So, disclaimer, I grew up commercial trolling. Gaff hooks were the tool used to bring fish aboard, if you were unsure of lifting them by the leader. I still gaff my fish. Looking at getting a landing net so I wanted to hear about the best options from the guys that net fish in the 8-40# range. I would like to keep it under $120, if that is even possible anymore.

I started using a smelt net for Red salmon and that sixteen foot (Maybe 18) handle really makes things nice for retrieving fish but it's usefullness probably caps out around 25 lbs, as far as lifting. Never caught a fish that was over 20 that I wanted to release so... On the other hand it was $70 so definitely affordable.

Oh, I don’t release many fish, brother. If it’s legal, it gets ate.
But, there aren’t 40# kings swimming around much anymore, so I set that as the highest capacity.

Beckman, weighted net. Might be more than that, but it’s the same as all the good guides use. They are a good deep net. Always lift the fish with the handle straight up and down, not like flipping a butterfly net around. Also learn to bunch the net up I use my left hand and hold the handle. Shoot the net with right hand. By bunching up the net and holding with the handle those big nets don’t catch on things like rod holders or boat cleats.

wws

Thank you, sir. I do tend to hold the purse in my right hand and handle in my left, trying to keep the bag flat as the net is plunged a bit ahead and under the fish.

There are defiantly a lot of extra moving parts involve with netting vs. gaffing.

Either way its way nicer to net when you have at least six feet of handle. Ten is even better but then you gotta have telescoping unless you want to strap it to the top of your car and stuff. My current net is a Cumings but I don't feel strongly about it other than it was available and not sarcastically priced. Replaced a hand me down that I got for about ten bucks at a garage sale that had sturdier netting but age eventually wore down the loop.

I like a gaff personally, but the missus doesn't like using one so we have a net and a gaff. Not sure what brand her net is, she might know...I'll ask

Beckmans are really nice and probably built the best, but are way too heavy for scooping more than a couple of salmon a day. I wished dot-line still made their classic gold handle with a rubberized net. We have been using Cummings nets which seem to be a good compromise. Those heavy beckmans also slow you down when you’re scooping those feisty salmon.

I use a gaff when fishing for large fish. I never take a net for smaller fish. I made a gaff that I can break down with two 4 foot pieces of thin wall tubing is over 8 feet when assembled.

I have a extend pole on 3 feet across hoop and net that extends to about 6 feet and never use it. It is large which is a good.

Looks like Beckman has the best product line up. Should have mentioned that the net would be used from a boat to land salmon troll caught.
Nylon net webbing would be preferably, less drag in the water through the scoop.

Leaning towards this one https://beckmanfishingnets.com/product/bn3543s/

I have that exact net frame with the knot less webbing. I don’t think you will find anything better. Have netted up to three at one time due to hot fishing and fishermen that can’t keep lines apart. That is always a mess.

The thought of a three line tangle is making my feel nauseous. Yikes.

Is this for subsistence, personal use, or comm.? A smaller chitina dip net might work.

The wife says that's what brand hers is