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ABOUT ME
 

Where wood and water meet in perfect harmony.

I am Simon Dalby and welcome to Little-Brook.

A passionate fly fisherman and dedicated artisan specializing in one‐off, handcrafted hardwood landing nets, rod cases and fly boxes. My journey began at the water’s edge, where I discovered that the beauty of a perfect cast goes hand in hand with the elegance of finely crafted gear. I have now blended my love for fly fishing with my devotion to woodworking, creating unique designs that bring joy to anglers and collectors alike.

The Naming of the Nets

"The Legacy"

Sadly My Father passed away this year, But i feel that he would have been so proud of me for taking the leap into the unknown and he will forever be remembered with this precious "LEGACY" .

My Philosophy

  • Quality Over Quantity: I believe that every piece I make deserves as much care and attention as its future owner puts into their next cast.

  • Sustainable Sourcing: I choose ethically harvested UK hardwoods and I frequently work  with Ash, Beech, Oak and Sapele, to honour the natural environment that inspires my work.  I also enjoy working with exotic hardwood for certain decorative aspects (handles) as the grain is very pleasing and to my liking.

  • Timeless Design: My goal is to produce functional art that ages gracefully, developing rich patinas and character marks that remind you of every fishing adventure.

 

Craftsmanship & Process

  • Wood Selection
    I handpick each board for grain consistency, density, and colour harmony. Understanding the wood’s character is the first step toward a beautifully balanced landing net or fly box.

  • Precision Joinery
    Using mostly time‐honoured techniques ensure structural integrity and seamless transitions between each component.

  • Finishing Touches.

  • The greatest time consuming, but also the most rewarding of the many layers of what I do is the finishing and sanding.

  • I individually work through all of the grits 80/120/180/240/360/480/600/800 and then move onto various grit of scotchbrite up to 1200/1500.
    Each item receives multiple coats of eco-friendly, beautifully fragranced, oil and wax (homemade coming soon), hand‐rubbed to bring out the depth of the wood’s figure while providing durable water resistance.

  • Netting & Hardware
    For landing nets, I offer 2 colours of rubber netting and 2 depths. 

  • I offer 3 different sized net handles, in various hardwoods

  • I use hand-selected brass or stainless steel fittings to resist corrosion on long days by the river.

What I Offer

  • Custom Landing Nets: Tailored framed shapes and handle lengths to suit your fishing style, from compact trout nets to larger salmon or bigger game.

  • Fly Fishing Cases made from hardwood veneer with the option for various shoulder straps and custom lengths, to help protect your most prized fly rods.

  • Fly Boxes made from hardwood with Individually sized compartments, and rare earth magnetic closures, brass hinges and swing fittings to protect your most important flies in style.

  • One-Off Designs: If you’re seeking something truly unique—a personal logo inlaid in contrast wood, engraved initials, or a bespoke colour accent—I am happy to bring your vision to life.

 

Why Choose My Work

  • Every piece is handcrafted start to finish by me—no assembly lines, no mass production.

  • You receive a functional tool that doubles as a conversation‐starting piece of art.

  • My customers value durability, elegance, and the story behind each handcrafted item.

 

Let’s Connect

If you’re as passionate about fly fishing and fine woodworking as I am, I’d love to discuss how we can collaborate on your next custom piece. Reach out to me at contact@little-brook.co.uk to see where wood and water meet in perfect harmony.

 

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