Upstream Medium Wide Mouth

Our original model, the Upstream is the perfect all around fishing net. 

Check out the standard teardrop shaped version here.

All of our bamboo fishing nets are hand crafted to order by JD Berry with bamboo that grows right here in the Carolinas.

Hoop Dimensions: 14"x19"
Basket Depth: 12"
Short Handle Length: 6"- 8"
Standard Handle Length: 8"- 12"
Long Handle Length: 12"- 16"

Looking for a different size? If you would like something smaller, check out the Pocket Water or the Blue Line.

Need something bigger? The Downstream might just do the trick!

For longer handles (i.e. boat or guide lengths), give us a shout at hellbendernets@gmail.com. JD loves custom requests!

Check out this leather and rare earth magnet net tether and keep your net safe by your side for years to come!

Features:

• Hand crafted in South Carolina, USA
• Made with Carolina bamboo (always!)
• 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. Made in the USA by a fly fisherman, for fly fishermen!

We offer net basket replacements! Send an email to hellbendernets@gmail.com and we'll get a quote started for you.

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The story of Hellbender Nets straight from the horse's mouth:

"For years I had worked on several different bamboo projects and learned a ton of new and different skills along the way. I was finishing a tray for my sister when a fly fishing buddy showed me his new carbon fiber net. It was the first time I had seen a rubber bag and I loved that the fly didn't get stuck in the netting. In fact I had recently stopped using a net altogether because of the frustration of removing a hook from a nylon bag.

Handling that net caused a classic "aha" moment. I needed one for myself and bamboo seemed like an obvious choice. If I can make something, I'm not likely to go out a buy it. I had to at least try to apply my bamboo skills to craft a fishing net with a rubber net bag.

Bamboo is incredibly strong and flexible. It grows abundantly where we live. It's nearly impossible to drive for five miles in any direction without seeing a stand. Multiple 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.

I wondered if someone was already doing it, but after a pretty thorough search it became apparent that no one was. I wondered why. Was there something I was missing? So I made a prototype, used it, then came back and tweaked it a little.

So that's pretty much the same net you see today. It simply worked. I fished that net for a couple of years and along the way made maybe a half dozen more for friends and family.

Our first model was called the mountain trout net and did better than we could have expected from the very start. Fast forward two years and we now have several different sizes to choose from with countless options to really make it your own. I have a hard time sitting still, so you can rest assured there are even more design ideas on the way.

The best adjective I can think of to describe the way these nets feel in the hand is nimble. Other nets can feel clunky because they aren't able to flex. The bamboo frame 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. At I write this, 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. I've made 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.

Cheers and Tight Lines,

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