Pocket Water Small Standard Hoop

JD hand crafts each net to order with sustainable SC bamboo. He uses copper for both the stitching and keeper ring to make each net as beautiful as it is functional.

Check out our wide mouth option here.

Specs:

• Hoop Dimensions: 10"x15"
• Basket Depth: 10"
• Standard Handle Length: 6"- 9"
• Long Handle Length: 9"- 14"

For a more specific handle length, drop it in the notes section of your order, get a hold of us on social media, or shoot us an email.

Looking for something bigger? This is our smallest model, so the Blue Line, Upstream, or Downstream might work for you! 

This model is perfect for blue lining, backpacking, or any other fishing trip that requires a light and nimble net for targeting smaller species of fish.

• Flame cured for strength and durability
• Two distinct finish options
• Black or clear catch & release bag
• Copper stitching & keeper ring

This is a one of a kind, made to order item. Specifications may vary slightly due to the hand crafted nature of our nets.

We stand behind our craft. If something goes wrong, let us know and we'll make it right. Sustainably made in the USA by a fly fisherman, for fly fisher folk!

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Our Story:

For years JD experimented with bamboo and learned countless skills along the way.

He was finishing a bamboo tray for his sister when a fly fishing buddy showed him his new net. It was the first time JD had seen a rubber bag and he loved that the fly didn't get stuck in the netting. In fact he had recently stopped using a net altogether because of the frustration caused by nylon bags (not to mention the potential danger for the fish).

Handling that net caused a classic "aha" moment. JD felt a pull to use his bamboo skills to craft the perfect fishing net with a rubber net bag.

Bamboo is incredibly strong and flexible and grows abundantly where we live. It's nearly impossible to drive for five miles in any direction without seeing a stand. Many varieties grow in our region but not all are suited for net building. Some are too weak, but are great for trellising beans and cucumbers in the garden. JD spent countless hours testing different species until he landed on the best one for the job. 

Once he realized that it would work, he wondered if someone was already doing it. After a thorough search it became apparent that no one was. He wondered why. Was there something he was missing? He made a prototype, used it, then came back and tweaked it a little. When he landed on a design that felt right, the Hellbender net was born.

Our first model did better than we could have expected from the very start. Fast forward to today and you'll find several different sizes with countless options to really make it your own. JD has a hard time sitting still, so you can rest assured there are even more design ideas on the way.

In the words of the maker: "The best adjective I can think of to describe the way these nets feel in the hand is nimble. The bamboo flexes with the movements of the fish, which helps to absorb shock which is better for the fish and helps you feel more connected to your experience.

Ultimately we want our customers to have the opportunity to fish with a net that is matched to their specific needs and gets them excited to get out on the water."

Today we offer four different hoop sizes with the choice of a standard teardrop hoop shape or a wide mouth. They can be flamed to either a traditional finish, which is a golden look that pairs well with a bamboo rod or a darker flameburst finish which is darker and totally unique. In fact, every net is as unique as a fingerprint.

They can be fitted with either a black or clear net bag and the handle length is up to the customer. JD has created nets with handles as short as 5" and as long as 48". Shorter handles lend themselves well to hanging from a belt or pack/vest while longer handles are more easily stuffed into net holders or tucked behind a sling pack.

The 48" handle was originally requested by a gentleman who was recovering from back surgery and had a hard time bending down to net the fish. The extra long handle helped him stay on the river where he wanted to be.

Thank you for being here. Even if you don't buy from us, we appreciate your interest and would love it if you would spread the word about our little Mom and Pop shop.

If you have any questions, feel free to reach out. We're here and happy to help.

Cheers and Tight Lines,

Bailly and JD
Hellbender Nets
Est. 2021
Pickens County, SC
hellbendernets@gmail.com