Reviewed by: CAPT. MIKE SCHOONVELD
I expect to get years of use from the rubber-mesh nets I use on my boat. They are tough, nearly impervious to UV degradation and plenty strong to lift any fish swimming in the Great Lakes. That doesn’t mean they are indestructible. I once had one that got caught on the knob of a downrigger spool while it was turning and was ripped up pretty good. Most of the other times when I find a hole or broken strand I have no idea what happened. Maybe it was stepped on by someone wearing cowboy boots on board. Maybe it was repeated tiny cuts over time made by sharp hooks or sharp teeth. A black zip tie usually fixes a small hole well-good enough.
Occasionally, it’s time to replace the old with a new and then the search is on to find one sized for Great Lakes net-hoops and Great Lakes fish. There seems to be plenty of panfish or stream trout sizes – larger sizes, not so much. Some of the places that do carry them have outlandish prices.
The last replacement net I got was an OHERO brand from Lee Fisher Outdoors. I chose the 26.7″ x 22.2″ size in black. They also have the same nets in white. The hoops on my nets aren’t exactly that diameter, but it’s rubber, it stretches and doesn’t have to fit perfectly. They look and feel just the same as other brands I’ve used, plenty strong and half the price. It’s a good net at an affordable price. ‘Nuff said!
Check them out and purchase them at www.leefisheroutdoors.com. While you are at that site, check out the other unique items listed.
