The No 5 Bernard Venables Landing Net & Handle.

As I state, rather firmly, every time I catalogue one of these nets, it really is the best all-round landing net available to humanity. Not cheap, but it took a great deal of time and effort to create.

It’s rigidity, pear shaped frame, 6′ long handle and knotless 1″ mesh takes all the faff and trouble out of landing a fish. If it’s a big one and your arm grows tired during the long minutes (or hours) of the man v fish contest, you can safely leave the net in the margin while you get both hands on the rod. This net floats! Unless you let it drift out into the stream, it’ll be there when the time comes. If you do take your eyes off it and a flood carries it away, as happened to my friend Gary last winter, you can drag the river a fortnight later and retrieve your net. Gary’s needs a new coat of varnish but it’s fine. Try that with the flimsy little articles you’ll find in your tackle shop.

Furthermore, the Venables net makes a strong statement both to your fellow anglers and the wary fish. Look, it says, here’s an angler with style, impeccable taste, skill and determination. Oh no, say the fish, there’s no escape.

We don’t make these nets any longer. Not because we don’t want to but because some of the materials required for their manufacture have become harder to obtain than affordable red Burgundy. So, sell a bottle or two from your remaining case of 1945 La Tache, buy a mansion in Mayfair and with the change, this landing net. You’d be crazy not to.

Here is the technical specification:

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.

The hand tied knotless 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 Bernard Venables Landing Net №5’ on one inside face and ‘Edward Barder Rod Co. MCMXCV’ on the opposite face.

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 comes in a fitted bag with a hanging loop and like the rods.

Please note: This Venables net has been fully refinished by us. The American white ash pear-shaped head has been impregnated and varnished. I refinished mine at the same time, which demonstrates that I use mine a great deal and there is everything to like in a refinished Venables net.