Net Gains
Nets that will keep you coming back for more

by Frank Martin

Split Bamboo Landing Net
Bamboo Net Company
If you like cane rods, wait until you try and feel a cane landing net! It’s the perfect complement for the fisherman who can’t seem to get enough bamboo in his life. And it’s surprisingly strong and light and stylish!

Located in Lincoln, Nebraska, The Bamboo Net Company carries new Split Bamboo Landing Nets made completely out of bamboo. Pound for pound, they’re stronger than steel, yet extremely lightweight and elegant.

The frames are made entirely of bamboo—split, planned, formed, heat treated, glued and varnished. Just like your favorite cane rod. The handles are smooth and rounded in a way that fits perfectly into the palm of your hand. And it’s large enough to provide leverage as you slide your net under a fish.

Rather than the traditional screw-in eyelet for a release attachment, these nets feature a solid brass tang, mortised and pinned right into the bamboo handle. A nice detail that keeps it from breaking or ripping out.

The nets come in three different models, with prices ranging from $59 to $79. It’s the perfect gift for the angling purist on your list. And get one for yourself while you’re at it!
To learn more, contact Lee Koch at 866-505-4520. Or visit: www.bamboonets.com (They also make cane rods, for those in the market).

Never Lie Net
Orvis
New from Orvis this year is the Never Lie Net, which boasts the same great feel and look you’d expect from Orvis, yet with a new twist—imbedded in the handle is a handy ruler for measuring your fish from tip to tail. The ruler extends to give you room to measure those trophy catches, as well as the smaller guys. It’s a great idea, and simple to use.

The nets come in two sizes: a 20” (13” x 7 3⁄4 bow), and a 23” (16 1⁄4 x 9 1⁄2” bow). And they’re made from beautiful cherry wood with a fish-friendly mesh netting. With a price of just $98, the Never Lie Net is definitely a keeper! To inquire about the new Never Lie Net, contact Orvis at 888-235-9763. Or online at www.orvis.com.

The Measure Net
JTA Products
Relatively new on the scene, JTA Products is offering some of the best-priced nets on the market—several for under $35. And there are a host of options to choose from. “The Travel Net” folds up to fit into a bag or briefcase, and extends to a full 25” when using. A very unique idea—and priced at only $27.

The “Large, Long Handle Aluminum Net” comes with a telescoping handle that begins at 33” and extends all the way to 42” in length. Great for boating or netting a fish from the shore. Price on that one is only $27 as well. They also carry a “Small Aluminum Net” for just $17.75, and a “Medium Aluminum Net” for only $21. And all of these come with a patented ruler built right into the mesh netting. You don’t even have to take your fish out to measure it—just note the marks from tip to tail and figure the difference in your head. Even the most math-challenged angler can figure it out!

To learn more about the new Measure Nets, contact Jeff Abel (yes, that Abel!) at 888-JTA-PROD, or visit www.themeasurenet.com, to see their full line of products.

Custom Nets
Tropical Lightning
It’s hard to beat hand-crafted nets when it comes to beauty—and function. And few nets are crafted with the same care and quality that you’ll find from Tropical Lightning—a Hawaii-based wood product manufacturer. Greg Walker personally designs and builds each net, then stamps it with his own monogram. And the end result is a net that any angler would be proud to carry. Mine is hanging in the corner of my office, and it’s a thing of beauty, as much a piece of art as it is a functioning net.

Greg builds over 25 styles of handles, with 4 different types of net bags to choose from. And he uses hand picked, exotic hard woods—like Walnut, Maple, Mango, Koa, and Cocobolo (whatever that is!). Greg combines these woods in numerous in-laid combinations to give each net he makes a unique look and feel. Greg can also custom-make a net—all you have to do is ask. Best of all, his nets are extremely affordable! Prices range from $80 to $150—a true bargain when you consider the work that goes into each net he makes.
You can contact Greg Walker at 808-387-1245. Or visit his website at www. tropicallightning.com.

Nymph, Land & Release Net
Signature Concepts
Signature Concepts is best known for their fish-friendly approach to net building. This time last year they caught our attention with their patented rubberized net bags—one of the best and lightest on the market. This year they sent us one of their newest Nymph Nets to try out, and once again, we have to tip our hat to them. It’s not only functional and sturdy, but light and easy to use. And stylish!

The Nymph, Land & Release Net is built with a three-piece net bag that includes an insect screen bottom for catching and viewing emerging nymphs during the hatch. Great for helping with your fly selection. And its shovel-style frame allows you to go deep into the riffle when searching for a hatch. But it also serves as a quality Catch and Release net, with a bag that allows the fish to swim freely while being confined in the net. That means less trauma for the fish—which is always our ultimate criteria.

Like all Signature Nets, the handle is made with a sturdy ash wood bow and a Walnut handle—a sleek and handsome design. If you only carry one net, this is a great one to consider. This net comes in three different sizes, from 20” to 38”, and is priced extremely reasonable—from $44.75 to $77.75.

To learn more, contact Jeff Henry at 518-884-9312. Or e-mail: sigconcept@aol.com.