I recently completed this Custom Fly Fishing Net for a sea captain on the East Coast. He wanted a nice burl handle with a favorite fly, the “Last Chance Cripple,” inlaid in brass into the handle.
The burl was stabilized before use and laminated over a piece of Maple to give it backbone. This custom commission was a challenge, as the tight radii on the hoop made bending multiple strips of curly maple (whick break easily) very tough. Each laminate is around .040” thick. The end result is a very strong hoop, especially with the darker and stronger Wenge in there. The net bag is clear rubber, and the finish is a proprietary hand-rubbed, 3 recipe, finish which is designed to be lustrous while bringing out the best in the wood and keeping it protected from the elements.
A lot of work went into this baby. I hope you enjoy. All pics were taken by me at my home on a Nikon D40x & 18-105mm lens.
This is the magnetic net release which I have been working on the design for, for months now. This magnet, encased in maple burl, will hold the net fast to your back until needed. I have a video here http://youtu.be/JMrBQCUFodMof how it works if you are interested in how it works.
Thanks for looking.
Greg