Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What if I want something like a fancy inlay in the handle? Your "Creat-A-Net" doesn't give me that option.
A: Just call us and we'll work out any special requirements over the phone. "Creat-A-Net" covers the most commonly requested options, but since all our nets are unique, we couldn't cover every possibility.

Q: What's your phone number?
A: You can reach BBN at (406) 244-5804. That's Mountain Time, but feel free to call anytime you wish. If we're not here, leave a message and someone will get back to you pronto.

Q: How can I determine what the overall length of my net will be?
A: Take the stated length of your handle (ex: a Trout handle is 8"), and then add in the length of your hoop style (ex: a Teardrop is 17"). In this example, your net would be about 25" in overall length.

Note that if you order the "See Thru Flare" butt style, add 2" to your net's overall length to accomodate this extra-long feature.

Q: How long will it take to get my net?
A: Under normal conditions, it takes us about 8 weeks to complete your net. We can usually expedite the process and get it to you sooner if you really need it quickly.

Q: Why would I order more than one net?
A: As far as nets go, we think it's like fly rods -- the more the merrier! Plus, you have kids, no? Or a fishing buddy with a crappy net? Which ever applies, you can order as many as you wish, but do it one at a time. Once you submit an order for one net, simply return to the Create-A-Net page and design your next net.

Q: Why are some wood species not suitable for hoops?
A: Hoops are made from thin strips of wood that are steamed, then bent around a form to give the hoop its proper shape. This requires a flexible wood with reasonably "tight" grain, good texture and no knots. It also has to come in at least 50" lengths. A number of the woods we offer, while beautiful, simply don't meet this criteria. They may split, chip, break, or otherwise fail in their duel task of providing both strength and beauty in the hoop.
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Q: Can I customize my net?
A: Sure! Any changes you wish, like wanting a certain type of fly in the inset, or a satin finish vs. our normal gloss finish, can be requested using the Comments field. There is normally no charge for minor changes like these.

If you want something more complex, put your request in "Comments" or send me an email describing it, or simply call BBN at 406-244-5804. If any additional cost is involved, or if I need more information, I'll call you to discuss it. Of course, changes may impact the cost, but work won't proceed until you give the OK on any extra costs.
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Q: What warranty do you offer on your nets?
A: All nets are warranteed for life against structural defects and workmanship and fisherman screwups (e.g., your dog ate your handle). That's your life or mine, whichever ends first. If there's a problem with the net after that, one of us doesn't care anymore.
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Q: What is your favorite wood combination on a net?
A: Tough question, since we're discovering new woods all the time, and it's really a personal style issue. That being said, I personally think the combination of dark woods next to light woods can give a stunning look.

My "favorite" woods change all the time as new stock arrives. Sometimes a new board will show up with extraordinary color and/or grain patterns, and that becomes my favorite till the next shipment.

At the time I am writing this, my favorites are:

Dark woods:
Cocobolo -- Beautiful black and brown grain patterns.
Chakte Kok -- Lustrous burgundy to dark red-orange color, with gentle, wavy grain patterns. Carves nicely to make great handle butts.
Wenge -- I didn't think I liked black wood till I made a net with this stuff. This black wood has wavy, light brown grain lines. It polishes beautifully, and sets off adjacent woods of light or medium color perfectly.
Kingwood -- A rich wavy maroon rosewood from Brazil.


Light woods:
Pau Amarello -- Brilliant yellow wood with shimmering flame highlights in the grain.
Afzelia Burl -- Light, bright, and full of figuring in the grain. It carves nicely and makes great butts.
Pyinma -- A light tan wood, densely rippled with mackeral (also known as fiddleback) luminescent highlights. This looks fabulous on hoops.
Canarywood -- Grain has sweeping swirls of yellow, brown, red, and green. This makes an incredible handle when placed next to dark woods. There's a good example in the Gallery with this next to wenge in a 4-wood handle. Similar to kabukalli, but with more yellow.
Kabukalli -- Smoothly blended lines of tan, cream, pale yellow and green wood in gently swirling grain patterns.

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Q: How do I know if you have some particularly beautiful wood in stock?
A: Always check the "What's New" page on the website. We'll spotlight any standout wood we have in stock, as well as specials, etc. Or simply call BBN at 406-244-5804 and we'll fill you in on the latest neat stuff.
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Q: Can I cancel my order? What if you already started to work on my net?
A: Yes, you can cancel your order at any time. We won't charge you a penny till we ship out your net. Typically, we begin working on your net within a week of receiving your order. If you cancel after work has already started, not a problem! If we've already shipped your net when you cancel, just return the net within a couple weeks in decent shape and we'll refund your entire payment.

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Jerry O'Connell
Founder and All-Around Net Freak
Big Blackfoot Nets