Fishing. It’s an art, a pastime, and, at least for some of us, a delightful way to lose hours of time in the pursuit of something cold and slippery that may or may not even want to be caught. But in all seriousness, one of the most crucial tools in any angler's arsenal is the landing net. I know, I know—that thing you pull out when the fish is finally worn out, only to have it promptly slip off the hook and make a mockery of your valiant efforts. We've all been there.
But let me tell you, not all nets are created equal. And there’s one company, Montana Net Company, that has cracked the code on crafting nets that don’t just look good, but actually do what they’re supposed to.
Why Quality in a Landing Net Matters
You see, the world of landing nets is like the world of socks. They come in all shapes and sizes, and while most will get the job done, not all are created with your comfort (or fish’s health) in mind. I’ve used nets that were more likely to tangle the fish in a mesh web of disaster than to gently scoop it out of the water. I’ve also had nets that were about as useful as a screen door on a submarine.
Montana Net Company, though? They get it. They’ve spent time thinking about this stuff—probably more time than I’ve spent thinking about why I just lost that big trout at the end of my line.
Each net is crafted with attention to detail, using a mix of hard and softwoods steamed and bent just right to create something that’s as strong as it is beautiful. The frames and handles are constructed with tinted epoxy resin, which sounds fancy, but it’s really just another way of saying, “It won’t fall apart the second you get it near water.” Trust me, I’ve tested many a flimsy net in my day, and they’re like the fish I missed—gone before you even know it.
The mesh bags? Oh, they’re made of fish-friendly, knotless rubber—which means no more snagging hooks, no more scales left behind, and no more leaving the fish worse for wear. It’s a simple idea that’s incredibly effective, and as a former fisheries biologist (and someone who once spent an entire afternoon trying to convince a fish to hop into my net), I can appreciate that. The bags come in clear “ghost” mesh or black, depending on your aesthetic preferences. No judgment either way, you do you.
Now, with all that said, let’s get into the nets themselves. Not every net is right for every angler, so here's a breakdown of the options. Pick wisely, my friend—it could mean the difference between a fish in the net and a fish that got away.
Walk and Wade Net
Let’s start with the Walk and Wade Net. If you’re the type of angler who loves to wade through streams, tiptoe around rocks, and maybe get a little lost in the process (we’ve all been there), this net’s for you. It’s light, it’s compact, and it’s the perfect choice for those who like to keep their gear close without having to haul around something that weighs more than their backpack. The net bags are available in two sizes (12.5” x 11” or 14” x 12”), and with a handle length of about 8”, you can keep it tucked behind your back, out of the way, yet always at the ready.
It’s been tested in the backcountry of Montana, where I assume the fish have a bit of an attitude, but still, it handles fish up to 22 inches without breaking a sweat. No unnecessary bells and whistles here, just a solid design that gets the job done without getting in the way.
Key Specs:
- Total Length: 24.5” – 25”
- Hoop Width: 11”
- Net Bag Depth: 13.5”
- Handle Length: 7.5”
- Netting: Obsidian or Ghost Rubber
Boat Net
Now, if you prefer the thrill of fishing from a boat—whether a trusty drift boat or a high-tech power boat—you need a Boat Net. With a whopping 30” handle and a net bag that can handle fish up to 28 inches, this net is ready for whatever aquatic monsters come your way. The laminated handle, crafted with epoxy resin, ensures this net is light, strong, and—dare I say—handsome.
This net is perfect for those big Western rivers. Think Big Hole, Beaverhead, Missouri, Green, and Big Horn. The kind of rivers where the fish don’t just put up a fight—they make you earn every inch. With this net in your hand, you might just win that battle.
Key Specs:
- Total Length: 51”
- Hoop Width: 14”
- Net Bag Depth: 14.5”
- Handle Length: 30”
- Netting: Obsidian
Guide Net
Ah, the Guide Net. For those serious anglers who like to chase bigger fish, but still want the freedom to move fast, this net is a game-changer. Designed for mobility and durability, it’s the net Alaskan guides swear by when they’re out on the fly-out fishing trips that make mere mortals like me swoon with envy.
Field-tested in the wilds of Katmai National Park, it’s perfect for landing fish up to 29 inches. It’s got an 18” handle, so it’s short enough to carry in a holster, but still gives you the reach and leverage you need to handle the big guys. And yes, it’s even got nifty wooden benchmarks on the handle to remind you of just how big that fish was. (No one’s judging if you exaggerate the size a little when you get home, though.)
Key Specs:
- Total Length: 38.5”
- Hoop Width: 14”
- Net Bag Depth: 14.5”
- Handle Length: 18”
- Netting: Obsidian or Ghost Rubber
The Final Word
Here’s the thing: choosing the right net is like choosing the right fishing hat—it may not seem like a big deal at first, but you’ll appreciate it when you need it most. Just like there’s no “one-size-fits-all” fishing rod, there’s no universal net. But the good folks at Montana Net Company have a solution for nearly every situation.
Whether you’re walking and wading through a quiet stream, fishing from a boat on a river, or chasing monsters in the wilds of Alaska, there’s a net waiting for you that will make your time on the water a little easier—and hopefully, a little more successful. So go ahead, get yourself a net that will be as much a joy to own as it is to use.
And if it doesn’t land the fish, well... at least it’ll make you look good trying.
Happy fishing!