nets on backs...

[effkarl]

I see these pictures with fly fishermen having their nets on their backs.... How do you get it back there? (I assume, possibly incorrectly, that it is a magnet that holds it to the ring? or some sort of similar device.) I usually attach mine to my wader belt and then fight to keep it out of the way all day.... after you catch a fish, how do you put it back? I have a previously broken collarbone and can't imagine how to do it. I know folks say there are no stupid questions but.... well, can someone help? :? :oops:

[mer]

You're correct (and it's not a stupid question :)). There is usually a 2 piece magnetic "holder"; one clips onto the D-ring thats usually on the back of the vest, the other part gets attached to the frame of the net (velcro strap and split ring typically). In use it's pretty easy: the net is hanging handle down on your back, you just reach behind you and pull it off. Then after landing, admiring, and taking a picture (assuming you get this far :)), just grab the handle and swing the net back up behind you. The secret is all in the magnets: they're strong enough so if you get them close, they pull into each other. Another thing I like about this setup is that you can attach the lanyard from the handle up to the same clip (the part that stays attached to your vest) that way, if you drop the net, it won't float away from you.

[HarryM]

The magnetic ones are OK, but I have had the net come off when I was walking through bushes, only to have to retrace my steps to find it. This has happened often enough that I don't use the magnetic one anymore. There is another kind, the Rose Creek Net Release which is far superior. I have not yet had an accidental separation with this kind. It works with a clip, and you just have to reach around behind you to re-attach it - and it's easier than it sounds.

[SaltH2oFly]

Thanks Harry - and sorry we totally missed June on the water.

http://rose-creek.com/net.htm

[overmywaders]

Nets should be fastened firmly to the "D" ring on the back neck of your fishing vest with a length of strong shock cord. This is traditional and provides the optimum amusement for other fishermen. Ah, the guffaws when they find you stunned on a forest path after your net caught in a branch as you walked, stretched to the full length of the shock cord, and then released, traveling butt first and striking you in the neck with the force of a well-swung 2x4.

You can't buy moments like that. (Sigh)

Best regards,
Reed
www.overmywaders.com

[FishcaneNH]

Hello, All~

I'd like to cast my vote in favor of the magnetic releases.

I have one, and it works just as advertised. In the probably 200+/- hours I've used it it's failed exactly once- when I attempted to crawl under something that I clearly, in retrospect, should have crawled OVER.

The net (ahem) result was nearly the situation that Reed described; alas, or fortunately, no-one was about to see it. The net's fine, and I'm more careful now.

All best~

Dan

[PW]

I have to agree with HarryM. I bought a magnetic one from Orvis this spring and had it not been for somebody walking behind me I'd have lost my net a few times in the woods. They work great on the water very easy to use. However when you're walking to and from the car the net seems to come off too easy on the trail.

[fessiewig]

There are different sized magnets. I started with the small one, thinking the lighter the better. WRONG! Go with the larger magnet, I switched over and don't regret it.

[scotty]

??? I have the Orvis magnet type and half of magnet is attached to a coiled cord (phone cord style) which is attached to my net. The another half of the magnet/cord is attached to my vest. I don't see how you would lose the net. Getting caught in branches and damaging the net is a different story. I usually tuck the net in the large opening in the back of my vest when not in use.

[fessiewig]

I believe from your description when you look at your vest from the back the net is suspended from the "D" ring by the handle with the bag hanging down. Correct?

[mer]

for attachment is the hook-eye on the end of the handle. Depending on how everything was attached, I can see slipping the net into a back pocket on a vest if the opening was to the sides. You could even do this if the magnet was attached to the other end of the net and the D-ring, especially if the lanyard was long enough. That may prevent you from the "embarassing moment" Reed described above.

[Boneylegs]

I had been a victim of the attack of the bungy-corded net :oops: until I found one of these years ago (in the late 80's or early 90's) at LL Bean.

http://www.tackletour.com/images/picbrodinnet2.jpg

They were made by Brodin Net company. Their website only shows magnetic ones available, but these (IMHO) are better, if you can find them. I have mine attached to the net end, not the handle so I can just reach around my back, give it a tug, and net the biggest fish I've never caught. :lol: If the net happens to get caught in the brush I can feel it tug and hear the snap when it gives way. Most of the time it comes off when I'm doing rock jumping & the jolt of the landing is enough to release the gizmo. I think if I had to replace it I'd go with the magnetic one tho.