Weigh Nets

[emerger]

I was thinking about purchasing a weigh net, anyone have any recommendations??

[Rob Brownfield]

Is this to weigh live or dead fish..and what size are you after?

I use weigh nets/slings a lot for Carp and Pike and there are a few things to look out for.

If weighing live fish I would tend to push you towards a sling/net made of a waterproof material that is solid, ie, not netting. This is because it is less likely to remove protective slime. Something like this...

http://www.harrissportsmail.com/Models.aspx?PartnerID=4&ModelID=16000 good size for Salmon
http://www.nailorsfishing.co.uk/details.asp?ID=5340 very cheap!!
http://www.fishtec.co.uk/online.cfm/luggage-and-bags/tf-gear-compact-weigh-sling/40/yes/49551&Affiliate=4,397 probably a better size for trout.

I personnly use a mat/sling combination which affords protection if laying the fish down, plus it zips up do form a weigh sling..one of these...

http://www.fostersofbirmingham.co.uk/GTSSM for small fish
http://www.fostersofbirmingham.co.uk/HSSM for big fish

Hope that helps a bit

[emerger]

Rob,

Sorry should of said the net I'm after is to weigh brown trout before they are returned, thanks for your response.

[emerger]

Was thinking about the McLean weigh nets, but not sure how accurate they are??

[Alex Burnett]

Would have to be McLean's Weigh Nets for me, made in New Zealand but available World Wide, I use one all the time if I am not at Haddo.

Alex

[Iain Goolager]

E Merger

I guess there are two things here - is the net functional? and is the scale accurate?

I use the smaller McLean hand net religiously for trouting and it's perfectly adequate. The scale (on mine) is pretty much as accurate as I need - noting that the linear scale goes up in 1/4 lb's (I think  )  so if you require it to submit an diffinitive weight for a competition, Guiness book of records, etc. then you'd be better off with a more precise scale but most people are happy with an approx weight.
I also have the next size up folding handled version and again the scale appears to be accurate but there is a point of note on the functionality - the retaining method for the 'head' of the net once it has beeen deployed is a basic formed wire 'stop' - not a secure locking device - so any upward force applied to the net will start to close it.........if you get my drift. I'll modify it yet

I bought mine from Orvis in Banchory so swing in by and see for yourself.

Iain

[emerger]

Thanks for your replies, bought the McLean 6.5lb net and put it to the test last night. Will post some pics soon.

Scott