When deciding which net head will best suit your target species, the decision never becomes more important than when targeting Barbel, simply because you need the net head to perform a multitude of tasks, ensuring the safety of your prized catch.
Barbel, as we know, are one of the hardest fighting coarse fish, always giving their all whilst being landed, so it is imperative that we rest them after capture. The Gardner Specialist Barbel Pan Net will enable you to do this safely. It has been designed by Neil Wayte, who has been fishing for the past 40 years. During that time, he has fished a huge variety of venues across the country for variety of species, but is particularly renowned for his river Carping exploits. Needless to say, a lot of thought has gone into this well designed net head.
I particularly like the non-tear outer material, which covers the rim of the 88cm x 65cm ‘tear drop’ frame design. This is a great idea, helping to prevent snagging. It also cuts out any reflective glare from the metal frame. The one-piece moulded high grade aluminium spreader has also been powder coated and the mesh is a nice soft knot free weave with a depth of 60cm.
I have been field testing this net head now for the past two months and can honestly say it is top quality ideal for anglers targeting either specimen Barbel or river Carp and, at around £18.99, offers superb value for money.
Shane ‘Cat’ Calton, 2010
