That net looks awesome! Makes my re-worked net look pretty ghetto.

While I'm not in the market for a 3 figure net, I had almost bought a $10 mesh one but I decided to ask about it on here and nearly everyone said to save up for a rubber one. So I spent the extra on the frabil wooden framed rubber net and it just came in, hopefully I'll get to test it this week but it seems like people were right, a good net is worth the money.

I bought a Sierra Net as a gift for my husband. They're beautiful and they WORK. I think I use it more than my husband. I highly recommend it! And they're unique, the craftsmanship is superb. The guy that makes the Sierra Nets is obviously a skilled fisherman and a master wood worker. Anyway, love ours! Keep on Fishin' on!

I gave my dad a handmade net similar to that about 20 years ago. He still uses it. It had the same burl maple, but instead of wenge, it had a piece of cherry sandwiched between two pieces of walnut. I believe the actual net material was nylon, so may have to upgrade him to a rubber one this Father's Day.

Buckhunter, I have never heard of a "Net required" waters here in California, but I sure wish most were. Inevitably, when I don't have a net, the slimy worms slip out of my grasp and POP! goes the tippet along with a $2 fly in the mouth of the trout. Nothing makes me feel worse.
KD, that net definitly chose you! I too loved the line, "from hunter to healer..."

The photo at the top doesn't do justice to the impeccable work and craftsmanship of Greg's nets. Some of the custom nets have magnets embeded for the vest hook-up. different patterns, lengths, width, never a copy...always original. He's a member of flyfishingaddicts.com and often comes to our events, sandpaper and net in hand. He sits chatting while working the wood, not placing them on a jig. Everything is done as an art form. Go to his website and check this stuff out. These nets are like fine hand made bamboo rods... one of a kind.

Fishfreak,
You are right about the little fish. They wiggle so much that nets are necessary to keep from pinning them against your shirt or squeezing them too hard. Most people relate nets to big fish only but I feel it's even more important for the little guys.

What part of CA do you fish?

I have looked at all the custom net makers around. I thought about making one myself, but then figured it wouldn't be worth my time and effort to make a substandard net when I just just pay a few hundred and get one exactly how I want it and perfectly made. I'm guessing it will be an xmas present down the road.

A good net is a great tool, even for the smaller fish. It helps you handle them less and reduce the stress while your with them. Recently lost my fairly new Brodin Ghost on the White River - Damn! Thought I was going to have that net for a long time. Think I'll probably get the same kind when I do replace it. Thanks for the post Kirk.

Buckhunter, I like to fish the Eastern Sierras, but also fly fish salt and some of the local mountain waters near LA.

Wildandfree, Always put a lanyard of some sort on your net. Sierra nets sells a nice one of stainless steel and paracord here: http://www.sierra-nets.com/CMS-Sierra/index.php?page=Lanyards-Dummy-page

Jmshackelfo, the newer rubber/plastic nets are easier(Less abrasive) on the fish's slime coat. Hooks will not get hung up like in a cotton net-this is my favorite characteristic, and the reason they were devised in teh first place. They also dry off with a quick shake, and do not retain a fishy smell. Those are the main attribute IMO, but some say the clear rubber doesn't scare fish. I disagree. In my experience, the fish sees the rim regardless of the net color, and it's are already in a state of distress, so they usually freak out.