When you’re out fishing, having the best fishing landing net can make all the difference in safely landing your catch.
You don’t want to experience trying to lift a 30lb fish (not even that big!) on the bank while the net barely holds up. It certainly adds some spice to fishing, but a lost fish ain’t worth it.
So whether you’re in a kayak, small boat, or standing on the shore, choosing the right net is crucial. For a versatile and practical option, the EGO S1 Slider with its many attachments can handle different fishing scenarios with ease.
If you are looking for a reliable net for bigger fish or deep waters, StowMaster Precision Saltwater Net is a top choice. It offers a long reach and durable build, making it excellent for large fish and more challenging environments. If you want something budget-friendly, the Wakeman 8-Inch Fishing Net provides great value without compromising performance.
Different situations call for different nets. For example, the Bubba 24-Inch Landing Net is perfect for boat fishing, while the FishUSA Premium Trout Net shines for those targeting trout. Exploring these options will put you on the right track to finding the best net for your fishing adventures.
One more thing before we start. Keep in mind that all the options listed below offer excellent quality and performance. I’m saying this so I don’t repeat a set of materials and features multiple times.
Let’s get into it.
Top Landing Nets and Accessories
Finding the perfect fishing landing net is all about matching the right features and accessories to your fishing needs. From overall best nets to those packed with the latest designs and add-ons, here’s what you need to know.
1. Best Overall: Frabill Conservation PLD Net
The Frabill Conservation PLD Net is the ultimate all-around fishing landing net, designed to enhance your catch-and-release experience while ensuring the safety and well-being of the fish. This premium net combines durability, functionality, and fish-friendly features, making it a must-have for every angler.
Key Features:
- Telescoping Aluminum Handle: The net boasts a robust telescoping handle, extending up to 60 inches for maximum reach and maneuverability. The molded rubber grips ensure a secure and comfortable hold, even in wet conditions.
- Knotless Mesh Netting: Featuring 100% knotless micro mesh, this net eliminates injuries commonly caused by sharp knots, preserving the fish’s delicate slime coat and scales.
- Flat Bottom Design: The flat, linear bottom of the net prevents fish from rolling, offering better support and reducing stress during handling.
Benefits:
- Enhanced Fish Care: The knotless netting and flat bottom design are tailored to minimize harm to fish, making it perfect for conservation-minded anglers.
- Versatile Use: Ideal for various fishing environments, this net is suitable for everything from freshwater lakes to saltwater coasts.
- Durable Construction: Built with high-quality materials, the Frabill Conservation PLD Net is designed to withstand the rigors of regular use, ensuring long-lasting performance.
Technical Specifications:
- Handle Length: Extends up to 60 inches
- Net Material: Knotless micro mesh
- Net Dimensions: Available in multiple sizes to suit different fishing needs
- Grip: Molded rubber for enhanced comfort and control
Upgrade your fishing gear with the Frabill Conservation PLD Net and enjoy a superior, fish-friendly landing net that supports sustainable fishing practices. Whether you’re a seasoned angler or a weekend warrior, this net is your perfect companion for a successful and responsible fishing adventure.
2. Bubba Carbon Fiber Landing Net
Crafted with high-quality materials and innovative features, this net is perfect for serious anglers who demand the best.
Key Features:
- Carbon Fiber Construction: The net’s handle is made from some premium carbon fiber, offering unmatched strength while remaining lightweight for easy handling.
- 75-Pound Rating: Engineered to handle hefty catches, this net has a 75-pound rating, making it ideal for landing large fish like musky and bull reds.
- Aerospace Aluminum Hoop: The net hoop is crafted from aerospace-grade aluminum, ensuring it can withstand brutal force without compromising on durability.
- PVC-Coated Nylon Netting: The netting is made from PVC-coated nylon, which is both durable and gentle on fish, reducing the risk of injury during catch and release.
Benefits:
- Superior Strength and Durability: The combination of carbon fiber and aerospace aluminum provides a robust and long-lasting net that can handle the toughest fishing conditions.
- Lightweight and Easy to Maneuver: Despite its strength, the carbon fiber construction keeps the net fairly lightweight, ensuring you can maneuver it with ease.
- Fish-Friendly Design: The PVC-coated nylon netting is designed to be gentle on fish, making it perfect for catch-and-release practices.
