Hi,
I don't normally reply to threads which contain anything made by me or indeed posted by me for fear of being seen to "bump" myself to the top of the page unless specifically asked to do so. In this case however I would like to provide some behind the scenes interest to it (hopefully)
The idea for this net was first broached in 2017. Now one of the best things about building items of tackle for people is the sheer joy they get from it. This will inevitably vary from person to person, some just acquiring a new item which is nice , some realising a dream come true. Matthew fitted into this second category, having dreamed to own a Richard Walker style net for many years. You can't just pick up one easily. Vintage ones are closely guarded, noted ones with provenance are hidden away from view. Having one made is the easiest solution. So this was the route he chose. For newer members who may not know, I have been building these nets for a few years, 100% replicas from Richard Walker's drawings, a copy of which I was entrusted with by the generosity of a fellow TFF member. Over time Matthews design brief changed as new waters and mode of transport changed. Luckily as I'm the slowest builder on earth this wasn't a problem. A request for 40' arms was made which although sounds not much, did indeed to turn out to be a major challenge. A further request for pre-formed curved arms made this more so. In making these changes a series of modifications rippled through the build and realising that my previous stickler approach to 100% replicas was now out of the window, a custom build was mooted. To his eternal credit Matthew gave me the go ahead to use as much "licence' as I needed to complete it. In effect I was entrusted to envisage what his preferences were, what he tended to like and enjoy and then deliver it. I had made him a few other tackle items and we had fished together so wasn't entirely deaf or blind to his thoughts, but scary nonetheless to try and encompass this into a dream item.
So a net which was to meet a long held dream, to be accurate to the design . but customised to effect what I hoped was within the new owners definition of desirable. I must admit to be released from the constraints of the 100% replica was fun and after prototype after prototype of flaming patterns, I finally selected one which I thought hit the spot. Livery was to be dark chestnut whipping tipped in gold like his previous 2 piece handle, some tweaks from a B. James commercial net build were incorporated in the hinge piece bolts and arm tips, and of course a one off unique faming pattern, which is as individual as any carps scale pattern.
I posted the finished item off with more than a little trepidation, fully expecting it to come back as unwanted.
Well......he seems to like it so I can breath again
ps: land the bream and wear the slime as a badge of honour - it's a fishing net
