Fishpond Nomad Mid-Length Net
Kirk Deeter
September 12, 2024
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I’ve been fishing Nomad nets before Fishpond acquired the brand. While I like the artistry of handcrafted wooden nets as much as anyone, when it comes to simple functionality and durability, it’s hard to match the Nomads. They’re light, they feature fish-friendly rubber net bags and they’re hard to break. I like the “Mid-Length” net for wet-wading; I just tuck the handle down my wading belt and it rests inconspicuously against my back.
In my boat, I pack the Mid-length Boat Net (go figure). Both are deep enough to keep fish in the water without risk of escape as you work to release them. I’ve stepped on them, thrown them in and out of the truck, scraped them against trees, stuck streamer flies in them and they’ve held up.
I’ve had to replace the net bag a couple times, which is a minor ding, because no matter how hard you try, the (wearable) webbing is prone to tear after a year or so of operation around sharp objects. It’s a little tedious, the replacement part costs about $20 and it’s easy to do yourself after watching a “net replacement video” on YouTube.
Pros
Lightweight, easy to grip and handle.
Fish-friendly rubberized net bag (knotless bags help fish).
Carbon fiber/fiberglass construction is durable, and also floats.
Cons
$250 for the Boat Net; $170 for the Mid-Length net–not cheap by any means.
You’ll have to replace the bag after a year of moderate-to-heavy use.
Coming in at $170 for the Mid-Length, it’s not cheap for a fishing net, but I think you get what you pay for. The Nomads last (especially the frame), they’re light and easy to carry and they’re pretty to look at.
You can drop several hundred bucks for a custom net, you can buy a cheapo net at the hardware store (with fish-harming nylon), or you can decide on a Nomad, which I consider to be the happy medium.
- Price: $170
- Model: Nomad Mid-Length Net
- Length: 37-inches
- Basket: 13-inches x 18-inches
- Bag depth: 12-inches
- Weight: ~1-pound
- Colors: Riverbed Camo, Original, Tailwater
- Materials: Carbon fiber, fiberglass composite (waterproof, buoyant)
- Warranty: Fishpond warranty
How to replace a Fishpond Nomad net bag:
“Fishpond guarantees Nomad net frames and other hard goods to be free from original defects in material and workmanship for a period of one year from the date of purchase. If a Nomad landing net frame or other hard good should prove defective in material or workmanship within that period, Fishpond will, at its discretion, provide a one-time replacement of the product. Our guarantee does not apply to wear and tear, accidental damage, misuse, mishandling, alteration, or replaceable rubber net bags.”
Likely buyers
Guides, casual anglers and anyone who cares about taking care of the fish you catch, which should be everyone in the river or on a saltwater flat.
What others say
“I’ve fished the Nomad Mid-Length and El Jefe nets for a few years–tough, grippable and buoyant frame construction, but as noted, the bags lack durability and can separate from their connection points in under a year. For a net this price, this is a design element to clearly improve.” – Andrew Steketee
Conclusion
You don’t have to be a fishing guide to appreciate a long- or mid-length-handled fishing net that’s durable, light to carry and easy on the fish you catch. After many years of fishing, these nets hold up to normal use, and even the occasional, and inadvertent, “stomping on.” They’re handsome, functional, light, eco-friendly options that come from a family-owned business that cares about fishing and the environment. It’s an easy recommendation. In the Nomad net class, there are 15 different models in various shapes and sizes to choose from. Once the bag issues are solved, they’re a long-term “no-brainer” purchase for all classes of anglers.
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