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Recommend me a net (8 posts / 2,882 views)
gazza81 gazza81
Posts: 1,180
#1 7 Jan 2026 16:11
0
Ive had a few years away from any sort of fishing but i fancy do a bit of small river fishing tgis year, barbell chub perch etc

I need a net and handle thats easy to carry and move around with, any recommendations?

Cheaper the betwr but still decent quality

Thanks
Cam Cam
MODERATOR
Posts: 6,798
#2 7 Jan 2026 16:17
0
Moved here
Karlos Karlos
MODERATOR
Posts: 14,136
#3 7 Jan 2026 19:00
0
In reply to Post #1
I used to use the Gardner handle for all my river fishing.
I've also got the extendable Drennan one now (3m I think) but that it probably a bit more expensive...

Some of those banks can be very high and you might need the reach.

You can stick whatever top on it you like, a big triangular net for carp/pike or a smaller circular effort for chub/perch etc

Just take whatever you need for the day.

LINKY POO™ https://johnsonrosstackle.co.uk/landing-net-handles/10197-gardner-specialist-xt-landing-net-handle.html
vossy1 vossy1
MODERATOR
Posts: 9,008
#4 7 Jan 2026 21:26
0
I'd also take a look at the Drennan Super Specialist Twistlock. I've been using 2 since Gerry recommended them on here, probably near 10 years for Carp, they're also very popular with river anglers.

LINKY POO™ https://www.drennantackle.com/products/nets-and-handles/landing-net-handles-2/

If you want to splurge I can also recommend the Johnson Ross Matrix Extending, it's a very nice piece of kit I've been using it the last year and comparable in weight to the Drennan, but stiffer and stronger.

LINKY POO™ https://johnsonrosstackle.co.uk/matrix-innovations-landing-nets/27991-matrix-innovations-3k-6ft-9ft-2-extending-landing-net-handle.html
Karlos Karlos
MODERATOR
Posts: 14,136
#5 7 Jan 2026 21:35
0
vossy1 vossy1
MODERATOR
Posts: 9,008
#6 8 Jan 2026 00:53
0
In reply to Post #5
My bad, I was watching the footy, only read Gardner. I really like my Drennan net handles. I was worried they might bend too much, but I had a 44" Gardner Dual Reach net head on it, and it was more than capable. I'm the sort who doesn't move a net in the water quickly though, don't like chasing fish with a net. I'd imagine with a pan net or light mesh triangular it'd be equally capable on a river.

Net head wise I bought the Matrix 3k, 42" arms, block, mesh. The mesh is not the modern deep, its more shallow and very free flowing, its a joy to use, and with my newer extending 3k handle I'm more than happy it'll cope whatever.

If your a roving angler don't overlook the modern predator telescopic handles, some are incredibly strong. Along those lines I bought the Korum Opportunist xtnd (now discontinued) it's also well regarded by river angles. There's a video on youtube of a chap trying to bend it over his legs with little success.

Squimp
Posts: 158
#7 8 Jan 2026 13:16
1
In reply to Post #1
I use an extending Gardner handle that must be over 20 years old. Quite heavy but strong.

For match style fishing a Tricast take apart XK4 handle (available as 2 piece or 3 piece). Very light.

Then a variety of heads depending on the species targeted:

Big river barbel - 36” Westlake (go outdoors). Deep mesh, would cope with a 40 lb carp.

Bigger chub - 32” Tacklebox. Much shallower - would struggle with a big barbel.

Both the above are triangular nets and both easy to take apart. Both a sensible price.

Then; Various Matrix oval match style nets for smaller fish, circa 45/50cm. Cheap in AD sale.
gazza81 gazza81
Posts: 1,180
#8 8 Jan 2026 14:24
0
Brill, thanks will take a look at some of these
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