If you’re looking for a vintage fishing landing net or keep net with an old-school aesthetic, you’re likely interested in classic designs made from traditional materials like wood, bamboo, or cotton mesh. Here’s a breakdown of what you might be searching for:
1. Vintage Landing Nets
- Materials: Wooden or bamboo handles, cotton or hemp netting, brass fittings.
- Design: Often collapsible or with a fixed frame, sometimes with a rubberized net bag (later designs).
- Use: Ideal for catch-and-release or traditional angling styles.
- Where to Find:
- Antique shops, flea markets, or online (eBay, Etsy, specialized fishing forums).
- Brands like Hardy, Farlow, or Pezon & Michel made classic landing nets.
2. Old-School Keep Nets
- Materials: Cotton or nylon mesh, wooden or metal frames, sometimes with metal rings.
- Design: Long tubular nets with a closed end, used to hold fish temporarily in the water.
- Use: Common in match fishing or coarse fishing (now often replaced by modern, fish-friendly mesh).
- Where to Find:
- Vintage fishing gear sellers, UK/Euro-based antique dealers (keep nets were big in British match fishing).
3. Modern Reproductions
If you want a new but retro-style net, brands like:
- Daiwa (traditional series)
- Leeda (heritage gear)
- Handmade artisans on Etsy/eBay
Restoration Tips
- If buying an old net, check for rot in wooden handles and weak stitching in the mesh.
- Re-net with modern, fish-safe materials if using for actual fishing.
Would you like help identifying a specific net or recommendations for a particular fishing style?