Selling your used fly fishing gear can encourage someone else to get into the sport who might not have the funds to buy new gear. Before you list something for sale online, however, you want to ensure that it's in good condition. While there can occasionally be a market for as-is products, fly fishing is a refined sport that typically requires gear that is well maintained. One thing that you might be thinking about selling is your net — something that is integral to getting a fish off your hook and into your hands. Here are some ways to check that your used net is suitable for sale.
No Holes In The Mesh
The biggest thing to look for before you sell fly fishing gear is that the mesh itself is in pristine condition. Whether you've used the net to help you land a dozen fish or hundreds of fish, the net may have considerable use. Be meticulous in checking each loop of mesh to ensure that they all have integrity. A net with a tear in the mesh is ineffective as a tool for a fly fishing enthusiast. If your mesh is rubber, rather than material, assess the condition of the rubber. If it's too old or has been exposed to the sun too much, it may appear brittle. In this case, you shouldn't sell it.
The Lanyard Has Integrity
Equally important in a fly fishing net is the lanyard that extends from the handle. When you're fly fishing, you must be able to carry all of your gear on your person. Unlike fishing from a boat, where you can set your gear down around you, fly fishing enthusiasts attach their various pieces of equipment to their bodies. For starters, the lanyard has to be present, rather than missing. It should also be strong and securely attached to the handle of the net, rather than loose.
Smooth Wood Throughout The Handle
Many fly fishing nets have handles that are made of wood, so you'll want to run your hands carefully up and down the handle to ensure that it's in good shape. Over time, the finish on the wood can wear off, and this leaves the wood vulnerable to damage from the water. Given that the net spends much of its life wet, the wood can begin to soften, rot, and splinter. A net that could leave an angler with a sliver or otherwise be unpleasant to grasp is of little value, so you want to only sell a net with a smoothly finished handle.
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