Next Project: Build a wooden landing net

I made a landing net from a kit over 30 years ago.  The kit was purchased at the World Fishing and Outdoor Exposition at Rockland Community College.  The kit consisted of a frame, net, line for attaching the net and a French Clip for carrying the net.

Besides buying the net, that was the exposition where I almost met Lee Wulff.  I heard that he would be there, but I was still stunned when he entered the main building.  I was sitting in the bleachers near the casting pool area just taking a break and suddenly there he was.  He was walking by with a small group of people and all I had to do was stand up, extend my hand and introduce myself – I froze!  All I could do was watch my fly fishing hero walk past.

French Clip

As for the net - the frame was already constructed with the holes drilled for attaching the net.  All I had to do was sand, stain and varnish the net and then attach the French clip. 

Rainbow on a DFB Sparkle Stone

It was an easy way to get a really nice, semi-custom landing net.  And, it’s served me well for over 30 years.

The net is designed for trout.  The opening is a narrow teardrop shape 15” long, 8” wide and the net bag is now 12 inches deep. 

My net against my Orvis vest

 
I replaced the net bag about 16 years ago.  The original cotton net had pretty wide openings and got a few snags and after re-tying too many holes, I replaced it with a “catch and release” style poly net that is still in great shape.

Original net bag under a Brown and Brookie 

I don’t always use a net – I've learned that if you can cradle the fish belly up they usually calm down and you can easily unhook and release.  But, sometimes you need a net. 

I use this net strictly for trout.  While I've fished for Steelhead for years, the only time I ever used a net on steelhead is when fishing from a boat.  When fishing a stream or river, I usually just lead them to the shore.  But, I’m not sure that is best for the Steelhead, so I thought I’d build a wooden landing net for Steelhead with the latest rubber catch and release net bag.  

Since I tie flies, build rods and build fly benches – why not a net?

I started doing some research online, and it may take a while to get this thing off the ground and under a Steelhead.  I welcome any info on making a wooden landing net, and I’ll keep you posted on my progress.  

Good fishing!