Dip nets 101: If you are going to start fishing for catfish you need a dip net. There is always a chance that you will catch a big cat, and you want to make sure you are prepared.
I usually don’t even think of using my dip net until the fish get around 8 or 10 lbs, sometimes more, when I catch smaller fish I usually just pull them to the boat with the leader and then grab them or lip them.
When choosing a dip net, I recommend the following:
- Make sure you stay away from fads or gimmicks like special attachments on dip nets, dip nets that fold, arm rests on the dip nets etc.
- Get a dip net where the handle will “slide” into the net for storage reducing the storage size.
- I prefer aluminum handles and dip nets over fiberglass
- Stick with a reputable brand
- Stick with nylon netting over rubber
- Make sure you get a net that will fit in your boat
- Most important. Pay close attention to the size of the net. If you are going to be fishing for big catfish or you think you might catch a big cat, you want a net with a very wide (or large) opening and a very deep net, so you can easily scoop them up with the dip net. If you get a net that is too small, you will not be able to scoop the fish up easily and will be forced to try to scoop the cat up by the head or the tail, or even worse run the risk of the fish falling out of the dip net before you get it in the boat or on the bank.
If you take these items into consideration when purchasing your dip net, you will be much happier next time you use your dip net when fishing for catfish.
Click here to see the dip net that I use the Bass Pro Shops Catfish Net.
Update 8/1/2010 -Video Added
SOUND OFF! What kind of dip net do you use? Do you look for any special features or brands? Let us know what you think or what works for you!
About Chad
Hi Chad.
Well, until I can get a chance to buy a boat or get lucky and catch the lakes shoreline monster cats…..I can use a net that big to catch my 3 year old heathen, or save it for when my mother in law comes over and needs to be corralled. LOL! :p
I always love your product reviews even if its about “just a net.” Their always thorough and have plenty of information about the product. Although I think $45 is a bit excessive for a fish net, I may start saving my $$$ to get this since you recommend it.
Geesh that net is wide!!!
Sincerly,
James Greene
Mesquite TX
Hey chad, i read alot of your stuff but never get around to leaving a comment. I will start leaving them more frequently.
I bought a net from academy about a week ago, it is a frabill and it only cost me $29.99 and thats the everyday price. I looked at the BPS net you reccomended today and it is wider but the frabill net is alot deeper. I stretched and put both nets on my better half and the BPS net was like a foot shorter in depth but again it is probably 8 inches wider. You should check it out if you have time, another reason I liked the frabill net was it had a sturdier handle. Both nets have a telescoping handle which is great. I also believe frabill makes replacement netting and bps net does not.
Check it out, i dont think you will be dissapointed. I know the academys(in Fort Worth) off cherry lane & I-30 and off bryant irvin and I-20 both have them
I will check it out. When I bought mine that was all I could find, go to know there is more coming on the market.