The Traditional Fisherman's Forum

Is it heresy to say that modern specimen nets are so much better, on the whole, than even Walker's net? I like a net where the arms just slot into the spreader block and, by comparison, Walker's net - though a lovely work of art - looks over complicated to me, with its hinges and screws...And then there's the mesh to consider... Yep, no doubt about it - modern nets, modern meshes, - they win hands down.

Well I use modern nets, but I'd love to own an old cane one, just to make the traditional set complete.

Kieth Hilton makes nice nets, based on the old design but with new, lightweight materials.....

http://www.hiltonangling.co.uk/hiltonnet.html

Paul Cook makes traditional nest with traditonal materials

http://www.artofangling.net/landingnets.html

As does Norman Agutter

http://www.norman-agutters.com/nets.htm

Fortunately I cannot make a comparison as I use nothing modern (apart from hooks and line) but I do like my Walker style landing net. My net was made for me by Stephen Woolley from Ashbourne, Derbyshire in 1998.

Although they look complicated by today’s standards when Walker first made these nets they were another one of his innovations, I think he made one for all those in the CCC. To me, hinges and screws, wooden spreader blocks and that very slight smell of oil from the main screw all add to the beauty of it.

I don't own a cane net but would like to. A friend had one of the Agutter ones, but the finish was dreadful.

I don't agree either that the modern design where the arms push into a spreader block is best, as it can be tricky to dismantle with a large fish enclosed. The best net design I've found from a user's perspective is the JRC Roamer X-Lite, though I gather it's very similar to the original Solar Bowlock; both enable the net to be folded easily, and with the main handle removable at the spigot it's so much easier to transfer a netted fish to the unhooking mat.

For many years I've used an Efgeeco Apex when doing things with cane rods, which has the same spreader principle as Walkers original and the ones mentioned above. I also have an Alan Brown Jack Hilton net which has push-in arms, to go with a pair of Hilton taper glass carp rods, but it's as unwieldy as most of the modern nets.

I also use the JRC X-Lite, I find that method of folding much earier as you do. although I did get my thumb skin caught in it whilst setting it up a while back removing a small chunk in the process. Not great at the start of your session.

I was once the proud owner of the original Richard Walker net, until some scum bags burgled my house in 1963. Today I have 2 very nice landing nets with cane arms, with a 7 foot 2 piece cane handle in sizes 36" and 30" made by Dave Austin e-mail davidaustin4@hotmail.com They are made by a craftsman. Regards Martin

Will told me about the net you speak of over the phone. Would be great if you have any pictures to post up Martin?

I use the Barder Bernard Venables Crabtree net for river fishing which is, like all of Edward's creations and true thing of beautiful which combines form and function perfectly. The handle is a beautiful deep burnished, flame tempered colour.



For still waters I use an Agutter 'Walker' net which is functional but has none of elegance of the Barder; the handle is a rather thin and flimsy feeling piece of cane.

What lovely pictures and nets Snape, not forgetting the rod, reel and chub.

Splendid, thanks for posting!!! :hat: