Fishpond Nomad Net Review: Is It Worth the Price?
This Fishpond Nomad Net review dives into one of the most popular landing nets in fly fishing today. Known for its balance of strength, weight, and fish-friendly design, the Nomad series has become a trusted companion for anglers chasing trout in mountain streams or wrestling redfish in the salt. Built with a carbon fiber and fiberglass composite, it’s designed to be both tough and ultralight — all while looking good on your back.
But is it the right net for your style of fishing? Below, we’ll break down the key features, weigh the pros and cons, and wrap up with a final verdict based on real-world use.
- Lightweight and Durable
- Ideal Length for Wading
- Fish-Safe Net Bag
- Premium Price Point
- Awkward to Carry
Features of the Fishpond Nomad Net
Carbon Fiber Frame
Fishpond builds every Nomad with a carbon-fiber + fiberglass composite, striking a sweet balance between low weight and high rigidity. The result is a net that’s tough enough to survive rock scrapes yet light enough to carry all day without any fatigue.
The Fishpond Nomad Net series also comes in a variety of sizes. For my purposes, I went with the Mid-Length version.
Rubber Bag
The rubber bag avoids the old-school “net rash” that knotted nylon can leave on fins and slime coats, and it sheds hooks far more easily—huge when you’re fishing articulated streamers or tandem nymph rigs.
Buoyant, Weather-Proof Finish
Drop it and it floats. Soaked in rain or baking in desert sun, the sealed composite frame shrugs off water, UV light, and temperature swings.
The finish on the net adds to its longevity and practicality. When I am fighting a fish, I generally get my net out and drop it into the water so I have quick access to it when it comes time to land. It floats right next to me (attached to leash) so when the fish is close, I have easy access for a smooth landing.
Handle Details
A matte finish on the handle adds a little grip when wet, and many Fishpond Nomad models hide a marked ruler along the handle so you can measure fish without fumbling for a tape measure.
I have the Fishpond Nomad Mid-Length version and really like the added touch of the ruler. While I honestly haven’t netted a monster that would require a measurement, I’m happy to know that when I get into a big smallmouth, trout, or steelhead, I’ll be able to get a gauge on how long the fish is with no problems.
Pros of the Fishpond Nomad Net
Lightweight Yet Durable
One of the standout benefits of the Fishpond Nomad Net is how light it feels in hand. The carbon-fiber and fiberglass construction delivers the strength of a much heavier net without the drag. Whether clipped to a pack or carried in-hand all day, it never feels like a burden — which makes a difference after hours on the water.
The first thing I noticed when I picked up the net was how light it was. The mid-length version I have is as light (or even lighter) than the older, shorter net I used for years. I also have full confidence that I get be rough with the net, toss it in the back of my truck or march through the thickets and have it stand up to anything I put through it.
Ideal Handle Length for Wading
The mid-length model, in particular, hits a perfect sweet spot for wading anglers. It’s long enough to reach and scoop fish comfortably in deeper water or faster current, but short enough to tuck behind your back without catching brush.
For solo landing fish in the water, it strikes an excellent balance. It also performs well as a wading staff if you’re in especially rough waters.
I picked up the Nomad Mid-Length specifically for the added length. I traditionally used a short-handled net and have come dangerously close to losing fish (like big carp) and breaking rods because of how close you need to get to the fish. The added length immediately solves that- you can reach out to the fish at a longer distance without putting added pressure on your rod.
Fish-Safe Net Bag
The soft rubber netting is gentle on fish — a big plus for catch-and-release anglers. It helps preserve the fish’s protective slime layer and avoids fin damage. It also resists tangles with flies and split shot, especially helpful when fishing complex rigs or streamers.
This feature is tremendously convenient- there’s nothing worse than cutting a hole out of a nylon net after a hook gets wedged in there. If this has happened to you, you know what I’m talking about!
The rubber bag feature not only saves your sanity, but is also much better for the fish. There’s no harsh rubbing on the fish and much less chance of removing any of their protective slime. I don’t think I’ll ever fish with a nylon net again if I can help it.
Cons of the Fishpond Nomad Net
Premium Price Point
There’s no getting around it — the Fishpond Nomad Net isn’t cheap. With prices typically ranging from around $135 to $250 depending on the model, it’s an investment. While the build quality and materials justify the cost for many anglers, it’s still a tough pill to swallow if you’re just getting started or already have a serviceable net.
No Convenient Carry Option for Wading
Even with the mid-length model, carrying the Nomad while wading can feel a bit awkward. This isn’t necessarily a knock on the product, more of a reality of the benefits you get from a longer-handled rod.
There’s no built-in holster or magnet system included — and while plenty of third-party accessories exist, they’re just that: accessories. Depending on your pack setup, you might find the net swinging too much, snagging brush, or needing constant adjustment throughout the day.
The most convenient way to carry the net that I’ve found is to slide it through a holster on my hip pack. I have the Fishpond Thunderhead Lumbar Pack which has a built-in slot for the net, but other options are certainly available. For example, Fishpond does sell separate Net Holsters if you need one.
I also attach a leash from the net to my pack so there’s no chance of it floating away. When I need to use it, I remove it from my hip pack, drop it in the water, fight the fish, then grab the net when it’s landing time. A little bit cumbersome, but well with the advantage you get from the extra length of the net.
Final Verdict on the Fishpond Nomad Net
The Fishpond Nomad Net lives up to its reputation. It’s lightweight, strong, and thoughtfully designed for fly anglers who care about both function and fish safety. The mid-length model in particular hits a great middle ground for wading — long enough to land fish easily, but compact enough to carry (with a little creativity). While the price is steep and carrying it (the Mid-Length version) isn’t always seamless, those drawbacks are easy to overlook once you start using it on the water.
If you’re looking for a net that’s built to last, feels good in hand, and treats fish right — and you’re willing to pay for quality — the Nomad is a tough one to beat.
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