Wasn't sure where to ask this as in my application its for Perch/Pike fishing but apparently these handles are used by Carp Anglers too.

I'm interested to know if anyones using things like the Korum Opportunist Xtend landing net handles and if so do you find the joints get bunged up/damaged with grit etc. I can't get the thought out of my head that if you're roving on a canal or river and collapsing/extending as you catch, that the joints will take a battering as a lot of tow paths are sand/grit.

Reason for looking at the handle is I want something longer than the flip nets so I don't have to bend down as much, the knees aren't getting any younger!

In reply to Post #1
Are you after something adjustable in length or just one that is telescopic? If telescopic is fine I accidentally purchased an NCT telescopic pole that you're welcome to?

In reply to Post #2
Thanks for the kind offer mate but I've got one on the way...typical me..I'm so indecisive ..not too late to return it tho! I should have asked this question before ordering.

I'm thinking roving so I guess telescopic as it can just be clipped on my bag or coat and extended when needed. I'm not sure whether it's a want or a need. In the past I'd just used a extendable, dropped it on the bank and walked 15 yards either side, pick up and repeat as I moved along. It does seem a handy thing, one less thing to hold on the way to and from the water, and if it's slow, the one handed operation to extend.

I had wondered to get an compact Drennan Twist lock, if you losen off the lock they can be very easy to extend but at just over a meter a little long to clip up maybe...hmm

In reply to Post #1
I use a telescopic pole on the rivers for barbel and they can get sand and grit in them, it needs occasional clean outs to prevent the two surfaces grinding away the carbon.
Drennnan red landing net pole, 2.4m, very stiff and strong.

In reply to Post #4
Yeah, that's what worries me if you're extending the say 10 times a session....hmm. My thoughts along the twist lock is that the rubber locking bush tends to prevent stuff getting in, well it does on my 2 albet not the same type of tele handle. I have Drennan Red and Acolyte handles, just wanted something a bit thicker if it gets grief hence the Opportunist.

In reply to Post #1
Have a look at the Tackle Box own branded Darent valley telescopic handle goes from 1.6 metres to 3 metres their £35

In reply to Post #6
Will do, thank you

In reply to Post #6
I'll second that. Great handle for all types of applications. Great price and comes with the Tacklboxs lifetime guarantee.

In reply to Post #8
I've been using the Drennan twist lock for the last 6 years or so, no issues with it whatsoever it's the same now as it was when new , just doesn't look that carpy with the gold transfers !

Too often you see anglers reaching out to the full extent of their 6ft poles , then ping ! The hook pulls ! Not so much of an issue if you can wade out but an extending pole does come in handy !

In reply to Post #9
I also have had a Drennan twist lock for over 6 years no issues, just need to clean the internal mech now and again.
I now also have the ESP Onyx version which is more expensive but excellent

I don't think they've been sold for many years now, but if you can find someone selling one of the old Redport poles they are absolutely brilliant.

In reply to Post #10
Agreed, an excellent net handle. so good I have two.

Also worth making sure that the expandable bung is wound up to the end of the thread on the inner section, to ensure that it tightens on the internal surface of the outer pole.

In reply to Post #5
I've got a compact Drennan twistlock (as well as the longer 3.5M jobbie for rivers) and its a great little handle for stalking / wading etc. Does need two hands to extend however (you cant loosen and extend in a single motion) if that's what your after . . .like all twistlocks the trick is NEVER to overtighten; this way the nylon bush lasts a lot longer . . .(although Drennan will send you spares FOC if you plead ignorant - I have spares!)

In reply to Post #6
Thanks mate for the suggestion I have 2 x 3m Drennan Twistlocks so if I was thinking that sort of length I migth as well take one of those, though they do look a nice piece of kit.

@Belch, if I losen my longer Twistlocks they seem to move relatively easily enough, though not self extending. I'm wondering if it'd be lose ebough to say stand on the net head to pull the pole out, as you see a lot of the LRF Perch fishing guys do...hmm. Might have to drill a hole out of the bottom to stop the vacuum that resists extension.

My Korum Opportunist arrived, lovely little handle retracted, might give it a whirl see what it's like in use.

Thanks gents

In reply to Post #13
although Drennan will send you spares FOC if you plead ignorant - I have spares!)

Likewise

In reply to Post #14
If you've ever watched Nic (Avon Angling) on you tube he's more recently been using a Drennan but previously and on smaller rivers he used to use a one handed 'extendable' flick net type thing that was pretty long . . . can text him and ask him!

Korum net looks cute / rucksack strappable!

In reply to Post #16
That's very kind of you mate and exactly what I'm going to be doing. I've got a 22" Korum Snapper net of Ebay, it's the flick type you mention. It arrived today, bit big for Perch but will deal with the odd inevitable Pike nicely. I suppose with its nice big mesh and a even shorter handle it could cover wading for Trout Grayling etc, even if a tad too big.

In reply to Post #17
He used to use one of these -

28" Specimen Travel Net

However hes mentioned that eventually you'll need to glue or drill the hinge bolts as they work loose and eventually fail . . .

More recently he's replaced it with one of these -

Fox Rage Warrior