Landing and protecting your catch with Brodin Streambase Trout nets

Date: |
7/29/02 |
Tackle type: |
Fly Fishing Tools |
Manufacturer: |
Brodin Nets |
Reviewer: |
Buzz |
Total Score: 8.66
Introduction: Since
most fly-fishermen practice catch and release the majority of the time they are
on the water, selecting the proper net for this practice is essential. There
are many different landing nets on the market that are comprised of many shapes,
sizes, and materials. Brodin makes a variety of fishing nets that can match up
with any angler’s type of fishing.
Brodin
Streambase Trout Net Specifications |
Net material |
Cristobal |
Overall Length |
23" |
Net Opening |
10" x 15" |
MSRP |
$36.00 |
Impressions:
Streambase Model Nets by Brodin are great nets for landing and releasing fish.
They are quite a bit cheaper than traditional nets, yet are still durable enough
to handle strenuous fishing environments. We take a look at the Trout Model net
by Brodin to see just how good it is as an all around net for catching and
releasing River Trout.
 |
The
Streambase Trout Net features a nicely contoured handle made of high quality
Cristobal wood |
The field tests:
When I first used this net I
was very impressed with how comfortable it was while on my back. Unlike many
nets it is not cumbersome and annoying. Its large gap mesh material allows you
to hold the fish in the net, without taking off the fishes protective slime
layer that is essential for swimming and fighting off disease.
 |
A slight
upgrade to our test net, the Brodin "Quick Release" attachment is fantastic |
You can actually release
your catch easily without having to take the fish completely out of the water.
Steambase’s Trout model net is not enormously deep in mesh material. This helps
you remove the hook from the fish’s mouth while it is in the net. With other
nets that have a very deep mesh pocket you to remove the fish from the net in
order to get the hook out of its mouth. The more handling a fish requires to
release, the lesser its chances of surviving. Streambase nets also allow you to
hold the fish with the large gap mesh material, without hurting it.
 |
Handling
your catch while in the net is easy with the Stremabase's shallow mesh
design |
I was also surprised at how durable this net was. It is comprised of Cristobal
wood, which is very strong, yet very light. The interior mesh is stitched once
every inch of the inside base of the net. This makes the weight capacity of the
net very strong. This is a big plus if you happen to land that big lunker.
 |
Landing and
releasing fish is made easier with a Streambase net, which is easily handled
even when fishing solo |
The only problem I ran into
with this net is the hooks getting caught in the mesh material. This problem
occurs whenever you use mesh nets, and the hook falls out of the fishes mouth
while it is in the net. The best way to avoid this problem is to use a
rubberized net instead of mesh. Brodin offers this option on some of its nets if
this problem gives you too much grief. Otherwise, just allocate a bit more
patience as you take time to remove the hook from the mesh with a pair of
forceps.
Ratings:
Brodin
Streambase Trout Net Ratings (?/10) |
Construction/Quality |
Cristobal Wood. Very
Strong, yet very light. Also have option of upgrading to Teak wood for
added strength and durability for a higher cost. |
8 |
Performance |
No complaints here. All
the elements a good catch and release net should have. |
9 |
Price |
Streambase Nets are
significantly cheaper than Brodin's Classic Series Nets. Steambase Trout
Model is only 36.00 compared to Brodin’s Classic 58.00 MSRP. |
9.5 |
Features |
Great Mesh material for
easily releasing the fish. However, you have to pay $15.99 extras to get
Brodin’s Quick release attachment. Original release that accompanies the
net is adequate, but not ideal. |
8 |
Design (Ergonomics) |
Good design makes landing and releasing fish
easy |
8 |
Application |
The Trout model is the
best all around net for fishing trout streams. However, if you target big
fish you will want to consider Brodin’s Cutthroat model or Madison model.
Brodin has a net for every angler no matter your preference or what size the
fish you are targeting. |
9.5 |
Total Score |
8.66 |
Pluses and Minuses:
Plus
Minus |
J
Price very cost
effective alternative to many nets on the market |
L
Must pay extra for
Quick Release attachment |
J
Strong yet lightweight |
L
Hooks
get caught in mesh occasionally |
J
Good Wide-Gap mesh for
releasing fish without taking off too much of its protective slime |
|
Conclusion: All
in all, the Streambase Trout model net incorporates all the characteristics a
good catch and release net should have. A large net opening diameter, not to
deep of a mesh pocket, a strong cristobal wood material, and an easy release
clasp. This clasp can actually be upgraded to Brodin’s Quick Pull Clasp. This
allows you to release the net from your vest with one quick pull. I highly
recommend this add-on if you want the easiest access to your net. Cost for
Quick Release $15.99.
