Gear Review: The Updated Lunker Net from Rising

The updated Lunker Net is great for big trout, bass, carp, or anything else you want to catch. Photo: Will Rice

When I searched my photo library for nets, I realized there are only a few things I photograph more: my wife, kids, and carp. On warm days you can leave your waders at home, and during a good hatch you can get away without your streamer box. A big net, though, comes with me every single day.

Ol’ Reliable

From 2017 until last year, the original Rising Lunker Net was always at my side. It landed some of my personal bests, took more than a few beatings, and even served as a wading staff when I needed balance, without having to admit I am getting old and I need a wading staff. That aluminum frame could take anything. There were downsides, though. The rubber bag broke down and occasionally blew out, and while it was easy enough to replace, it failed too often. I wrapped the hoop with paracord on a tip from my buddy Ivan, which helped. The other gripe was the handle. The knurling had grip, but it was rough enough that it chewed through the net sleeves on my packs.

The author’s old Lunker required frequent repairs and had an uncomfortable grip. Photos: Rick Mikesell

Grip and Strength Without the Sharp Edges

This year, Rising released an updated version. They kept what worked and fixed what did not. The frame is still bombproof aluminum, the size is still just right for everything from big trout to bass, and the color options remain. Starting at $179.99, it is a net that will survive just about any abuse you can throw at it.

The handle is the biggest upgrade. Instead of sharp knurling, it is now a rounded rectangle that feels good in hand and does not roll around as much when carried in a sling. The updated coating gives grip without the abrasion. Even with the upgrade, the handles are still modular, so you can swap between 10, 24, and 38 inches depending on your preference. All the handle lengths now float, a big upgrade if you accidentally drop your net out of the boat.  Each has a lanyard attachment point in the end cap, and like the rest of the net, they are machined and finished in Utah, 100 percent American-made.

“I’m not old enough to need a wading staff!” Luckily, the Lunker does the job when necessary. Photo: Will Rice

So far, the bag system seems to be better, as well. I swapped in the XL bag for bigger fish, and it was simple to do. One Phillips screw frees the hoop, and threading the loops back on is straightforward. So far it has held up through plenty of bushwhacking and a few extreme stretch tests with big fish.

The only thing missing in the updated version is the hidden flask in the handle. It was fun to celebrate a memorable fish or the end of a great day with a “net shot,” but I will take a better grip and tougher bag over that any day. The handle still works great as a wading staff when things get slippery.

The XL bag can accommodate even this chunky carp. Photo: Rick Mikesell

Where It Counts

Rising’s updated Lunker Net keeps the toughness and sizing that made the original so popular, while making real improvements where they were needed. The modular Cobbletech handle is a huge improvement. It may not pour whiskey anymore, but it is a better net where it counts.

Check Out Rising’s New Line of American Made Landing Nets