Technical Specifications:
- Handle Material: Carbon Fiber
- Hoop Material: Aerospace Aluminum
- Net Material: PVC-Coated Nylon
- Weight Rating: 75 pounds
- Handle Length: Extendable from 36” to 53”
What This Net Does Best:
The Bubba Carbon Fiber Landing Net excels in providing unparalleled strength and durability while remaining lightweight and easy to use. Its high weight rating and durable materials ensure you can confidently land large, powerful fish without worry. The fish-friendly netting design makes it an excellent choice for anglers who prioritize the health and safety of their catch.
Upgrade your fishing gear with the Bubba Carbon Fiber Landing Net and experience the perfect blend of strength, durability, and ease of use. Whether you’re targeting trophy fish or enjoying a day on the water, this net is designed to help you land your catch with confidence and care.
Fishpond Nomad Emerger Net also deserves mention for its portability and space-saving design, making it a favorite among backpacking anglers.
Key Features:
- Carbon Fiber/Fiberglass Composite: The handle and frame are constructed from a lightweight yet incredibly strong carbon fiber and fiberglass composite, ensuring durability and ease of use.
- Clear Rubber Netting: The net features clear rubber netting, which is gentle on fish and reduces the risk of injury, making it perfect for catch-and-release fishing.
- UV Protected and Waterproof: Built to withstand harsh conditions, this net is UV protected and waterproof, ensuring it remains in top condition regardless of the environment.
Benefits:
- Lightweight and Easy to Handle: The composite construction makes this net lightweight, reducing fatigue and making it easy to maneuver.
- Fish-Friendly Design: The clear rubber netting is designed to be gentle on fish, promoting ethical fishing practices and ensuring the health of your catch.
- Durability: UV protection and waterproof features ensure the net withstands the elements, providing long-lasting performance.
Technical Specifications:
- Handle Material: Carbon Fiber/Fiberglass Composite
- Net Material: Clear Rubber
- Length: 32 inches
- Head Dimensions: 9.8” W x 18.8” L
- Bag Depth: 12 inches
What This Net Does Best:
The FishPond Nomad Emerger Net excels in combining strength, durability, and a fish-friendly design, making it the perfect choice for conscientious anglers. Its lightweight construction and ergonomic design ensure ease of use, while the clear rubber netting prioritizes the safety of your catch. Upgrade to the FishPond Nomad Emerger Net and enjoy a superior fishing experience with a net that truly does it all.
Useful Add-Ons for Landing Nets
This is for those who need that additional quirk to improve their fishing. After all, who wants a bland fishing net?
If you’re often night fishing, check the Frabill Bearclaw Net. It has built in lights, which can definitely help you land that fish safely and avoid some other mess in the dark.
Some nets come with built-in scales for easy size measurement, like the KastKing Pontus. If you want something more customizable, Ranger Nets are often available with various handle lengths and net styles.
Consider accessories like net floats for easier retrieval if your net goes overboard, or hook removers designed to work with treble hooks commonly found on lures. Having a multi-functional tool kit with you ensures that you’re prepared for any fishing situation.
Combining quality, durability, and cost-effective solutions in your fishing gear will make each outing more successful and enjoyable.
What to Look for in a Landing Net
Now that you know the market leaders, let’s take a look at some more technical details.
Material Matters
Net Material: The material of the net makes a big impact on both the fish and your fishing experience. Rubber-coated nets are gentler on fish, reducing injury and making hook removal easier. Clear rubber nets are also less likely to spook fish than darker mesh types.
Mesh and Frame: Nylon and PVC nets are durable and reliable, but rubber mesh is best for catch-and-release fishing. Pay attention to the frame, usually made of aluminum for strength and light weight. Some nets have collapsible or foldable frames for easy storage.
Hoop Size and Shape
Size: The size of the hoop depends on the type and size of fish you are targeting. Compact nets work well for smaller fish and kayak fishing, while medium nets are versatile for general use. Large hoops are essential for big fish and deep boats.
Shape: The shape of the hoop can affect how easy it is to land and handle your catch. Teardrop and oval shapes are common and versatile. Some special designs have a flat bottom, like the Frabill Trophy Haul, which cradles the fish and avoids bending.
Handle Length and Type
Length: The length of the handle is important for your reach and control. Short handles are great for close-range fishing and easy maneuverability. Long handles, especially telescoping ones, provide the extra reach needed for deeper or wider waters.
