caught so easily with this material and it is more strong. This means you can use your landing net for many years. A high-quality rubber net is therefore also a wise investment for reasons of sustainability!
3: Rubber nets tangle less!
A rubber net does not tangle as easily around the fly, which can be very frustrating and time-consuming with a conventional nylon net. Even on the way to the water through bushes and branches, a rubberised net is ahead of the game and spares your nerves. The bottom line is that you spend more time fishing and less time untangling the net.
4: Rubber nets are easier to clean!
Rubberised nets are also much easier to clean than traditional nylon nets. Nylon material can become covered in algae and other debris that is difficult to remove. Rubber nets, on the other hand, can simply be rinsed with water and dry much faster.
5: Rubber nets remain odourless!
Rubber nets also develop less unpleasant odours than conventional nylon nets. Bacteria and other micro-organisms can settle in nylon nets, leading to bad odours. Rubber nets, on the other hand, can be easily washed and dried, which means less odour-causing bacteria build up and your landing net always smells neutral - whether in the car, the garage or your fishing room.
So there are good reasons for choosing a rubber net! But there are also differences among the 'rubber nets': classic, black rubber nets and so-called 'ghost nets'.
Classic black rubber nets
Classic rubber nets consist of a thin layer of black rubber surrounding a core of nylon. These nets have a thin diameter, are light, flexible and have a soft structure. Therefore, this material can easily be used to make very deep nets that offer plenty of space for large fish - for example, for capital trout, barbel, carp or even predatory fish such as pike or zander. A black rubber net is highly visible in the water. It's a different story with the 'Ghost Nets'.
Classic rubberised nets are light and flexible and ideal for large brown trout and barbel
Transparent Ghost Nets
Ghost Nets' are nets made of a pale, almost transparent material. That is where the name comes from! In the water, these rubber nets are almost translucent, which reduces the scaring effect on the fish. And even after landing, your catch will lie still in such a net. Because it is very stable in shape and offers the fish an optimal surface without twisting. Thanks to the firm net, it is also impossible for your fly to get tangled. Ghost nets' are also less likely to get caught on other obstacles, which can be a great advantage when fly fishing in streams or rivers with lots of leaves or underwater structures.
Almost invisible in the water - A transparent Ghost Net
In addition to these benefits, the use of a ghost net made of transparent rubber material can also help to reduce the stress of the fish during landing and after landing. The transparency of the ghost net makes it less visible to the fish, which can lower their stress levels and improve their chances of survival after release. So if you don't need an extra deep net, then a transparent 'ghost net' is a very reasonable choice due to its unique properties and extreme durability! This is another reason why landing nets with a ghost net are often labelled 'Catch and Release Net'.
Our opinion
Modern rubber nets have become established on the market in recent years and are a very interesting alternative to classic nylon nets. Overall, using a landing net with a rubber net is a good option for fly fishers who want to cause as little damage as possible to the fish they catch and reduce the risk of getting caught on obstacles. Investing in a good quality landing net can definitely help to maintain the health and well-being of the fish caught. For fly fishers who follow a 'catch & release' approach, the use of a rubberised net when trout and grayling fishing is therefore a given today.
The choice of which model to use ultimately depends on the type of fishing, the target fish, the budget and, of course, personal preferences. Both the more classic black rubber landing nets and modern 'ghost nets' have their own advantages.
Clear water - Clear net. High-quality Carbon frame by Fishpond with transparent Ghost Net
One thing is certain: You'll find the right model in our shop, because we offer landing nets in different sizes and designs and with all kinds of nets! The landing nets from McLean with their stable aluminium frame have proven their worth to us in recent years, as have the high-quality, stylish carbon landing nets from Fishpond. And if you're looking for something a little more affordable, Guideline, Vision or Cortland, for example, offer a wide range of different models. Here you will find both timeless wading landing nets with a sturdy wooden frame and modern, ultra-light landing nets made of aluminium. It's also worth looking beyond the typical fly fishing brands when searching for landing nets. Well-known spin fishing brands such as Rapala, Spro, Sportex and Westin also offer high-quality landing nets in all shapes and sizes.
Have fun landing your next catch and tight lines!
