Copper & Bamboo: Fly Fishing Nets Come Back Down to Earth

I had been immersed in bamboo projects for years, tinkering and experimenting with the versatile material. It was during one of these endeavors, as I meticulously worked on a bamboo serving tray for my sister, that a friend from my fly fishing circle introduced me to his latest piece of gear – a carbon fiber fly fishing net with a rubberized catch and release net bag. I had never seen one like it before and the innovation immediately caught my attention; the idea that the fish we care so much about would be more likely to survive and that flies wouldn't snag in the net was a game-changer. Prior to this encounter, I had given up nets altogether due to the frustration of extracting hooks from nylon bags and the worry that I was harming the fish.

Being shown a more modern option triggered one of those classic light bulb moments in my life. It dawned on me that I had to have one for myself, and the notion of utilizing bamboo seemed like such a natural fit. After all, bamboo is not only abundant in our region but also renowned for its strength and flexibility. It has also been a classic material in fly fishing all the way back to the beginning. With plentiful and countless stands of bamboo right here in our backyard, the material practically begged to be transformed into a fly fishing net.

Eager to explore the potential of this idea, I scoured the internet, expecting to find others who had ventured down a similar path. Surprisingly, my search yielded no results. I decided to take the leap and start tinkering with a bamboo frame, copper to stitch the net bag in place, and a heavier gauge copper for a sturdy keeper ring at the end of the handle. Armed with my prior experience crafting with bamboo and fueled by curiosity, I set out to create a prototype.

The process was equal parts trial and error. Each version brought new insights, refining the design based on practical use, durability, and an attempt to make the net look as vintage as possible. Eventually, I arrived at a net that just felt right. It was lighter than any net I had ever held and it popped in pictures.

Encouraged by my own experience using the net, I began crafting them for friends and family, each one tailored to their own personal preferences. The positive feedback was overwhelming, and I kept hearing that I was onto something special.

Bailly, the other half of our little Mom and Pop team, poked and prodded me for months to try selling online. She finally convinced me, helped to bolster my confidence, and set up a modest website so we could give it a shot. Our inaugural model - the Mountain Trout - quickly gained traction, surpassing our wildest expectations. Excited and humbled by the enthusiastic feedback from our early supporters, we expanded our product line, introducing a range of sizes and customization options little by little.

What sets our nets apart is how nimble they are, the natural materials sourced from right here in Pickens County, SC, and the copper details. Our copper is even sourced from right over the mountains in Georgia. Unlike conventional nets, which can feel cumbersome and rigid, our bamboo frames flex with the movements of the fish, providing a more intuitive and connected fly fishing experience. It's a subtle yet significant difference that our customers notice and appreciate.

Several years in, we're still committed to ensuring that every fly fisher finds a net that suits their needs. Whether it's the choice of hoop size, handle length, or the bamboo finish, we strive to offer options that cater to each individual preference and need. One particularly memorable example from early on in our journey is the 48-inch handle, born out of a customer's request for better reach following back surgery. It's these little moments of customer-driven collaboration and brainstorming that fuel our passion for what we do and keep us going for the long haul of running a small handmade business. 

As a small Mom and Pop shop, we may not have the resources of larger manufacturers. What we lack in scale, we make up for in passion, dedication, and a hand crafted product that you can't find anywhere else. We're grateful for the support of our customers and the fly fishing community at large. Whether you choose to purchase from us or simply help spread the word, your involvement and support means the world to us.

Thank you for being a part of our journey.

JD & Bailly Berry

Hellbender Fishing Nets

Proudly hand crafted to order in Pickens County, SC