Musky Nets - Hoop or Cradle?

[Connor Donovan]

For those who have gone with a guide or fish for them on their own time - what net do you recommend for landing Musky? 

The cradle?  A big musky-specific hoop net? of a combo of the two - hoop net first than transfer it to the cradle to revive if needed and release?

I'm curious to hear what you guys and gals have to say. 

Thanks in advance!

Connor

[BHelm]

Hey Connor-I have had much better experiences with a cradle. It can be a challenge guiding a pissed off, toothy esox into the relatively small opening in a cradle vs scooping it up with a hoop net, but once it is in I feel like the process of removing hooks and getting a quick photo is a lot easier on the fish. Cradles lessen the chance of "net damage" to the fish (scraping up the musky's scales on abrasive net material) and of your fly getting hung up in the net, lengthening the time you have the fish out of the water.

Check out this piece by Pete Maina for more info. http://www.petemaina.com/2011/06/for-the-love-of-muskies/ 

[Connor Donovan]

Awesome.  That article is a great resource, thanks for sharing!  I really appreciate the input.

Connor