I’ve been covering this industry for a good while now, so it takes a lot to get me excited.
Today was one of those rare days where I came across a product that is both unique, and actually useful. The NetStaff is not a new product (they debuted at last year’s show, and shame on me for missing it), but it is so pragmatic that I had to write this right away.
The elegance of the product is in the simplicity, and the several applications all built into one. Anything that keeps an angler fishing more, and managing their equipment less, is a solid application in my book.
Three Tools, One Piece of Equipment
First, and most obviously, you have a net.
It’s rubber coated, so as not to de-slime the fish. It’s also tapered in an interesting way—almost conical in shape. When you net your fish, the shape will envelope the fish, making it feel constricted. This constricted feeling makes them struggle less—and making it easier for you to grab it.
Next, you have a wading staff. I’ve written before about the necessity of using a wading staff (even if you’re ego says otherwise), but carrying one with you along with everything else you have to manage can be a hassle. That is no longer a valid excuse.
The NetStaff can be extended with one arm, quickly stabilizing the wading angler. This quick deployment feature is perfect for those “holy crap” moments that can happen even on waters which which you are familiar.
Lastly, you have a retrieval hook.
Now I’m sure if you are reading this, you are a casting god and never lose a lure or fly to a tree or rock. For the rest of us mortals, this little feature could add up to some serious savings over a few trips.
Gear Dock
When I’m on the river, my net is attached to the back of my vest.
When I bend over to grab a fish or do something else, it smacks me in the face. When it smacks me in the face, I cuss.
NetStaff has eliminated this downward spiral of poor fishing behavior by inventing the Gear Dock. The staff itself has a small ball, that fits in the dock, which the angler wears in that familiar position just below the neck. Instead of having to battle with a clip that does not want to let go, you simply pull the net out.
Chances are, if you are reaching for your net, you’re already fighting a fish. The last thing you want to do is fight your gear as well.
I said it earlier, but it’s worth repeating: anything that gets us fishing more, and managing equipment less is an innovation worth having.
You can check out more from NetStaff by visiting www.netstaffoutdoors.com.