Custom Landing Nets
When I start the process of constructing a new net, I analyze the piece of wood that I've chosen until the inspiration strikes.
Other times I need to let my inspiration simmer for a while, every piece of wood is different and unique.
Working with the grains and knots of the wood can make creating something complicated. Hit the wrong spot, and you'll have to start all over.
Below you will find some of the steps we take when constructing your one-of-a-kind fishing net, built by Hopper's Hoops.
Even if we build a net with a similar style or shape as one we've built before, a beautiful piece of wood makes each one unique.
Wood Selection
When I select a piece of wood off the shelf, I know that it has been waiting to come to life. How I cut it not only brings it to life, but the way I cut it produces its integrity!
At Hopper's Hoops we want our nets to last. We want them to be something special that can be passed down to a family member or friend; along with all the fishing stories that the net holds. Our nets are not like cookies that are stamped out with the same cutter, but are more like a piece of art that is beautiful and durable. In addition, adds to that picture of that beautiful trout.
There isn't one way to build a net. If your techniques and methods produce a quality product, then you're good to go. If you want to make a statement, then don't be afraid to think outside the box. Break a few woodworking rules if that's what it takes to make a net that makes you say, "Wow!".
Crafting
We have a variety of sizes available, though these are custom nets; they do come with some limitations due to working with a natural substance. To see what sizes are available, please go to our Shop page.
We have access to a variety of local and imported hardwards. Some are aged and some are brand new. My father gifted several pieces of burl wood that he had stored carefully for many years. I took that wood and made it into a beautiful net. He would have loved it! And now I can be reminded of him with every catch.
Perhaps you have a piece of hardwood that has a special meaning that you would like to be incorporated into a net. Let's talk and see what we can come up with.
If there is any sort of delay in production, we sometimes have to wait for a shipment to come in. But we will do our best to keep in contact with updates as soon as we have that information available. The usually time line for production is 2-3 weeks.
Finishing Coats
Once the handle and the hoop are complete, it's time to apply the finish. We start with applying three coats of a good quality Danish oil. This not only soaks into the grains of the wood but also gets down into the holes for the net which allows us to sew the net in place. The Danish oil also has a small amount of varnish, which gives us a compatible starting coat to join the final 4-5 coats of Spar varnish. We make sure to scotch-brite between each layer of varnish to ensure we are giving the smoothest surface.
Netting
Rubber nets are the best! They prove to be less likely to get that wild hook caught up in it, unlike the fibers of a polyblend netting. They are also much gentler on the fish. But we can provide either type of netting, pending the availability for the size of net requested.
Our nets are hand sewn into the hoops with a Dutch-made multi-ply nylon string. While giving us a strong bond, it also comes in several different color options. This is beneficial since the type of wood also ranges in colorings.
