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Creating Your Own Custom Landing Net
There are so many possible combinations that often people have difficulty making a final selection. To help you choose a net, I have designed this section with pictures to illustrate the different options. Your choices can be broken down into four separate elements: first the handle length, second the handle style, third hoop size, fourth hoop shape, and fifth net bag preference. After selecting each of these basic elements, go to wood choices and continue your selections. If you wish, you may also add custom features. I will be glad to assist you with your decisions.
I. Handle Lengths:
*Short handles are approximately 8-10 inches. This is my most popular length. It has the advantage of being compact when walking through streamside brush, around. and over obstacles.
*Long handles are approximately 12 inches. This length is popular for fishing rivers where wading is difficult and mobility limited when landing a fish.
*Other custom longer lengths can be arranged.
II. Select a handle shape: The shape of a handle is very personal. Pick a shape that pleases your eye. All handles are profiled by hand to maximize the comfort during use.
III. Hoop Size: The next step is to choose a hoop size.
- To give you an idea of the relative size of the hoop dimensions to each other, here is a picture of three hoops in "large", "standard" and "small" side by side. The "large" size is used for canoe nets or as a large carry net, that will still fit comfortably across the back of an average sized person. The "standard" size is a good choice for the typical fly fishing angler. These nets are sturdy and will handle trout up to 20 inches without difficulty. The "small" hoop is best for small streams with fish that are measured by their beauty not their inches.
IV. Hoop Shape: For each hoop size you have a choice of shapes. Again this is a personal preference. I suggest you pick the shape that is most pleasing to you.
- This first group are the shape choices for the large sized hoops. These shapes are the "Steelheader" (A) and the "Classic Canoe Net" (B) on the Net Styles page. These are about 42 inches in circumference (approximately a 14" X 13" hoop).
- These are my "standard" size hoops. They measure 36 inches in circumference (approximately 9" X 13").
Net "C" is the "traditional" shape hoop. Nets "D" and "E" are progressively more rounded. Net "D" is the Eastern Style and net "E" is the Friar Style. All are featured on the Net Styles page.
- This last group is the smaller hoops which measure 33 inches in circumference (approximately 8" X 10"). They are the "Brook Trout" (F) and "The Friar" (G) on the Net Styles page.
V. Net Bags: You have a choice of a catch and release or traditional net bag. The catch and release bag is a soft woven nylon that is the least abrasive choice and gentlest to the fish. The traditional bag is a knotted nylon bag and is chosen by people who prefer the more traditional appearance and is best for display nets.
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