musky cradles

[deadboi77]

any input on these?
i recently bought one from musky shop and was just wondering how well they work and such.
i already have a beckman net.
any input would be appreciated
thanks

[dlw681]

Just my opinion stick with the Beckman much easier...I tried a cradle about 15 years ago after losing a big fish that would not cooperate I gave it away. The Beckman with the large pigpen bag works for me.. and I can run the net by myself!!!

[Deadduck1]

If you remeber back on the whole (when to net'em post) Everyone pretty much came to the understanding of net them as fast as is safe for the fish. It might be tuff to cradle a green fish. As long as you and the fish are safe, roll with it.

[Duke]

Cradles do serve a nice purpose, but as the boys have stated that purpose is not in landing fish... After your fish is landed and unhooked the cradle can be a great place to get good length and girth measurements, photos, and if someone ever had to get a weight (like when you hook that world record!), the cradle is the best place to do that too.

[edalz]

I was out on St. Clair last year with the guide Steve Kunnath and we lost a 48"-50" fish that was half in the cradle and then went crazy. That's musky fishing but I'll stick with my net in the future.

[jasonvkop]

i agree with Duke. I think ive seen Marc Thorpe do that. Lands and unhooks the fish in the net and then measures and releases the fish from a craddle.

[hemichemi]

I was out on St. Clair last year with the guide Steve Kunnath and we lost a 48"-50" fish that was half in the cradle and then went crazy. That's musky fishing but I'll stick with my net in the future.

I talked to Steve at the Banquet, and he said he was not going to be using the cradle anymore....

[edalz]

I was out on St. Clair last year with the guide Steve Kunnath and we lost a 48"-50" fish that was half in the cradle and then went crazy. That's musky fishing but I'll stick with my net in the future.

I talked to Steve at the Banquet, and he said he was not going to be using the cradle anymore....

I am on his schedule for a St. Clair charter for June 10th and we will see what he uses.

[Muskie Medic]

I lost a huge fat Lake macatawa fish a few years back to a cradle, last time i ever used one, I love the Beckmen fin saver net...
Todd

[hemichemi]

I am on his schedule for a St. Clair charter for June 10th and we will see what he uses.

He mentioned to me he was looking at getting the biggest Stowmaster folding net, because he liked the idea of its small size when stowed. Let us know, though!

[Muskie Medic]

Another couple of draw backs on the cradle. If your fishing solo u really cant use a cradel yourself you need a second body, and Its a good way to get pitched out of a boat in rough water, sense it invoves you pearching over the edge of the gunwales...
Tf

[finlander]

...a few years back out of that material that football jerseys are made of, JoAnne's Fabrics sold it. Pinched it between two 1 x 2's, those screwed together. Loved it as far as it didnt take up space. I gave it to the owner of Birch Island Lodge the last trip up. Now I have a Beckman and boy does it take up alot of room. Too many things can go wrong with use of a cradle. It is a two person deal. If you are fishing by yourself, use a net. I thought if someone could hang a sling from the edge of the boat or from an oar lock, and have a rope to pull it closed after leading the fish in, it might work for a single person.

[Steve S]

I have the big Stowmaster and love it, dosen't take up much room in the boat, fold the net down, pull the handle back and your good to go in seconds.

Steve

[deadboi77]

...a few years back out of that material that football jerseys are made of, JoAnne's Fabrics sold it. Pinched it between two 1 x 2's, those screwed together. Loved it as far as it didnt take up space. I gave it to the owner of Birch Island Lodge the last trip up. Now I have a Beckman and boy does it take up alot of room. Too many things can go wrong with use of a cradle. It is a two person deal. If you are fishing by yourself, use a net. I thought if someone could hang a sling from the edge of the boat or from an oar lock, and have a rope to pull it closed after leading the fish in, it might work for a single person.

i was thinking of building something like that.have it basicly "lock" on to the side of the boat and some rope to close it.
but after looking at those stowmasters,i might pick one up.because as said,that beckman is huge

[finlander]

...maybe I'll slice the hoop on the big ol' Beckman and install a couple of hinges or sleeves.....