DAIWA Folding Damo Net

This was the absolute lightest net that I could find. Worked very well for my purposes on a backpacking trip thru Yellowstone. I made some fast shackle loops out of spliced 1.75mm dyneema Zing-It line that allowed me to quickly attach the net pouch to the belt loops on my pants, so I could carry the net without wearing a belt. The net hung comfortably below my backpack's hip belt, and I often wore the net pouch while hiking with my full kit. I did have a couple instances where the net didn't expand when I shook it hard, so I'm not sure about that, but I'm happy with the purchase.

I mostly fish small streams that with riparian areas that are thick with brush and often bushwhack through forests, and I had a problem with my rigid nets being snagged and pulled away from my vest or pack, sometimes to the point of losing the net. The hoop for this net (folded only about 4.5 in diameter) easily fits into the outer pocket of my sling pack, where I can securely zip it in. The smooth handle doesn't seem to hang up. I also like the fine mesh of the bag, on which flies rarely snag and which is a nice uniform background for photos. Maybe not the best for larger fish, but this is not a problem for me.

I picked this net up a couple of years ago as I wanted something compact for fishing small mountain streams in VA for brook trout. This has fit the bill perfectly. I keep it clipped to the underside of my sling pack and am able to deploy it in no time flat when needed but is out of the way when I don't need it. Folding it back up initially took a little practice but now it's just second nature. I'm half temped to go ahead and pick up a spare for when the original net finally dies.

I figured it out. There is a trick. The video put out by Handy Pak moves slow enough for you to see it.

You will want to practice folding it before going to the stream. The hoop will be so kinked your first stop will be the garbage can. Instructions are nearly worthless. Maybe, and I mean maybe, a super slow motion video instruction would help. The regular speed videos I found are useless.

I was looking forward to getting this net! Now I'm just very angry. Use whatever wood/fixed frame net catches your eye.