Pocket Gill Net vs ASE Survival Gill Net
top ten:best gill nets
When venturing into the backcountry, reliable food procurement tools can be life-savers. For those prioritizing ultralight survival gear, gill nets offer a compact, passive fishing solution. We're pitting two popular contenders against each other: the Pocket Gill Net from 5col Survival Supply and the ASE Survival Gill Net from Best Glide ASE. While both aim to provide emergency sustenance, their specifications and design philosophies cater to slightly different survival scenarios. Our comparison will help you decide which net best fits your bug-out bag, survival kit, or long-term wilderness preparedness strategy, weighing factors like deployment, catch potential, and long-term viability against their footprint and cost.
Spec-by-Spec
| Spec | Pocket Gill Net | ASE Survival Gill Net |
|---|---|---|
| Product Name | Pocket Gill Net (5col Survival Supply) | ASE Survival Gill Net (Best Glide ASE) |
| Weight | Approx. 1 oz (28g) | Approx. 0.5 oz (14g) |
| Capacity/Size (Deployed) | Approx. 12 ft x 3 ft (3.6m x 0.9m) | Approx. 8 ft x 2 ft (2.4m x 0.6m) |
| Mesh Size | 1 inch (stretched) | 1.5 inch (stretched) |
| Materials | Nylon monofilament | Nylon monofilament |
| Price Tier | Low (under $10) | Low (under $10) |
| Warranty | Not published (standard retailer return policy) | Not published (standard retailer return policy) |
| Best Use | Survival fishing, small to medium-sized fish (panfish, trout) | Ultralight survival kit, larger fish potential, passive fishing |
| Portability | Extremely compact, fits in altoid tin | Ultra-compact, smaller than a business card |
| Durability | Good for emergency use, prone to tangling/snags if not handled carefully | Good for emergency use, very delicate, requires careful handling |
| Feature Highlights | Includes float and lead lines, ready to deploy, made in USA | Includes float and lead lines, extremely lightweight, made in USA |
Pocket Gill Net
Best for: Preparedness enthusiasts prioritizing catch potential and versatility in a compact survival kit.
Pros
- Ready to deploy with pre-attached floats and weights.
- Larger deployed size offers greater catch potential.
- 1-inch mesh is versatile for a wider range of smaller fish.
- Good balance of size and portability for a comprehensive kit.
Cons
- Slightly heavier and bulkier than the ASE option.
- Smaller mesh size might entangle smaller, less desirable fish.
- Requires careful untangling to avoid damage or frustration.
ASE Survival Gill Net
Best for: Ultralight backpackers and minimalist preppers who demand the absolute smallest and lightest gear.
Pros
- Unbelievably lightweight and compact, ideal for minimalist kits.
- Mesh size (1.5 inch) can target slightly larger fish.
- Ready to deploy with pre-attached floats and weights.
- Excellent choice for 'everyday carry' or micro survival tins.
Cons
- Smaller deployed size limits overall catch potential.
- 1.5-inch mesh might let very small fish pass through.
- Very delicate construction requires extreme care to prevent damage.
- Less durable for repeated use due to its ultralight design.
The Verdict
For overall versatility and a higher probability of success in a broader range of small to medium fish scenarios, the **Pocket Gill Net from 5col Survival Supply** edges out its competitor. Its larger dimensions and smaller mesh size mean more opportunities to catch a meal. However, if your absolute top priority is minimal weight and space – perhaps for an ultralight hiking kit, a micro survival tin, or an 'everyday carry' setup – the **ASE Survival Gill Net from Best Glide ASE** is undeniably superior. It sacrifices some catch potential and durability for an unparalleled footprint. Neither net is a long-term fishing solution, but as emergency food procurement tools, they excel in their respective niches. Choose based on your primary survival kit's philosophy: maximum utility versus ultimate minimalism.