I’ve been using a Belmont net for the past 20 years or so, the original bag was replaced when knots became unacceptable and apart from a little lubrication it just carries on.

Over the years Sharpe’s have tweaked the design, so they tell me. Hmm. The only difference I can find is the head of this net is held in place by slight tension when the net is closed. Actually, that’s a nice touch, and simply involved changing the position of the bolt holding the head in place. Flick the net open and the spring-loaded collar locks in place, pull the collar back and it re-folds.

This is the telescopic version of the Belmont. Pull the handle for long and don’t for short! Retracted, the Belmont is long enough for most bank fishing, extended it becomes a first-class boat net. While bulkier than a collapsing net the rigid head can be pushed in to weed and shoved under fish that bit more positively – ideal for night fishing. Utterly reliable. A classic piece of tackle.


• Price from £44 depending on the version
• From Sharpe’s stockists