Bernard Venables Landing Net № 26.

This is a very fine and original Bernard Venables landing net. The American White Ash head is particularly finely grained and excellent. The original varnish finish is unmarked, protecting both the wood and the Indian ink inscriptions. The naval bronze Y-shaped block and stainless steel fittings are bright and clean. The knotless 1″ landing net mesh is also pristine. It was dyed by soaking it in Cuprinol for three weeks, which was standard practice in the mid-nineties, so it won’t rot.

The 6′ one piece handle is particularly well mottled and its varnish finish is perfect and original. It, too, is inscribed with the net’s particulars in Indian ink. The handle has its original tailor made bag with press stud fastening and a hanging loop.

I say this every time: This is as good as landing nets get, for all round fishing. The Venables net floats, this relieving you of arm strain. It won’t sag or break, even if you are rough with it. The design is so good and well proven that it can be used effectively for all your fishing, whether game or coarse, except for large carp, very large barbel and even larger pike. I’d use a Yates net for those, and for salmon, if you can find one. I wouldn’t use either the Venables net or the larger Chris Yates version for catfish because I’m not sufficiently perverse to fish for them.

Here is the original catalogue description:

Designed and built at the request of the late Bernard Venables, this pear-shaped net has a 6′ circumference, measuring 26″ front-to-back and 21″ side-to-side.  All but the largest fish can be landed comfortably in it. I used mine to land a one-time Kennet record barbel of 16 lbs 10 oz, but it was quite a snug fit. For chub, tench, perch and other less colossal fish, this net is the perfect size.

The hand tied knotless (and fully legal) mesh has loops at the top through which the frame passes.  There is no seam at the bottom of the mesh, so it expands to accommodate the fish.  The 1″ mesh size allows the free passage of water, thus reducing drag.

The best straight-grained American white ash is used for the frame, which has a superb varnish finish and is inscribed in Indian ink The № 26 Bernard Venables Net. E. Barder Rod Co ~ makers 1995.

The specially cast naval bronze Y-shaped block is secured to the frame with flush-fitting stainless steel screws.

The 6′ detachable handle is made from seasoned, tempered and bored-out Tonkin bamboo.  It is straightened, beautifully mottled, and impeccably varnished.  There are brass fittings at each end, with a rubber button fitted to the butt. The handle is inscribed The № 26 Venables net. E. Barder Rod Co. 1995. The handle comes in a fitted bag with a hanging loop.

We don’t make nets at the moment and they don’t come up for sale very often. We pioneered the revival of this type of net at Bernard’s suggestion, and with his full cooperation. They remain the original and best. They are practical, beautiful and good for a lifetime’s use.