Some questions for Drennan landing net users please

[Stephen Goderski]

Afternoon all,

It looks like I might finally have to replace my trusty landing net which I have been using for over 20 years - although it is a bit like Trigger's broom! What I like in a net is:

Robustness - I am not gentle on my tackle and it needs to be bramble-proof!
Depth of mesh - my current net has a depth of some 30"
Triangular - don't like spoons

I did buy a very expensive new landing net during lockdown but moved it on immediately without using it as i couldn't believe how shallow it was - I do like to give the fish a good rest before releasing them.

There doesn't seem to be anything approaching my requirements on the market - unless you know differently - and from the research I have done the Drennan nets seem to be the closest option to what I am after. It would be nice to see a couple in person to determine whether they might fit the bill but no tackle shops near me have any in stock, have not had any in stock for a while and have no idea when they will be getting any in stock! In desperation, I even visited my local angling superstore (an experience I avoid unless there is no other option) and even they didn't have any.

So a few questions please:

1. What is the difference between a Specialist net and a Super Specialist net? Is it just that the Specialist net is bigger?
2. Do you think that the depth of a Specialist net is adequate to rest a barbel?
3. If so, 24" or 26" (I think it will be the latter but thought I'd ask)?
4. Am I missing any other nets that I should consider?

Thanks in advance of your wisdom, Steve

 

[Nigel Whittingham]

I originally bought the 26” but use that for Tench now as i found it a bit small, even for modest Barbel. The 32” is perfect and is slightly smaller than other 32” nets as the arms bend inwards slightly under tension. The depth is fine also, not too deep to get caught on everything but certainly not shallow.

 

[Rob Linwood]

Chris brown net these will last for years I’ve got one and it is as strong as any net I’ve ever used not cheap but well worth the money

 

[Chris Jones]

1. What is the difference between a Specialist net and a Super Specialist net? Is it just that the Specialist net is bigger?

The smaller sizes were the original range. The bigger nets arrived and the "Super" part of the name was dropped.
Having recently bought a 20" net myself (I already have the 22 and 24", but the 26" was that bit too big to lug around on the bank), you may well find that the "Super" has recently been dropped from the smaller range too. The images and text on the Drennan website appear to be out of date. The newer 20" net doesn't have "Super" on the front edge label. It has also lost the triangular label to the rear of the net.

2. Do you think that the depth of a Specialist net is adequate to rest a barbel?

That depends on your preferences and venues.

3. If so, 24" or 26" (I think it will be the latter but thought I'd ask)?

I'd probably err on the side of caution an go for the bigger net. However, much depends on the size of the fish you expect to catch.

4. Am I missing any other nets that I should consider?

If you can cope the carp style nets, the Drennan Specialist Triangle are worth considering. If nothing else, they are far easier to transport that a big metal framed net.

 

[Stephen Goderski]

Chris brown net these will last for years I’ve got one and it is as strong as any net I’ve ever used not cheap but well worth the money

This was net I referred to that I thought was too shallow Rob

 

[Stephen Goderski]

The smaller sizes were the original range. The bigger nets arrived and the "Super" part of the name was dropped.
Having recently bought a 20" net myself (I already have the 22 and 24", but the 26" was that bit too big to lug around on the bank), you may well find that the "Super" has recently been dropped from the smaller range too. The images and text on the Drennan website appear to be out of date. The newer 20" net doesn't have "Super" on the front edge label. It has also lost the triangular label to the rear of the net.

That depends on your preferences and venues.

I'd probably err on the side of caution an go for the bigger net. However, much depends on the size of the fish you expect to catch.

If you can cope the carp style nets, the Drennan Specialist Triangle are worth considering. If nothing else, they are far easier to transport that a big metal framed net.

Thanks for this Chris; I think you a right, the Specialist Triangle looks to be the way forward. Just wish I could actually see one in a shop rather than taking a punt online....

 

[Neil Blood]

Depends what size Barbel you expect to catch? Personally I find the SS 26” perfectly adequate for fish up to 13lb’s in weight on the middle/upper Severn.

 

[Tim Marks]

I own a 36” Chris Brown net and don’t use it anymore because I have a Westlake 36” triangular net from Go-Outdoors.

Metal spreader block, sensible strong arms with metal ferrules and a 35” deep mesh (I have just measured it). Obviously it does not fit on the CB handle - I use a 20+ year old Gardner extending job.

I bought the complete net head for £18 - because I wanted a new mesh and that price is below what everybody else sells just the mesh for….But it is sufficiently good that I use it in preference to the CB. I did have to glue on one of the arm ferrules, but apart from that it is excellent.

If you are smart and buy it when they are on offer (and have a GO discount card) it will cost a tenner. My fishing mate saw mine and immediately went off and bought two of them.

I’m told they also sell 42” versions for not much more.

If you can do without designer gear then it is highly recommended.

Just for comparison; I also use a 32” Tacklebox (Kent) triangular net for chub fishing. It is light and really good, but it is shallow - so I don’t use it for barbel fishing.