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Replacement sacks are available for all of our models. If you're not sure of the model name, measure the inside width and length of the bow. Take the dimensions to your local fly fishing retailer (see our Dealer Links to find one near you) to order the replacement sack. When you receive the new sack, it's a simple matter to install it.
First, cut off the old sack. This is a good time to touch up the finish if the varnish is scratched or worn. For this, you'll want to use a marine spar varnish. We like a satin finish. Let the finish dry at least overnight. Before starting to stitch on the new sack, clear any varnish that plugged the holes in the bow with a finish nail or a small awl.
You'll need a few materials for sewing the new sack onto the bow:
a length of braided Dacron (muskie line)
a #18 tapestry needle (from a quilt or needlework shop)
sharp scissors
a couple of spring clamps
Using a spring clamp, clamp the handle of the net to a table or bench top with the bow extending out beyond the surface. Be sure to pad the clamp so you don't mar the finish on your net handle or your dining room table.
Cut a length of braided Dacron that's twice the overall length of your net plus about a foot. You'll start stitching from the center of the top of the hoop, opposite the handle. Find the center point of the Dacron and hold it at the center of the top of the hoop. Clamp the left tail of the Dacron securely to provide tension control and keep the Dacron from slipping. Thread the needle onto the right tail of the Dacron. Find the center of the sack opposite the seamed end. Center the sack on the bow. To stitch, pass the needle from the outside of the bow to the inside and through one of the holes in the mesh next to the finished edge of the sack. Now pass the needle back through the same hole you entered through, pulling the edge of the sack as snug as possible. Advance the Dacron to the next hole to the right and repeat the process, working your way to the throat of the net. The last hole will be an angled hole that emerges at the throat of the net inside the bow. When you reach this point, drop that thread from your needle.
Go back and thread the left tail of the Dacron onto your needle and stitch the opposite side of the net the same way. When you reach the throat again, both thread tails will be coming out of the angled holes inside the bow.
If there is extra sack material at the throat, thread the Dacron through those meshes to gather the material neatly at the throat. Tie a surgeon's knot with the two tails of Dacron, making sure you really snug the thread. Make another surgeon's knot on top of that, and another on top of that. Tie the two tails together in an overhand knot as close as possible to the last surgeon's knot. You may want to dab the knot with clear fingernail polish before you clip off the tails.
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