Having worked in a number of fly shops over the years I have seen a lot of fishing nets.  Some works of art, some attempts at a work of art, and the majority that came from a factory in China.  In addition to landing and protecting a caught fish, a good net has the quality of outlasting almost all pieces of fishing equipment.  You might change rods, reels, lines, vests, waders, etc..., but purchase a handcrafted net and it will last a lifetime.  Over the last few months I have received a number of emails requesting I review a fly fishing net.  I spent some time looking around at whats out there and noted a number of characteristics that I look for in a good net.  First, the net has to function.  I'm not into equipment that just looks good nailed to a wall!  A good net should be straightforward and not laden with bells and whistles.  Second, the net must have a classic shape.  I'm a firm believer that some equipment evolves for the better and some evolves for marketing purposes.  I've always loved the shape of a teardrop or stretched hoop and so I stayed away from rectangular, round, or fish-shaped (yes they exist) nets.  Third, I wanted a net made out of high quality wood.  I have seen a number of nets that have beautiful workmanship, but are made from some of the most inexpensive and boring woods available.  Forth, I like a hand rubbed finish on a net.  Brushing on or dipping a finished net in varnish leaves way too much finish on the wood.  If you have ever seen a net finish that looks like it was modeled after a glazed donut then you know exactly what I mean.  Finally, I wanted a net with a rubber basket.  This goes to function for me.  I tend to get hook points stuck in nylon nets and rubber is very gentle on fish. 


Through a recommendation of a friend I checked out Otter Nets and after fishing with one for the last few weeks I believe I have found the last net I will ever use.  Otter Nets are made one at a time in Idaho and are constructed from 100% select figured domestic woods.  Additionally, all of the wood used in making an Otter Net is reclaimed lumber!  The nets can be ordered in five sizes, multiple wood configurations, two basket options, a built-in magnetic release, wave inlay and the list goes on... I ordered the Silver Creek model and requested the net with a rubber basket and dark wood.  Here is what I received:

There are a lot of nets on the market, but here is what sets Otter Nets apart from the rest:









In sum:  The Otter Net is exactly what I have been looking for in a net.  The figured wood and attention to detail really set these nets apart and I have never seen a nicer fishing net.  The form is straight-forward.  This is a fishing net not a net designed to sit on a shelf.  There are no fish-tail handles, slippery finishes, hemp netting, or fancy braids on these nets.  The beauty of my Otter Net is that the materials used and the design complement the function.  The wood is stunning, perfectly sanded, and finished with a non-glare hand rubbed finish that does not become slippery when wet.  For the same price as a standard Orvis net made in a factory you can get a custom order, American-made Otter net featuring highly figured woods and a level of craftsmanship that will last for many generations!  Otter nets can be custom ordered here: Otter Nets