Pond Boss Forums INTRO Questions & Observations Umbrella net for minnows

Does any one have a preferred brand of umbrella net for catching minnows?
I've checked both Bass Pro and Cabela's and the ones they carry both get the same reviews, they don't hold up. If you reinforce them they will work Ok, but If I wanted to tinker I'd try to make my own.
I had one from my grandfather when I was a kid and it was fun to use, the netting finally dry rotted and like every thing else it was just as cheap to buy a new one (which I never did).
It was probably 30-40 years old when I started using it.
Now I can't even find a new one that will last more than an hour.
I found one on Amazon and the review for it said that it was Ok but the one from Cabela's was better? The one that the Cabela's reviews says falls apart.

What has this world come too?

For those that are wondering an umbrella net is one that fold up like ... an umbrella. Mine was about 3' or 4' square and actually laid flat. You'd drop it in the water with bait on it if you wanted. Then after a few minutes you could pull it up and count your catch.

Thanks,

Matt

I haven't been able to find one that holds up. So I basically gave up on using umbrella nets. There are other options out there that work basically just as good as an umbrella net.

Ok, so what are they?

I'm looking to add to my arsenal (which is non-existant :-)

I was also thinking about getting a small cast net.

I will be doing this by myself so I think a seine is out of hte question?

Matt

Seines can be used by yourself rather effectively when they are on the smaller size, say 16' and shorter... Bill Cody and I are in the process of completing a series of articles on forage fish collection from wild sources, the methods, precautions, etc... Keep an eye out for it. It should be ready by the Sept-Oct issue.

Minnows traps and cast nets are also effective depending on the species and the body of water...

I use umbrella nets to catch minnows/shiners in my minnow pond. I am using old frames that my father had with new replacement nets from Memphis Net & Twine (.memphisnet.net). They sell frames and nylon nets (3x3ft)- separately or in combo and also larger lift nets up to 12ftsq. Their nylon nets seem to be pretty durable and hold up pretty well for me, although I don't abuse them. I've been using them for 2 yrs now with no problems.