Which dip net to buy

[Scout]

Hey guys I'm just looking for some advice as to which net to buy. I've been looking at the Ranger 190 series nets (extendable to 16' mesh netting) or the Cumings nets with steel mesh netting. Anyone have experience with either? Or recommend a different product? Sorry if it's been asked before. The search feature isn't too user friendly.

THanks!

[jg010682]

I would skip the dip net and go straight for the Christianson 25 foot sein with the bag and find a buddy to help pull it should be more productive than dip netting just my opinion but I just started smelting last year and bought the sein it's awesome first time using it we ended up with a cooler and a half not bad for some newbies

[madbrad104]

Cummings nets are very good nets if you take care of them ! Get one with a 6' wood handle if they still make them as it handles the force better then metal handles

[dominodaves]

Every year I get questions about where to get nets for smelting. Here are some suggestions.

The sporting goods stores here in the Mpls don't carry the right smelt dipping nets. The kind you want has a metal basket with a long wooden handle. They usually run about $25.00. Don't buy a mesh net or one with an aluminum handle, they won't last and don't work very well.

The Duluth area stores carry a limited supply of these during the spring. Call ahead and make sure they have some in stock. These are the nets that get used in the rivers like the Lester.

Marine General, Duluth, (218)-724-8833
L&M Supply, Cloquet, (218-879)-8723
Chalstrom's, Duluth, (218-726)-0094

When working the beaches of Park Point you want to use a seine net. The only one that I would spend my money on is a Christiansen net. They make one specifically for smelt! It's 4'x25' with a pocket. They run $205.00 but with last a very long time if cared for.

Christiansen Nets, Duluth, [phone] or christiansennets.com/

Good luck.

[Scout]

Thanks for the input guys! I just need something to use while in the smaller rivers. It looks like i'm in luck because i can still buy the wooden handle cumings nets online!

My BIL already has the seine net covered for Park Point. He just purchased a new christiansen last year.

Hope to meet some of yall out there!

[bgood22]

I've used my aluminum handle one for years, it's still in great shape

[Scout]

I just purchased the wooden handle net from Cumings last night. Shipping was almost as much as the net!

[petro]

The cumings wire mesh net works best. It less resistance to the water. You need speed to get the smelts in the net. I have been using them and they worked great.

[petro]

Walmart website has them for $25 with free shipping. The aluminum handle works well but it tend to bend over time and it cannot retract anymore so I just take it apart for transportation it just a push of a button to take it off and put it back together.

[Scout]

I think I will be getting more resistance with the wooden handle but it seems to be well built and should last for many years to come. But for the price I paid I would've gotten two with aluminum handles from wal mart.

[johnnycake]

anyone interested in buying a couple of 4' metal dip nets? I have 2 that are in perfect condition, maybe used 2-3 times. I would sell for $ 20 each or 2 for $35. I will be in Castle Danger the w/e of April 29th.
thanks.

[shredder]

maybe, wood or aluminum handles?

[johnnycake]

aluminum, perfectly straight.

[shredder]

Fixed or does it extend?

[johnnycake]

fixed