GEAR REVIEW

FINALLY SOMEONE NAILED IT WESTERN OUTDOOR NEWSPublished: Mar 17, 2009

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SOCAL EQUIPMENT REVIEW BY BRADLEY SCHWEIT For years I’ve been listening to bass and striper anglers piss and moan about the tackle industry’s lack of a proper shad net. And don’t assume that statement to be negative or accusatory in nature, either. I, too, was amongst the multitude griping and groaning about not only the difficulty in finding an effective dip net, but also the astronomical cost of actually purchasing one.     When dip nets initially hit the SoCal scene, (I believe it was the early ‘90s, as I vividly recall fellow bass and striper chasers attempting to procure one via the select few who happened to custom make the nets), they were understandably expensive due to their custom-designed nature, and leaving much room for improvement. The initial models, as per my recollection, were all made from brushed metal, and were awkward to handle even without the business end brimming with threadfin. Once full of the “candy bait,” it took damn near two people to get the bounty into the livewell; all the while the pole bowing something fierce.     Despite the nets’ myriad flaws, however, they were generally effective at capturing at least a few threadfin; and, if the baitfish were exceptionally thick, perhaps even a livewell’s worth. And, as any seasoned bass or striper chaser is well aware, it is highly plausible that 100 threadfin can easily equate to a 100-fish day. Thus, for those who could afford it, shelling out $300 to $400 for a dip net was a small price to pay for innumerable days of wide-open action.      Another drawback, in addition to the cost, was the silver piping used to create the body and frame of each net. Threadfin are notoriously leery, especially to shiny, bright objects (and don’t mention lures used to catch their larger American River-dwelling cousins — I’m speaking specifically in terms of baitfish). All-too-commonly, the threadfin would spook before an angler even had the opportunity to deftly scoop a few. The short-term solution? A number of dippers would paint the handles and net rings black, however, the paint would oftentimes overspray onto the netting. Not a huge problem, but a predicament nonetheless.          Now, regardless of the excessive price tag and inadequate composition of the first batch of nets, the manufacturers did succeed in at least one critical area of shad net production — the net material was monofilament; not nylon or another more visible synthetic. If game fish have difficulty detecting the presence of fishing line underwater, it would stand to reason the same would hold true for the baitfish upon which they prey. Monofilament not only proved to cut through the water better than most other materials, but it also seemed less likely to spook the wary threadfin. Since the nets were custom-made, however, and the technology to machine-weave the mesh had yet to be created, the “scooping” portion of each shad net had to be handcrafted — hence the expensive price tag.     Yet just when the search for the perfect shad net seemed hopeless, Promar has introduced a dip net that, in my opinion, is the best shad-procuring product the state of California has ever seen. I only specify “California” since we aren't afforded the opportunity to utilize throw nets, or this column would cease to exist.     The Deluxe Pro Shad Net — as Promar has so appropriately dubbed their most recent achievement — features a stealthy black telescoping handle at its core, if you will. Not only is this a significant improvement over the original silver metal designs, but Promar opted to take a good idea and enhance it even further by making the handle collapsible. Now, not only do anglers have the advantage of inconspicuousness when dipping shad, but they also have the added benefit of stowability when not in use. In a word, it’s ingenious.     This innovation has also imparted the handle with a sturdiness unseen in the realm of shad nets. And I’m not merely speaking based upon press releases or images related to this product. I currently own one of these nets, and it is rock solid, even at full extension; which, by the way is an impressive 10 feet. Not to mention it compacts to a very manageable 5 feet when retracted.       At the business end is an oversized matching black anodized frame with extra-deep handcrafted (just like the old-school models) monofilament bag. Comparatively speaking, at least in regards to this net’s predecessors, this frame and bag are astronomically larger. I mean, really, why make a half-dozen dips when one would essentially suffice? Seems like a no-brainer to me. As a bit of added insurance, the company’s ProtecNet design safely guards the monofilament bag, and should the net ever rip or tear, it also allows for easy replacement in the event of such a misfortunate occurence.     And as if they needed to make this product any better, or even could for that matter, Promar designed the frame and handle to detach from one another, increasing both portability and efficiency. Oh, and did I mention the Deluxe Pro Shad Net also comes with canvas carrying bags for each separate section (i.e. the handle and frame)?     Yeah, they nailed it…      For more information, or to get your hands on the revolutionary new Deluxe Pro Shad Net, give Promar a call at (866) 264-1562.     Freshwater columnist Bradley Schweit, who would give anything, including at least half of whatever bait booty he could dip, for the baitfish to be running somewhere nearby at the moment, can be reached by e-mail at brad@wonews.com.