The Dick's Sporting Goods (assuming you live near one; they're like Walmarts out here in SE MA) chain has excellent fine mesh nets in their fishing section. They run $14 now, but I snagged mine for $8-9 each 5 or 6 years ago. The rim is O shaped and large, the net is deep, and the handle/rim are aluminum.
The only problem is, as John mentions below, finer nets like this collect tons of algae and detritus. This is problematic for the reasons he states, but I find these particular nets so useful, inexpensive, and hardy that I haven't switched yet. Mine have held up for over 5 years now through regular 10 mile hikes, blatant overuse, and my stupid habit of stubbornly wading through large patches of greenbrier to get to pools.
I should add that I'm not a professional, just a student, and not as experienced as many of the other members. A cosmopolitan, one-size-fits all net might serve me better than someone with a more specialized niche to study.
Chris
--- On Mon, 3/21/11, John Heilferty <John.Heilferty@dep.state.nj.us> wrote:
From: John Heilferty <John.Heilferty@dep.state.nj.us>
Subject: Re: [vernalpool] Recommendations for net
To: vernalpool@yahoogroups.com
Date: Monday, March 21, 2011, 4:01 PM
I've been very happy with simple long-handled aluminum "baitwell nets," believe mine are from Ben Meadows. The white 3/16 mesh net is small enough to catch all but the tiniest fairy shrimp or spring peeper larvae, but not so small that every bit of algae, detritus etc. clogs it up so you always have to hunt through debris to find anything you are looking for. That always bugged me about the kick-nets and "professional" sampling nets w/ ridiculously small pore sizes intended for invert sampling. They serve their purpose, but in a vernal pool, I just have never had the need to trap everything that small!
The baitwell nets hold up very well to thorns and abuse. The rectangular 13" X 13" metal net frame provides a good sample size, though can be limiting in tight shrubby areas. I like the 3 foot handle, which essentially results in a 4' net, but I don't see that online now(?). I'm sure it's there somewhere. The aluminum handle is light and - once wrapped in black duct tape - not aesthetically displeasing or uncomfortable! Have never had one bend or break. Doubles as a wading staff. Also apparently a 2' handle model (which would total approx 3') which might better suit your backpack needs. That one is only $15, I'm sure the 3' handle was equally affordable, which in the end is perhaps the best thing about these nets, especially for those of us with no budget!
Highly recommended! John
John H. Heilferty
Principal Environmental Specialist
Division of Land Use Regulation
NJ DEP
>>> jjose@ptd.net 3/21/2011 2:40 PM >>>
Looking for recommendations for a relatively inexpensive net with a suitable
mesh size for sampling pools for fairy shrimp and larval marbled salamanders
in early spring. A telescoping model that could fit into a backpack would be
nice. Thank you.
John Jose
Otter Creek Environmental Education Services
116 Perkins Pond Road
Beach Lake, PA 18405
T: 570-729-7288
Email: jjose@ptd.net <mailto:jjose@ptd.net%20>
Web: http://www.ottercreekenved.com/
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