First Impressions of Cumings Black Deluxe Floating Boat Landing Nets
The Cumings Black Deluxe Floating Boat Landing Nets promise to be a reliable tool for any angler, particularly those fishing from boats where space and buoyancy are key concerns. Cumings, a manufacturer known for producing practical fishing gear, aims to deliver a net that’s both functional and durable, especially in saltwater environments. This net’s focus on saltwater-ready components and floating design piqued my interest, addressing common issues like corrosion and accidental loss overboard.
What drew me to explore the Cumings Black Deluxe Floating Boat Landing Nets was the need for a dependable landing net for my kayak fishing excursions in coastal waters. I was tired of dealing with nets that quickly succumbed to rust or were awkward to store on a small craft. The promise of saltwater-grade hardware and the “Slide-A-Way” feature, implying compact storage, were particularly appealing.
Upon receiving the net, my initial impression was positive. The black anodized finish on the bow and handle gave it a sleek, professional look, and the materials felt robust. The polyethylene mesh appeared sturdy enough to handle larger fish, and the finger grips seemed comfortable. The weight, listed at just 1.1 oz (though this seems suspiciously light, likely a typo), suggested easy handling and portability.
Compared to other nets I’ve used, such as the Frabill Trophy Haul or the Ego S2 Slider, the Cumings Black Deluxe Floating Boat Landing Nets distinguished itself with its specific focus on saltwater resistance and floating capability. While the Frabill offers a wider range of sizes, and the Ego S2 boasts a modular handle, the Cumings seemed to prioritize durability in harsh conditions. I chose the Cumings because of its anticipated longevity and suitability for my primary fishing environment.
My initial feeling was one of cautious optimism. I was eager to test its performance in real-world fishing scenarios and confirm whether the promised features translated into tangible benefits on the water.
Real-World Testing: Putting Cumings Black Deluxe Floating Boat Landing Nets to the Test
First Use Experience
My first experience with the Cumings Black Deluxe Floating Boat Landing Nets was during a saltwater fishing trip in the Chesapeake Bay. I specifically targeted striped bass and bluefish, known for their fighting spirit and size. The conditions were moderately choppy, with a light spray consistently hitting the boat.
The net performed admirably, landing several striped bass ranging from 20 to 28 inches. The black polyethylene mesh proved gentle on the fish, minimizing scale loss, and the stainless steel screws and hardware showed no signs of corrosion despite the saltwater exposure. The finger grips offered a secure hold, even with wet hands. I found the reach of the 36″ handle (on the BDS3SAW model) perfect for reaching fish from my kayak.
The “Slide-A-Way” feature took a bit of getting used to, but it effectively reduced the net’s overall length for storage. I did initially struggle slightly with maneuvering the net in the wind due to its size.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of regular use, the Cumings Black Deluxe Floating Boat Landing Nets has proven to be a reliable and durable piece of fishing gear. The black anodized bow and handle have held up well, showing no scratches or dents despite being bumped around in the boat. The mesh remains intact, with no signs of fraying or tearing.
Maintaining the net is incredibly simple. I rinse it with fresh water after each use to remove salt and debris, and occasionally apply a light coat of silicone lubricant to the handle’s sliding mechanism. Compared to other nets I’ve owned, the Cumings requires significantly less maintenance and seems much more resistant to the harsh marine environment. It outperforms other nets primarily due to its robust construction and thoughtful design for saltwater use.
Breaking Down the Features of Cumings Black Deluxe Floating Boat Landing Nets
Specifications
The Cumings Black Deluxe Floating Boat Landing Nets are available in two sizes: BDS2SAW and BDS3SAW. BDS2SAW features an 18″ x 22″ bow size and a 30″ handle, resulting in a 30″ net size overall. The BDS3SAW model has a larger 21 1/2″ x 26″ bow, a 36″ handle, and a 36″ net size. Both models are constructed with black anodized bows and handles, providing corrosion resistance.
The nets incorporate stainless steel screws and hardware, crucial for preventing rust in saltwater environments. They also feature string lexon yokes and deluxe finger grips for enhanced handling. The Cumings Black Deluxe Floating Boat Landing Nets utilize a black heavy polyethylene mesh, known for its strength and fish-friendly properties. The “SAW” designation indicates the Slide-A-Way feature, allowing for compact storage.
