Fishing, Family, and Fine Craftsmanship: The Story of Brady’s Handmade Nets

The Fly Box LLC
Feb 20, 2025
4 min read

This interview was conducted by The Fly Box and featured in Casts That Care, our charity-driven fly fishing newsletter.

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Brady's Handmade Nets

Some of the best businesses don’t begin in boardrooms or through grand plans—they start with a simple moment, an accident, or even a lost net. That’s exactly how Brady’s Handmade Nets came to life. What began as a son borrowing—and ultimately losing—his father’s net turned into a legacy of craftsmanship that is now known across the fly fishing community.

From One Lost Net to a Thriving Business

The story of Brady’s Handmade Nets begins with a mistake. A lost net led to a replacement, and that replacement met an unfortunate end when it broke under the weight of a fishing mishap. Instead of buying another store-bought net, the Bradys decided to build their own. Using the broken hoop as a template, they crafted their first handmade net. The result was more than just functional—it was a work of art.

“That evening, we posted a picture to Facebook, and by nightfall, we had a buyer,” said Brady. “It wasn’t long before custom orders started trickling in.” As demand grew, the Bradys made the bold decision to turn their hobby into a full-time business. Today, their shop in Spartanburg, South Carolina, serves as the headquarters of Brady’s Handmade Nets, a company born from necessity and fueled by passion.

The Path to Fly Fishing and Craftsmanship

Before entering the world of net-making, Brady Sr. worked in NASCAR, while his son, Joshua, was a welder. Though they came from different industries, fly fishing was always in the background.

“I was introduced to fly fishing by my grandfather in my teens but never really took it up until many years later,” Mr. Brady recalled. “It became a joint venture between Joshua and me about ten years ago.”

For Joshua, fly fishing was always on the horizon. He and his father started with traditional spinning gear, but the stories of his great-grandfather’s fly tying inspired them to take the next step. A rod-building kit gifted at Christmas sealed the deal, and the two found themselves fully immersed in the art of fly fishing.

“Fly fishing was always intriguing as the next level in our journey as trout fishermen,” Joshua said. “We have been chucking and ducking ever since.”

A Father-Son Partnership on and off the Water

Building a business with family can be a challenge, and the Bradys felt that firsthand in their early days of working together. The first six months were a learning curve as they navigated their new roles side by side. However, the process strengthened their relationship, not only in the shop but also on the water.

“The best part has been experiencing the satisfaction of completing a challenging build together,” Brady shared. “Nothing tops putting the first coat of finish on a net we weren’t sure we could build.”

Their bond extends beyond business. Each June, they host the Brady’s Manly Fishing Trip, a gathering of four generations from New York, Florida, Indiana, and South Carolina for a week of fly fishing. It’s a testament to how their business is more than just a company—it’s a family tradition.

The Art Behind the Craft

Brady’s Handmade Nets are more than just tools for anglers; they are personal stories encased in wood and epoxy. Each net is custom-built with a blend of functionality and artistic design, often incorporating meaningful elements from clients’ lives.

“When it comes to the design process, we marry clients’ ideas with materials that blend with the story they are trying to tell, [and...] "We have built nets in honor of fallen soldiers, family members, and even fur babies that have passed.”

Their signature creation, the “Lightning Net,” is unlike anything else in the industry. Using a microwave transformer, they run an electrical charge through the wood, creating a unique, branching pattern. The charred wood is then filled with colored epoxy and finished with a caramel stain.

“I haven’t seen anyone else attempt to electrocute a net... it’s become a signature of ours.”

The Surprising Reach of a Handmade Net

The global demand for Brady’s Handmade Nets has been a pleasant surprise. What started as a personal project has now reached fly anglers across the world. Their nets have landed in the hands of trout fishermen in Japan, barramundi anglers in Australia, and grayling enthusiasts in Alaska. No matter the waters, their craftsmanship has found a home with those who appreciate the finer details of a well-made net.

“It’s been surprising how many areas of the world offer fly fishing opportunities,” Brady said. “We have built nets for anglers from coast to coast in the U.S.A. and across the globe.”

Looking ahead, the Bradys have big plans. They hope to expand their team, possibly bringing on a social media manager and a skilled craftsman who shares their passion. With a few new net features in development, they continue to push the boundaries of their craft while staying true to the tradition that started it all.

Where to Find Brady’s Handmade Nets

For those looking to own a handcrafted Brady’s net, their work can be found online at www.Bradyshandmadenets.com or on social media under Brady’s Handmade Nets on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube @Bradyshandmadenets. Their nets are also available at Headwaters Outfitters in Western North Carolina and Colville Outfitters in Hamburg, NY.

From a lost net to a family legacy, Brady’s Handmade Nets proves that sometimes, the best businesses aren’t planned—they’re built, one net at a time.

This interview was conducted by The Fly Box and featured in Casts That Care, our charity-driven fly fishing newsletter.