REVIEW: Fishpond Nomad Hand Net

What happens when you blend a traditional trout net with modern technology and some artistic paintwork? You wind up with one very attractive net!

Lets take a look at the new Nomad series of nets from Fishpond.

IMPRESSIONS

When I first saw this net sitting on the shelf of the tackle store, I knew I just had to have it! Its striking design and colour scheme have more in common with a tennis racket than your tradition wooden trout net. After admiring its beauty, its not until you pick it up that you notice just how light weight it is which is a result of the carbon fiber frame.

FEATURES

• Carbon Fiber & Fiberglass composite
• Waterproof/weatherproof & buoyant
• Clear rubber net bag included
• RiverKoat finish (Rubberized paint for the greatest grip when wet)

APPLICATION

The net would be applicable for all styles of fishing, however is most suited to those anglers on foot, who need net that won’t add unnecessary weight when hiking and wading rivers/ streams. Although primarily designed for freshwater, it would excel in saltwater applications as (apart from the clasp on the lanyard) there are no metal parts to corrode.

CONSTRUCTION & FINISH

One of the first things you notice on this net is its quality build and finish. The carbon fiber/fiberglass frame is extremely rigid, even under pressure it does not show signs of twisting or warping.

The upper 2/3rds of the net feature a high gloss finish which accentuates the chocolate carbon fiber weave. The dark brown coloration blends in very well with the dark rocks and pebbles on the river/stream bed which aids in lack of detection by fish.

The bottom section is covered in a rubberized paint Fishpond call “Riverkoat” which is designed to increase grip when wet. Throughout the numerous trips we have used this net we have had no problems with regards to the net slipping or loosing grip with both wet and dry hands.

The clear rubber mesh, appears to be very high quality, and seems to be more durable than similar rubber meshed nets on the market. Replacement mesh bags are available should your original one get damaged or break.

The rubber mesh is tied in place via a cord which is recessed around both the inner and outer edge of the frame. The recess not only protects the cord from direct damage, it also makes it very difficult for it to get caught on things like tree branches or hooks.

The nomad hand net comes with an included colour matched lanyard and clip,which give you a few options when it comes to attaching it to things such as backpacks or fly vests. For the price it would have been nice to see an include quick release system though.

Don’t let the made in China stamp scare you off. This is a good example of the quality of products China is capable of producing under the right manufacturers.

IN THE FIELD

I have found the size of the net to be a fairly good compromise between usability and portability. The hoop size is large enough to accommodate all but the largest of trout our Australian rivers have to offer, yet small enough to be carried all day without being too cumbersome.

The carbon fiber/fiberglass construction makes the net very lightweight in the hand, with more weight coming from the mesh than the actual handle. The handle itself is hollow which allows the net to float, which is a handy feature, should it accidentally get detached.

The nets design and graphics are uniform on both sides, which means there is no “right or wrong” way up when landing fish.

CONCLUSION

The Fishpond Nomad net series is undoubtedly a very well made and thought out product, but is it worth the $219.00 price tag it carries? In terms of features, there is really not much this net does that any other net cant do, and for most weekend warriors the high price point will turn many to cheaper alternatives.

With that being said this product is not really designed with those anglers in mind. These nets along with the other products in the Fishpond range, make it evident that the company aims to target the higher end of the fly & lure market. With these anglers spending $1000’s of dollars on the latest and greatest rods/reels/lines/accessories, $200 on a net is not really that out there, especially for a product that is as well constructed, unique and visually pleasing as this.

PROS & CONS

WHERE TO BUY

The Nomad series of nets my fishpond are distributed by Mayfly Tackle. A list of Australian Fishpond stockists can be found here.