Type: The type of handle can also make a difference. Telescoping handles adjust to different lengths depending on your needs, while fixed handles offer simpler, more sturdy construction. Look for aluminum handles for durability and light weight. Some models come with special grips for better control and comfort.
Choosing the right landing net can enhance your fishing experience. Keep these points in mind to find a net that fits your needs perfectly.
Specialty Nets for Different Species
Whether you’re fishing for trout in clear streams, targeting large bass in lakes, or casting from your kayak, there’s a specific net that will make your angling more effective and enjoyable.
Trout and Fly Fishing Nets
For catching trout, you want a lightweight net with a soft mesh to protect the fish. Trout landing nets often have a teardrop or circular shape and use materials like rubber or soft nylon to prevent harming the fish’s slime coat. Fly fishing nets are designed to be small and easy to carry on a waist band, often featuring a clear rubber mesh that minimizes tangles and snags.
Bass, Pike, and Large Fish Nets
When fishing for larger species like bass, pike, or even salmon, you’ll need a more robust and spacious net. These nets often come with a deeper mesh bag to accommodate the size and strength of larger fish. Large fish landing nets generally have a reinforced frame and a strong handle to withstand the struggle of big catches. They also often have a long reach, which is ideal for reaching fish that are far from the boat.
Compact Nets for Kayak Anglers
If you’re kayak fishing, space and maneuverability are key. Compact nets designed for kayak anglers are foldable and lightweight, making them easy to store without sacrificing functionality. These nets often have shorter handles, making them easier to use in the confined space of a kayak. They are perfect for catching a variety of species, whether you’re targeting panfish, walleye, or catfish on your next kayaking adventure.
Features for Safe Catch and Release
Choosing the right landing net is important to safely release fish back into the water. Here are the key features to look for when selecting a net that prioritizes catch and release.
Fish Friendly Nets
Fish-friendly nets are designed to protect the fish’s scales and slime coating. Look for nets made of rubber-coated or soft clear rubber materials. These coatings are gentle on fish and help prevent injury.
Knotless nylon mesh is another excellent option. It reduces damage to the fish’s body, especially when compared to traditional knotted nets. Aside from the options listed above, the Rising Lunker Net is an example of a fish-friendly net, praised for its rubber net bag.
Netting that Prevents Hook Snags
Another important feature is netting that prevents hook snags. Coated mesh and knotless nylon materials are beneficial here as well. They help prevent the hooks from getting tangled in the net, making it easier to release the fish quickly.
Nets like the SF Fly Fishing Landing Net are built specifically to minimize snags, thanks to their smooth, coated surfaces. Always opt for nets with this feature to ensure a hassle-free catch-and-release experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
When choosing a fishing landing net, it’s important to consider factors like material, size, and durability. Different designs serve different needs, whether you’re fishing in freshwater or saltwater.
What features should I look for in a high-quality landing net for bass fishing?
For bass fishing, look for a net with a sturdy frame and a deep, spacious basket. Soft rubberized mesh is gentle on fish and reduces tangling. A telescoping or extendable handle can help you reach further without struggling.
How do I determine the best fishing landing net for my budget?
Consider what you really need: a basic, functional net can be inexpensive and still effective. Compare prices online and read user reviews to find a net that balances cost and quality. Opt for well-reviewed brands known for durability.
Why might an angler prefer a rubber fishing net over other types?
Rubber nets reduce injury to fish, making them ideal for catch and release. They’re easier to clean and prevent the hooks from getting tangled. This can save you a lot of time and frustration.
Can you recommend a durable landing net suitable for saltwater fishing?
For saltwater fishing, look for a net with corrosion-resistant materials like anodized aluminum or stainless steel. The frame should be strong enough to handle larger, more powerful fish. A coated mesh net works best to withstand the harsh saltwater environment.
What are the advantages of a collapsible fishing net for easy transport?
Collapsible nets are great for anglers who travel often. They fold down to a compact size, making them easy to pack and carry. Despite their portability, many collapsible nets are still strong and functional, offering the same benefits as traditional nets.
How do I choose the right size of landing net for larger fish species?
Consider the fish species you target. Larger fish need bigger nets with wider openings and deeper baskets. Ensure the handle is long enough to reach and support the weight of the fish. Always check the net’s weight capacity to avoid breakage.
