I was fortunate enough to pick up a Vedavoo Netster earlier this season and wanted to give it a healthy number of outings, comprising many different fishing situations prior to giving a full evaluation. So here we are, well into the season now, with a multitude of streams and fishing adventures checked off the list. I figure it has been enough time now to divulge my thoughts on the Netster.

First things first, this darn thing is bulletproof; and it’s such a simplistic design that it most certainly falls into the “why didn’t I think of that?!” category. For as simple as the Netster is, it’s really the only one of it’s kind on the fly fishing market. Made in the USA from high end woven ballistic nylon, if you manage to rip this thing then you are definitely fishing in places beyond the realm of the average angler.

In my opinion, one of the best features of the Vedavoo Netster is the versatility. Unlike with magnetic attachments where hanging your net off the middle of your back or pack is the only option, the Netster can be positioned so that your net is exactly where you need it to be depending on your wants and needs. It can be directly in the middle of your back for vest and chest pack anglers or off to either side for sling pack fisherman. For guys carrying a full backpack of fishing and/or camera equipment, you won’t have to worry about taking your net off prior to accessing your pack. A simple slide along your wading belt and in a few seconds, your net is placed where you want it to be. One thing to be cognizant of; when wading aggressive, deep, or heavy currents, be aware that your net may act like an underwater sail and provide some resistance.  This extra pull can sometimes make wading more difficult. To rectify this I like to position my net on the downstream side of me when in strong current mid-waist or deeper just to fight off the water resistance a bit. When wading normal water or just walking, I like to place my net around the 4 o’clock position with a typical right-handed sling pack.

It will handle all sizes and variations of nets quite well too. Initially, I got it for a larger FishPond Tailwater net with a long handle, which it works phenomenally for, however I have also tested it out when fishing some smaller water with normal “stream” sized nets and it holds them equally well. Long handled nets will slide easily in and out of the Netster and once it is in it’s not coming out unless you somehow happen to find yourself in an upside down position. Another plus is that there is no fumbling around trying to reattach the net to the magnet hanging off your back somewhere. Once you are done with the net… just slide it back into the Netster and back to fishing you go. The Netster utilizes double connections in which you slide your wading belt through that are exactly like seat belt material or something you would find in a hunting safety harness for treestands. It is of the highest quality. I personally use a Simms neoprene wading belt which I feel is wider than most, coming in at just under 2 inches and it fits easily through the attachment points.

Another strong point when using the Netster is that it holds your net very flush against you. It is out of the way when walking through heavy brush and fishing at the same time, but is ready at a moments notice when the need arises. I have not used a net tether yet this season and have had zero issues so far. Your net is NOT coming out of the Netster unless you take it out, however, be aware that it is not connected to you once out so perhaps a few precautionary measures should be taken when handling fish. From normal early season fishing with waders or wet wading with just a belt, the Netster has been a great addition to my everyday assortment of necessary fly fishing gear.