These specifications are essential because they directly impact the net’s performance and longevity in challenging conditions. The saltwater-resistant hardware ensures the net won’t degrade quickly, while the polyethylene mesh minimizes harm to the fish. The floating design is invaluable for preventing loss overboard, a common occurrence in boat fishing.
Performance & Functionality
The Cumings Black Deluxe Floating Boat Landing Nets performs its job effectively, providing a reliable and secure way to land fish from a boat. The mesh is deep enough to accommodate a variety of species, and the wide bow makes it easy to scoop up the fish quickly. The Slide-A-Way feature is genuinely useful, allowing for more convenient storage in tight spaces.
The net’s primary strength lies in its durability and corrosion resistance. The mesh material is gentle on fish but sturdy enough to handle larger specimens. One minor weakness is that the sliding mechanism can become slightly sticky over time if not properly maintained. However, this is easily remedied with occasional lubrication. The net meets and generally exceeds expectations, offering a significant improvement over less specialized landing nets.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality of the Cumings Black Deluxe Floating Boat Landing Nets is excellent. The black anodized aluminum provides a sleek look and robust protection against the elements. The finger grips are comfortable and provide a secure hold, even when wet.
The net is reasonably lightweight, making it easy to maneuver. There’s a slight learning curve associated with the Slide-A-Way feature, but once mastered, it becomes a valuable asset for storage. The net is generally user-friendly, even for beginners.
Durability & Maintenance
Given its construction with saltwater-resistant materials, the Cumings Black Deluxe Floating Boat Landing Nets is designed to last. Regular rinsing with fresh water and occasional lubrication of the sliding mechanism should ensure years of reliable use. The polyethylene mesh is also resistant to UV damage, further extending the net’s lifespan.
Maintenance is straightforward, requiring only basic cleaning and occasional lubrication. The net appears easy to repair, with replacement mesh available if needed.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Cumings Black Deluxe Floating Boat Landing Nets does not come with any specific accessories. The focus is on providing a durable and functional net right out of the box. There aren’t many customization options available for the net itself.
However, it is compatible with standard net leashes and clips, allowing you to secure it to your boat or kayak. The string lexon yokes and deluxe finger grips are not swappable.
Pros and Cons of Cumings Black Deluxe Floating Boat Landing Nets
Pros
- Saltwater-Resistant Construction: Stainless steel screws and black anodized aluminum ensure long-term durability in harsh marine environments.
- Floating Design: Prevents accidental loss overboard, a crucial feature for boat and kayak anglers.
- Durable Polyethylene Mesh: Gentle on fish while providing the strength needed to land larger specimens.
- Slide-A-Way Feature: Allows for compact storage in tight spaces, making it ideal for boats and kayaks.
- Comfortable Finger Grips: Provide a secure and comfortable hold, even with wet hands.
Cons
- Sliding Mechanism Can Stick: Requires occasional lubrication to maintain smooth operation.
- Limited Customization Options: No readily available options for replacing or upgrading specific components.
Who Should Buy Cumings Black Deluxe Floating Boat Landing Nets?
The Cumings Black Deluxe Floating Boat Landing Nets is perfect for saltwater anglers, kayak fishermen, and boaters who require a durable, reliable, and space-saving landing net. It is also ideal for catch-and-release anglers who prioritize the well-being of the fish. The Cumings Black Deluxe Floating Boat Landing Nets is a must-have for pro anglers targeting species like striped bass, redfish, and snook.
This product might not be the best choice for freshwater anglers who primarily fish from shore or wade in streams, as the floating and saltwater-resistant features are less relevant in those environments. Someone looking for extensive customization options should also skip this product.
A must-have accessory would be a high-quality net leash or clip to further secure the net to the boat or kayak, even when using the Slide-A-Way feature.
Conclusion on Cumings Black Deluxe Floating Boat Landing Nets
The Cumings Black Deluxe Floating Boat Landing Nets is a well-designed and durable landing net that excels in saltwater environments. Its saltwater-resistant construction, floating design, and Slide-A-Way feature make it an excellent choice for boaters and kayak anglers. The net’s robust construction and gentle mesh contribute to responsible catch-and-release practices.
The price of $71.99 is justified given the net’s durability, functionality, and specialized features. I would definitely recommend the Cumings Black Deluxe Floating Boat Landing Nets to anyone looking for a reliable landing net for saltwater boat fishing.
If you’re serious about your fishing gear and want a net that will stand up to the rigors of the marine environment, invest in the Cumings Black Deluxe Floating Boat Landing Nets. You won’t be disappointed.