Pond Net for use in the field?

[John]

I was wondering if anyone had any recommendations for a long (or longish) handled pond net for use in the field. The only ones I can find locally are meant for landing fish, and obviously the mesh is far too large when dealing with salamanders. Then again, a butterfly net would be too fine. I'd appreciate any recommendations people could offer. Thanks.

 

[carpy]

try getting a net meant for landing "silver fish" the smaller fish, such as roach or bass. these have fine netting and are what i ise in my herping expeditions

Alex

 

[Kaysie]

I modified an aquarium net by getting a piece of PVC pipe and attaching to the handle.

 

[Otterwoman]

I've gotten nets that are for kids to play with, at the DOLLAR store!! They have long handles.

 

[John]

Are these things able to take some abuse?

 

[carpy]

kaysie has a fair bit of herping experience, so i guess hers have taken some abuse!

i know the fishing net that i use has been used extensively both in the uk, germany, corfu, and soon to be in Costa Rica, so that is a sound and strong option.

Alex

 

[Abrahm]

I haven't actually used any of these but have you thought of trying a net from one of the biological supply companies? Ward's Biological Supply has an impressive list and for quite a few of these I'm sure you could easily add a longer handle. Maybe this would be more what you are looking for?

 

[caudataman]

John,

I got the "D framed" aquatic net from Ward's and it is a very high quality piece!

Brian

 

[John]

Isn't the mesh size too small? I mean, aren't you pulling up hunks of mud?

 

[i_love_necturus]

This one from Ward's looks pretty good, the name is the "Industructable Net" so maybe it lives up to its name for the price, whoa! http://www.wardsci.com/product.asp_Q_pn_E_IG0007820_A_Wildco®+Indestructible+Aquatic+Net

This looks good too, 1/4 inch mesh, good size? http://www.sciencefirst.com/vw_prdct_mdl.asp?prdct_mdl_cd=121

 

[caudataman]

yep, you do get mud with it, but it's strong enough to handle it and that way youcan be sure you catch what you're after...

 

[John]

Thank you all. You've given me plenty to think about.

 

[TristanH]

For those on this side of the pond, I can recommend the Professional Hand Net.

See http://www.alanaecology.com/acatalog/Hand_Pond_Nets.html

(I think it is available from other suppliers as well).

Tristan

 

[John]

Brian, I took your advice and purchased that net. It's on its way. I've a "big trip" planned this weekend and I want it ready for that.

 

[caudataman]

good luck John. Let me know what you think. That long handle should keep biting things away. Glad you're getting out to play! Remember... All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy. All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy. All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy. All work and no...

 

[aquatico]

I use these. The extend and hold up nice. I have also used them in Peru collecting tropical fish.

http://ecomm.mgfx.com/general/merch...&merchantid=117&repid=0&passwordstatus=passed

Don

 

[John]

I like the look of that Don. If only you'd posted 24 hours ago ;(.

Hey Brian, maybe you'd appreciate this: http://www.transbuddha.com/index.php/shining/

 

[caudataman]

That's hilarious John! I'd seen a link to it but never clicked on it. Funny how it's all in the presentation!

Don's net does look pretty interesting...though I'm a bit skeptical how well a land bug net would work in a swamp, but if Don says it's good, I won't argue and the price sure is right!

 

[aquatico]

That was a bug net. I am sorry. I clicked on the wrong one. Here is the aquatic net.
http://ecomm.mgfx.com/general/merch...&merchantid=117&repid=0&passwordstatus=passed

Don

 

[John]

The mesh is nearly 0.5 cm in diameter. That's too big for most of our purposes, Don (catching small larvae and eggs, catching aquatic insects).