STONEFLY NETS - A Glimpse Inside the Workshop - Part 2

It's "Throwback Thursday" with Ethan Ingleheart of Stonefly Nets and if you missed Part 1 of this two-part series, circle back and then find your self here to slow scroll through this post to enjoy his top shelf work and a look inside of the workshop.  

I'm glad that we were able to unearth these images from my Lightroom account from six years ago (apologies again...) and collaborate on these posts to share Ethan's work on how he built these unique landing nets for Hadley and Finn.  Our children cherish them, and as a fly fishing dad, it's really neat to gift your children something they will have forever.  I guess that's what they call a heirloom...

Thanks Ethan for everything and I look forward to future projects together that we'll share here.

 

Ethan of Stonefly Nets wrote...  "It typically takes about 30 days to complete a net from start to finish. While the actual hands-on labor is between 15 and 20 hours, the extended timeline is necessary to ensure heirloom quality.

The process cannot be rushed because many of the unique woods I use require a 7-day stabilization period to make them durable and waterproof. Following construction, the finishing process requires another 7 days of careful application and curing. If a net includes custom engraving, that adds additional time to the bench.

I also intentionally build "pause days" into my schedule. These are days when I step back if I feel I’m not at my absolute best. It is easy to work fast to speed things up, but I’ve found that when speed increases, quality drops. These pauses allow me to stay fully focused on the build so that every net meeting the water is as close to perfect as possible.

My goal is to craft pieces that stand the test of time—functional works of art that can be passed down through generations. One of my greatest joys is receiving photos from clients sharing the moment they gift their net to a son or daughter. It's a powerful reminder of the legacy a well-crafted net can carry.

This dedication to lasting quality is rooted in my own history. I grew up with the knowledge that anything worth having is worth building right—with my parents hand-building our log cabin in rural Appalachia using only a chainsaw and hand tools. That reverence for hard work and durability, combined with the vivid memories of fishing the South Carolina coast as a kid, is poured into every net I make.

A handcrafted Stonefly net is more than just a tool for landing fish; it's a vessel for memories and a legacy to be shared. Each net is a functional work of art, built to withstand the test of time and the rigors of the river, ensuring it can be a part of countless stories and adventures.

The true value of a Stonefly net lies not in the wood or the craftsmanship alone, but in the experiences it holds. It's in the quiet mornings on the water, the thrill of a successful catch, and the shared laughter of a day spent with loved ones. It's a tangible link to those moments, capturing the essence of a day on the river in its grain and finish.

The greatest joy for a craftsman is seeing their work become a part of someone's personal story. When a Stonefly net is passed from a parent to a child, it carries with it more than just wood and resin; it carries a legacy of shared experiences, a love for the outdoors, and the promise of new memories to be made. It’s a powerful reminder that some things are meant to last—and be a part of your story for generations to come.

A handcrafted Stonefly net is more than just a tool for landing fish; it's a vessel for memories and a legacy to be shared. Each net is a functional work of art, built to withstand the test of time and the rigors of the river, ensuring it can be a part of countless stories and adventures.

The true value of a Stonefly net lies not in the wood or the craftsmanship alone, but in the experiences it holds. It's in the quiet mornings on the water, the thrill of a successful catch, and the shared laughter of a day spent with loved ones. It's a tangible link to those moments, capturing the essence of a day on the river in its grain and finish.

The greatest joy for a craftsman is seeing their work become a part of someone's personal story. When a Stonefly net is passed from a parent to a child, it carries with it more than just wood and resin; it carries a legacy of shared experiences, a love for the outdoors, and the promise of new memories to be made. It’s a powerful reminder that some things are meant to last—and be a part of your story for generations to come."

Visit the Stonefly Nets website to learn more and if interested in a handmade net of your own, use the contact page to begin the conversation.  Follow along with the latest on Facebook and Instagram.