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I just finished two nets out of Koa.
This wood is a dream to work with! You must see it to appreciate the amazing light refraction going on with this wood. People who use it swear it is the best species in the world for this feature; Hence, its out-of-this-world-price. After drooling over the ease of milling of this wood, I looked it up and found out that it's native only to the Hawaiian island chain and is scarce on all but the big isle. Furthermore, the best curl and color only comes from the trees growing between 3K & 6K feet! The Hawaiian Gov. has banned all trees from being cut unless they are deadfall. This tree was taken decades ago and my client had it stashed.

The nets are named "Alawaii" and "Aloha." Both were commissioned by a winter resident of Hawaii, and an Alaskan fly fishing guide in the Bristol Bay area during the summer. "Alawaii" is for him and "Aloha" is for his bride. The client supplied the highly curly Koa handles which he cut from a slab he had been saving for years. Curly Koa like this is becoming exceedingly rare, and very expensive. He was saving this for a very special occasion. Alawaii's hoop is Wenge, Mahogany and Teak. The net number and signature are inlaid Chrysocolla, a stone not unlike turquoise. You might notice I have started putting Brass, Copper, and Aluminum ferrules in the handle hole where the lanyard attaches to.

The Magnetic Net Release was custom made with a large rare earth magnet in curly Koa. That ensures a nice secure bond whilst running from grizzly bears! :)

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I build commissioned custom Fly Fishing nets out of some of the most amazing woods I can find. More of my nets can be seen here on my website. and here here on LJ.

If you would like to commission a custom Net, or would like more information on commissioning one, please contact me here my website.
I just happen to have a couple of nets for sale right now, which is a rarity. If interested, they can be found here.

These nets really are built to fish for generations. Don't believe me? See pics of lots of fish in Sierra nets here.

If you want to view the build video of these two nets, it goes through many steps of the build process, otherwise, finished pics follow this video.

This self-designed Magnetic Net Release keeps your net safely secured to your flyfishing vest's D-ring. It is made of fine Latigo leather, a rare earth magnet, a copper rivet, and a brass screw on the net side. The side that clips tou your person is a powerful rare earth magnet embedded in a piece of curly Koa and is faced with I have a video here if you would like to see the concept using my similar EXTERNAL Magnetic Net Release.

This self-designed Magnetic Net Release keeps your net safely secured to your flyfishing vest's D-ring. It is made of fine Latigo leather, a rare earth magnet, a copper rivet, and a brass screw on the net side. The side that clips tou your person is a powerful rare earth magnet embedded in a piece of curly Koa and is faced with I have a video here if you would like to see the concept using my similar EXTERNAL Magnetic Net Release.

Thank you for looking and for any comments!

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Comments

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370 Posts
Too beautiful for words!
Jim
 

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205 Posts
Awesome, man, simply awesome.

I've had a couple of nets on my todo list for some time… you have inspired me to push them nearer to the top of the list again… thanks for sharing
 

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841 Posts
Great net (as always) and incredibly beautiful wood!
 

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53 Posts
Beautiful work, beautiful wood.
 

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Thant is a very beautiful piece of art! I have been wanting to make one of these for my father for a very long time. Do you mind if I ask where you get the netting?
 

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156 Posts
You do some great work! Now I want to go fishin'.
 

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7,027 Posts
lucky you … to get the oppetunity to work
with such a beautyfull rare wood :)

Dennis
 

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224 Posts
Beautiful work. Quite a place of honor to work with such a rare and gorgeous wood. Your craftsmanship makes you well deserving.
 

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326 Posts
Your craftsmanship is superb! I love everyone of your nets!
 

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1,106 Posts
Beautiful nets and the figured Koa is absolutely gorgeous! The chatoyance of this wood is incredible and I've used it for some cane handles that show off the incredible grain. Great job!
 

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276 Posts
Un-freaking-believably-beautiful as usual!!!! My Lord man you are good! I won't regurgitate the previously mentioned compliments, you already know. OUTSTANDING! Truly professional presentation as well.
 

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Very nice piece of work! I came across your website last year and was inspired. It's very cool to see you on here. Is that a dotline bag?
 

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1,514 Posts
Beautiful wouldn't describe it! Where can one get koa? Is it a hard wood? Oily? I was thinking for custom reel seats for fly rods.
I've never caught a fish big enough to use a net. :(
 
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