First Impressions of EGO Fishing Mediium Wade Rubber Coated Mesh
The EGO Fishing Mediium Wade Rubber Coated Mesh net presents itself as a thoughtfully designed tool for wade and kayak anglers. From EGO Fishing, it boasts a blend of lightweight construction, a durable aluminum handle, and a fish-friendly rubber-coated mesh. This net promises to be a convenient and effective landing solution.
For years, I’ve struggled with nets that are either too bulky for wading or too small to handle larger fish. I needed a net that was easy to maneuver, gentle on the fish, and wouldn’t sink the moment I took my eyes off it. The EGO Fishing Mediium Wade Rubber Coated Mesh appeared to address all these concerns.
Upon unboxing, I was immediately impressed by the net’s weight – or rather, lack thereof. The aluminum handle felt sturdy yet surprisingly light, and the rubber-coated mesh had a quality feel, suggesting durability without being overly abrasive. The vibrant red accents on the black handle added a touch of style.
Compared to my old, cumbersome wooden-handled net and a smaller, cheaper mesh net I sometimes use, the EGO Fishing Mediium Wade Rubber Coated Mesh seemed like a significant upgrade. I was initially drawn to the EGO Fishing net because of the combination of its medium size, floating design, and rubber-coated mesh, a feature missing from the other two. This net immediately felt like it would solve my problem.
I was genuinely excited to put this net to the test. The promise of a lightweight, floating, and fish-friendly net had me eager to hit the water.
Real-World Testing: Putting EGO Fishing Mediium Wade Rubber Coated Mesh to the Test
First Use Experience
My first outing with the EGO Fishing Mediium Wade Rubber Coated Mesh was on a local trout stream known for its rocky bottom and strong currents. I tested it while wading for trout, a common scenario where I need a reliable net. The water was relatively clear but cold, typical of early spring conditions.
The net performed admirably. Its light weight and manageable size made it easy to maneuver while wading through the current. The Innovative Grip Design provided a secure hold even with wet hands, and I appreciated that the net floated effortlessly, keeping it within easy reach.
The only slight issue was the initial unfamiliarity with the Unique Hoop Scoop Design. It took a couple of tries to smoothly guide fish into the net, but it quickly became second nature.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of regular use, the EGO Fishing Mediium Wade Rubber Coated Mesh has proven to be a reliable and durable piece of gear. I’ve used it in a variety of conditions, from sunny days to light rain, and it has consistently performed well. There are no signs of significant wear and tear on the handle or the mesh.
Cleaning the net is a breeze; the rubber-coated mesh doesn’t absorb odors or slime, a huge improvement over traditional mesh nets. A simple rinse with water is usually sufficient. This net outperformed my previous nets in terms of ease of use, durability, and fish care.
Breaking Down the Features of EGO Fishing Mediium Wade Rubber Coated Mesh
Specifications
The EGO Fishing Mediium Wade Rubber Coated Mesh boasts several noteworthy specifications. It features a lightweight, durable hexagonal extruded aluminum handle. The Medium 17″ x 19″ Hoop Size is well-suited for a variety of fish species.
The 28″ Bag Depth offers ample room to secure larger catches. The 11″ Handle Length provides a comfortable reach while wading or fishing from a kayak. The inclusion of an 11″ Elastic Adjustable & Removable Tether with an Aluminum Clip adds convenience and security.
The Mesh Bag Rubber Coated Nylon Mesh is gentle on fish and minimizes water drag. All of these specifications contribute to the net’s overall performance and user-friendliness.
Performance & Functionality
The EGO Fishing Mediium Wade Rubber Coated Mesh excels at its primary function: landing fish safely and efficiently. The rubber-coated mesh minimizes harm to the fish’s scales and slime coat, promoting catch-and-release fishing. The Unique Hoop Scoop Design aids in guiding fish into the net, and the Minimal Water Drag makes it easy to maneuver in currents.
The net’s primary strength lies in its combination of light weight, durability, and fish-friendly design. The main weakness is that some users may find the 11″ handle a bit short if they are used to longer handled nets. Overall, the net meets and exceeds my expectations.
Design & Ergonomics
The EGO Fishing Mediium Wade Rubber Coated Mesh features a well-thought-out design. The lightweight aluminum handle is comfortable to grip, and the hexagonal shape prevents it from twisting in your hand. The rubber-coated mesh is soft and pliable, reducing the risk of injury to the fish.
The inclusion of the elastic tether is a nice touch, keeping the net secure and within easy reach. The net is exceptionally user-friendly.
Durability & Maintenance
The construction of the EGO Fishing Mediium Wade Rubber Coated Mesh suggests excellent durability. The aluminum handle is resistant to corrosion, and the rubber-coated mesh is unlikely to tear or snag easily. The net is easy to maintain; a simple rinse with water is usually sufficient to remove any debris or slime.
With proper care, this net should last for many seasons of fishing. This net seems to be very durable.
Accessories and Customization Options
The EGO Fishing Mediium Wade Rubber Coated Mesh comes standard with an 11″ Elastic Adjustable & Removable Tether and an Aluminum Clip. While there are no specific customization options offered directly by EGO Fishing, the tether can be replaced with a longer or shorter version to suit individual preferences.
The aluminum clip is compatible with most D-rings or attachment points on fishing vests or packs. I have found that this net works well with accessories already commonly available.
Pros and Cons of EGO Fishing Mediium Wade Rubber Coated Mesh
Pros
- The Rubber Coated Nylon Mesh is gentle on fish, promoting ethical catch-and-release practices.
- Its Lightweight and Floating Design makes it easy to handle and prevents it from sinking.
- The Durable Aluminum Handle provides a sturdy and reliable grip.
- The Innovative Grip Design ensures a secure hold, even with wet hands.
- The 11″ Elastic Adjustable & Removable Tether keeps the net secure and accessible.
Cons
- The 11″ Handle Length might be too short for some anglers, particularly those fishing from high banks or using it in deeper waters.
- While durable, the rubber coating on the mesh could eventually wear down with heavy use and exposure to sharp objects.
Who Should Buy EGO Fishing Mediium Wade Rubber Coated Mesh?
This net is perfect for wade fishermen, kayak anglers, and anyone who values lightweight gear and practices catch-and-release fishing. It is ideally suited for trout anglers, bass fishermen, and other anglers targeting medium-sized fish. Someone looking for a longer handled net should skip this product.
A good pair of fishing pliers or forceps would be useful accessories to pair with the EGO Fishing Mediium Wade Rubber Coated Mesh. A magnetic net release could also be added for even easier access.
Conclusion on EGO Fishing Mediium Wade Rubber Coated Mesh
The EGO Fishing Mediium Wade Rubber Coated Mesh is a well-designed and thoughtfully executed fishing net that delivers on its promises. Its combination of lightweight construction, durable materials, and fish-friendly features makes it a valuable asset for any angler. At $63.99, the price is justified by the net’s quality, durability, and functionality.
I would wholeheartedly recommend this net to anyone looking for a reliable and ethical landing solution. The EGO Fishing Mediium Wade Rubber Coated Mesh is an investment in both your fishing experience and the well-being of the fish you catch. Go grab one and make your next fishing trip more enjoyable!