Color less rubber nets

UncleJesse · 03-05-12, 09:14 PM

I wasn't sure "Ghost" net was the correct term, but I was very surprised to see a couple of Courtland brand landing nets with the colorless rubber nets at my local Walmart (Hamilton Mill) last night for just under $20.

This was about half the best price I had previous seen, actually less than the price I had seen quoted for the bag with no frame. So if price had been holding you back now may be the time to visit the sporting goods department at your locally Wallyworld.

Hamilton Mill still had two when I left. The best way I know not to catch any fish is to buy a new fancy net. I really expecting to catch some nice fish this year since it seems I left my digital scale in the Hooch with my flyrods.

miklink · 03-05-12, 09:52 PM

WalMart in Cumming (ext 14 on GA 400) have 3 or 4 - and yes, those are not $199 but $19.99, yet pretty good quality. Take that - Brodin!

STIXMAGILL · 03-06-12, 12:04 AM

Brodin makes top quality nets that will be passed down for generations sold through fly shops like our sponsors. I have two and have used one of them for over 400 days on the water with no repair. The other is my boat net and the weight and ergonomics are perfect.

The last thing I reluctantly bought at walmart was a d-ring belt to use as a wading belt when I lost mine out of town and there was not a fly shop for many miles. The creeks were high and felt I had to have one. Unfortunately, the Walmart special wouldn't stay cinched. Thats right. A belt that wouldn't work...

But hey, maybe the net is great.

miklink · 03-06-12, 01:34 AM

Stix - before you bash it, check it out first. You will be pleasantly (or not) surprized that the quality of this Cortland net is not far from Brodin. Yeah - it's made from bamboo, not the pretty-exotic hardwoods Brodin use, nevertheless it's light and strong and I'm sure it will last a long time.
I never understood why we anglers, especially fly fishermen, overpay for things that are so primitive in nature.

I'm all for the local shop support - just not at the x10 the cost.

Gatorbyte · 03-06-12, 05:29 AM

I've seen the Walmart net and it will land fish without issue. It just lacks any craftsmanship and the quality of materials are poor.

It's like comparing an economy car with a Mecedes Benz. They both get you where you need to go.

dink · 03-06-12, 06:36 AM

The ONLY thing about Walmart is the beer price's.

dink

Buck Henry · 03-06-12, 07:28 AM

Some take pride in owning fine hand crafted things. Others take pride in getting a bargain. Both are good things. I will say what I always say; buy the best gear you can afford and support your local fly shop whenever you can. Wal-Mart will always be around. Not sure I can say the same for our local fly shops.

STIXMAGILL · 03-06-12, 08:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by miklink

Stix - before you bash it, check it out first. You will be pleasantly (or not) surprized that the quality of this Cortland net is not far from Brodin. Yeah - it's made from bamboo, not the pretty-exotic hardwoods Brodin use, nevertheless it's light and strong and I'm sure it will last a long time.
I never understood why we anglers, especially fly fishermen, overpay for things that are so primitive in nature.

I'm all for the local shop support - just not at the x10 the cost.

I didn't bash it. I haven't even seen it, let alone used it. For all I know, it is a better net. I only mentioned my experiences with Brodin nets and Walmart products in general.

As far as "10x the cost", I agree with you that fly shops need to be competitive on pricing. In this case though, we are talking apples and oranges. If the Brodin Ghost nets were in Walmart for $20, that would be a different issue.

_Cold_ · 03-06-12, 09:01 AM

Quote:

Yeah - it's made from bamboo, not the pretty-exotic hardwoods Brodin use

So bamboo is good in a rod...but it's cheap in a net...

...fly fishing is sooooo confusing!

In all seriousness, though, it's all about what you're looking for. If you just want a solid net that will land fish without tangling, the wal-mart special is great. If you want a beautiful piece of craftsmanship, (and are willing to pony up), then the Brodin is for you.

Windknot · 03-06-12, 10:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by UncleJesse

The best way I know not to catch any fish is to buy a new fancy net.

Amen! And the problem for me is that the Brodin was a gift.

That doesn't change the quote from Uncle Jesse, though.

03-05-12, 09:14 PM	#1
UncleJesse Native Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: NE Gwinnett Posts: 1,038	Color less rubber nets I wasn't sure "Ghost" net was the correct term, but I was very surprised to see a couple of Courtland brand landing nets with the colorless rubber nets at my local Walmart (Hamilton Mill) last night for just under $20. This was about half the best price I had previous seen, actually less than the price I had seen quoted for the bag with no frame. So if price had been holding you back now may be the time to visit the sporting goods department at your locally Wallyworld. Hamilton Mill still had two when I left. The best way I know not to catch any fish is to buy a new fancy net. I really expecting to catch some nice fish this year since it seems I left my digital scale in the Hooch with my flyrods.

03-06-12, 12:04 AM	#3
STIXMAGILL Native Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Tuscaloosa, Alabama Posts: 441	Quality vs. price Brodin makes top quality nets that will be passed down for generations sold through fly shops like our sponsors. I have two and have used one of them for over 400 days on the water with no repair. The other is my boat net and the weight and ergonomics are perfect. The last thing I reluctantly bought at walmart was a d-ring belt to use as a wading belt when I lost mine out of town and there was not a fly shop for many miles. The creeks were high and felt I had to have one. Unfortunately, the Walmart special wouldn't stay cinched. Thats right. A belt that wouldn't work... But hey, maybe the net is great. __________________ Tight Lines, Stixmagill www.SouthHolstonRiver.com http://www.facebook.com/SouthHolstonRivercom

03-06-12, 05:29 AM	#5
Gatorbyte President Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Atlanta, GA Posts: 7,609	I've seen the Walmart net and it will land fish without issue. It just lacks any craftsmanship and the quality of materials are poor. It's like comparing an economy car with a Mecedes Benz. They both get you where you need to go. __________________ "Laughter is my drug of choice" - B. Nelson, HSD, AA, BS, MS, LPC, LMHC, NCC, FFF CCI, ACI, TAG, OPP, OCD, ADHD, ODD, PIB, MIB, PBR, PB & J " I didn't know you could spell a number. " - The Dutchman

03-06-12, 06:36 AM	#6
dink Native Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: CANTON,GA. Posts: 623	The ONLY thing about Walmart is the beer price's. dink __________________ Some fishermen see no fish and foolishly believe that the river is empty. Henry Van Dyke

03-06-12, 07:28 AM	#7
Buck Henry Former NGTO President Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Kennesaw, GA Posts: 8,721	Some take pride in owning fine hand crafted things. Others take pride in getting a bargain. Both are good things. I will say what I always say; buy the best gear you can afford and support your local fly shop whenever you can. Wal-Mart will always be around. Not sure I can say the same for our local fly shops. __________________ Buck Henry Simple Goat Herder Former NGTO President Hall of Fame Member

03-05-12, 09:52 PM	#2
miklink Native Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: Cumming, GA Posts: 71	WalMart in Cumming (ext 14 on GA 400) have 3 or 4 - and yes, those are not $199 but $19.99, yet pretty good quality. Take that - Brodin!

03-06-12, 01:34 AM	#4
miklink Native Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: Cumming, GA Posts: 71	Stix - before you bash it, check it out first. You will be pleasantly (or not) surprized that the quality of this Cortland net is not far from Brodin. Yeah - it's made from bamboo, not the pretty-exotic hardwoods Brodin use, nevertheless it's light and strong and I'm sure it will last a long time. I never understood why we anglers, especially fly fishermen, overpay for things that are so primitive in nature. I'm all for the local shop support - just not at the x10 the cost.

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Display Modes
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode