- 13th
- July
- 2010
Review Bank Fishing Systems Landing Net
Like all BFS products it is hard to beat their landing net for price. Unlike many components of euri style carp fishing, euro landing nets have not been universally accepted by new world carp anglers as the gold standard. In fact many have sworn them off for good instead choosing to adapt American style hoop nets (often salmon nets) for carp fishing by swapping out knot style mesh for carp mesh. For that reason BFS’s landing net, costing about $20 dollars is a cheap way to try out a euro net.
Pros:
The net includes a handle which telescopes from 2ft to 4ft and a carp friendly mesh across two arms with an integrated spreader block. This makes the whole thing especially easy to transport. The mesh on the bag is plenty large and will accommodate large fish, however…
Cons:
Euro nets require careful handling once a fish in netted. The construction of euro nets allow for an easily transportable net that is easy to handle while netting large fish, the design however does not lend to great strength and durability. While these limitations mean that euro nets require a certain delicacy the relatively cheap materials used in the construction of the BFS net means that is a particularly weak proposition. The arms will flex straight through the spreader block with little weight and the handle can be bent with little effort.
If one wishes to use the BFS net for more than one fish they must carefully follow good euro etiquette. Grabbing the bag (not the handle and not even the arms) when lifting the fish out of the water. While this all but eliminates use at any of the venues I fish it is manageable when you have a gently bank which directly leads to the water or if you wade.
Verdict:
If you fish venues like those described above the BFS net may suit you well and it really is a dream to carry around (I on the other hand lug around a salmon net with a 12 foot handle, ultra useful and durable but a logistical nightmare). I honestly think that the net may make an excellent option for anyone who wades. In fact if I still salmon fished in rivers I would pick up another one of these in a heartbeat.
The nets greatest use may be for parts however. Although I believe I have netted less than 5 fish with my BFS net is have gotten my $20 dollars worth and much more. I have cannibalized every component of the net. The mesh was removed and placed on the above mentioned salmon net to allow for carp friendly netting. The handle is perfect for my baiting spoon and allows for accurate baiting campaigns. And while I have not used it yet, the addition of two segments of hollow pool noodle and tripod/bank stick will turn the arms and spreader block in to a perfectly adequate pole roller.
