Designed for either lure or bait fishing for pike, the Fox Predator Net is ideal for both the roving lure angler and the bait fisherman. The spoon shaped frame is made from high tensile aluminium and carries a mesh, which is deep enough to accommodate pike of over twenty pounds with ease.
This special mesh prevents trebles from snagging and shakes dry after use. Featuring a strong moulded block with a 3/8″ thread which enables it to be fitted to all standard landing net poles, the Predator Net is a good all round net, both strong and reliable for most pike fishing situations.
Jeff Woodhouse’s Verdict
I bought one of the first Predator landing nets about 3 or maybe 4 years ago now and it was used to land the odd pike or two, but mostly barbel. I really liked it so it was a bit upsetting when the spreader block split whilst lifting a small pike out. It couldn’t be relied upon again and what with the net being no good without the frame and the frame being no good without the spreader block, the whole thing went into the bin.
What caused the split, I believe, was an indent in the spreader block to cater for an isotope. I cannot see the purpose in these isotopes on everything and this one did appear to weaken the one component I would expect had to be extra strong. However, 3 or 4 years out of the net wasn’t too bad, but I asked my nice contact at Fox if they had improved the design and he said they hadn’t, other than that the net was now rubberized.
He was kind enough to send me the latest version and he was wrong. They had also improved the spreader block by getting rid of the isotope indent and the block itself is now glass filled as well so it should be a lot stronger and last much longer. I still would advise lifting fish out of the water by holding the frame, rather than just lifting it by the landing net handle, but you will always have to cradle the fish and bring it to the side.
This is now a really good net particularly with the mesh being coated with latex and whether you choose the 24″ or 30″ (mine’s the latter) it should serve you well for many, many years to come.
