Late in 2010 I was given the opportunity to review one of the
newer Fisknat Steelhead net models. At that time, I don’t think it had an
  official name, but now is known as the Grande Ronde. For the safe of this
  review, I will break my observations into categories to better help those
  researching the product produced by Bob and Shannan at Fisknat. In addition, please understand that I am not going to offer a lot of filler. You won’t read
 what it is made of and about its sleek clean lines because you can see all of
 this simply by visiting their website. I will say this about the net though… if
 you are looking for a piece of eye candy, or something that will look good on
 the water and in photos, Fisknat nets represent quality craftsmanship and
 beauty.   With that said, please allow me to share with you my unbiased field test results of a made in America piece of fishing gear that can accompany you for many years wherever you may find yourself on the water.

Field Testing

I think it should be noted at this time that Fisknat has
categorized the Grande Ronde as a boat net.   While I believe this must be the
ultimate wooden net for a boat netting big steelhead and other large gamefish,
it needs to be noted that this net was not tested from a boat during my season
of testing. Instead, it was tested
in a bit more abusive atmosphere and is found to work just as well outside the
boat.  I help operate the largest
fly – fishing guide service on the southern shore of Lake Erie where our target
species is Steelhead.  Unlike other
areas in the Great Lakes, most of our streams are best fished by walk and wade
techniques as opposed to floating. 
With that in mind, we must carry our nets with us along with rods, reels,
lunches and things of this sort. I
will say from experience that it is nice to have a net with a big 
bow, deep bag, and a considerable reach.  Those characteristics can often mean
the difference between a successfully landed fish or the frustration that
results from that one extra run that broke your client off. 
This net encompasses all of those things making it a lean, mean, fishing
grabbing machine!  I also must say
that while this net seemed big in the confines of my home, it was absolutely
perfect on the stream for what I do day in and day out! 
I have always carried my net in hand while guiding and this net was to be
treated the same.  Without
question, this net has been the best net I have used to date… not to mention the
most beautiful!  As for the
construction, I will say that it is an exceptional piece and is capable of
copious amounts of abuse! I have broken more nets than you can imagine in my
guide career and most were made of metal. 
I have snapped net bows on the stab by striking rocks on the bottom of
the river in the heat of the moment; I have broken handles and bows on the lift,
and had them snap after being stepped on by clients. 
I am happy to say that I have duplicated all of these scenarios with this
net and it has survived all such incidences in a years’ worth of guiding! One of the best attributes of this net
is its new reinforced handle.  I
believe that this attention to detail is the backbone and strength of this
net. The strength of this net  is awesome having held multiple doubles
at one time (all fishing being between 25---30” in length). 
That is at times between fifteen and twenty pound of fish at times and
this net handles it well!  Although
I am extremely happy and impressed with the performance  of
this net, there is one thing that some may not like about the Grande Ronde, and
that is size.  If you are the kind
of person not wanting to carry the net by hand, then a smaller net may be a
better option. I personally hope to get some time with Fisknat’s San Juan Guide
net or the Guide Pontoon net for this exact reason as I believe a direct
comparison will be very healthy for those who cross over from floating to wading
with any kind of frequency.  As
with any sport, there are personal preferences and nets are no different. That
being the case, I want to keep the focus squarely on what this net is, what it
is designed for and how it can be used, and give it a score based on the use and
abuse personally witnessed.  My
understanding is that this is a Steelhead net (or similar size of species).  It was designed to handle the beating
that netting fish like this can bring and allow you to net them with relative
ease.  It is proven that this net
is just as much at home both in the boat and out. 
Under those pretenses, I would give this net an overall review score of 9
out of a possible 10, making it a piece of gear I would forthrightly recommend
to other anglers!

PROS
*Strong build, reinforced handle
*Great reach due to long handle 

*Durable enough to take serious
  abuse

*Size well suited for boats 

*Deep rubber bag that is hook/fish
  friendly

*Beautfiul craftsmanship and artistry

*Made in the U.S.A. 

Conclusion

In closing, any angler who fishes for any length of time recognizes the need for a net that fits their scenario and target species.  Fisknat has a selection of nets that fits just about any scenario and based on my opinion should be considered a top—notch, high quality company focusing on hand crafted nets marked by strong functionality and a touch of artistry! I highly recommend Fisknat nets based on one year of hardcore field—testing abuse. In my opinion, “Fisknat is where it’s at!”

Sincerely,

Patrick “Flybum” Robinson
Head Guide - Steelhead Alley Outfitters
Owner/ Operator - Flybum Media Productions
Http://www.steelheadalleyoutfitters.blogspot.com
 

Look at this beautiful brown trout caught by Chris, at the Caddis Shack Fly shop in Escanaba, Michigan. This picture is taken with a Fisknat Colorado hand net. 

Thank you for the wonderful pictures Chris!

Colorado River Outfitters and St. Jude Children’s Hospital in Denver have partnered to host the 1st Annual Colorado River Outfitters Angler’s Cup. Proceeds from this charity fly fishing tournament will benefit St. Jude Children’s Hospital. The event is scheduled for September 12, 2011.  Save the date for a fun day of fly fishing for a good cause.  Live music, bbq, awards, door prizes, swag and more.  Visit our event page for details.
 
https://waystohelp.stjude.org/sjVPortal/public/event/page/displayEventPage.do?programId=2002&eventId=174401


Fisknat's was proud to donate nets to help support this foundation, find out how you can help with the link above.

A few months ago we sent Damon our new boat nets, and let him give it a try. He happily put it to the test and sent us some awesome pictures of our new reinforced handle in use! Thanks Damon!

Damon took some beautiful shots of the new net in action. All our boat nets now come with this double reinforced area where bow meets handle. This new way of addressing the handle should put to rest a lot of concerns guides have had about the weakness where bow meets handle.  Thanks again Damon for the great shots!  

 -- Henrik L. --

 What a beautiful brown trout, fly fisher Henrik caught!  He landed this big boy, with the Float Tube. Henrik is one of our out of country happy customers. Sending his picture to us all the way from Denmark! Thank you Henrik!  

 Greg G. of Dalton, PA was so excited when he received his Clark Fork several days back. He quickly got out on the water and landed his first fish in it.  Thank you Greg for the picture, and for showing off our net!



If you are ever in the Northeastern part of PA, check out Greg's Guide Service.  Hookjaw Outfitters

 Jesse Haller
 With his Clark Fork Boat net & a beautiful trout!  He landed this trout on the White River in Vermont. Thanks Jesse for the picture!




Take your own trip on the White River, check it out here : Green Mountain Adventures

Every one of our laminated handles are handmade to perfection.  Our laminates are hand glued together, and then they are cut to size. Once they have been cut to size, and hand glued into their style of bow they undergo 7 types of sanding; leaving our handles rounded, smooth, and very comfortable to hold while landing your fish.