IF concerned with the candle maybe do like I do with most my yard tools with stupid chinsy handles...... PVC sleeve. I've killed sooooo many rakes. lol
I use a Fishing landing net.
Pan shaped net. Ie flat bottom rather than long deep cone or v shape.
I dont use a handle. I just get my arms in and watch out But if you use a handle and rest the handle anywhere with weight in it then it will likely snap as your creating a pressure point rather than letting the whole handle flex and distribute the weight/pressure throughout the handle.
You could also try using a shorter handle.