Fishing nets increase your probability of landing the most elusive game and have gained prominence among anglers over the years. Just having a fishing net is not sufficient; however, functionality is key. The best fishing net should be one you can successfully use with the least effort to enhance your fishing experience.
This article explores some of the best fishing nets in the market today, breaking down the features that make them stand out from the rest. Proceed to find out if your favorite landing net has been mentioned or whether you need to upgrade. We also have a buyers’ guide to help with the hunt for the best fishing nets for different types of fishing.
Check out our quick recommendations here, or keep scrolling for detailed reviews:
Features
Brand: KastKing
Model: MadBite Folding
Weight: 1.4 lbs. and 2 lbs.
Pros
Cons
This rubber landing net is easily extendable for use and folds easily for storage in its carry bag, with a convenient belt clip for hands-free carrying. The net will not take up too much space in your boat, and you can have it close by for deployment when required. They are only 27 or 33 inches long when stored. They are available in 2 sizes: the smaller net is 20 inches long, 16 inches wide, and 20 inches deep and the larger one is 24 inches long, 20 inches wide, and 24 inches deep.
The handle and net frame are made of high-strength aluminum, which is rigid enough to take on large fish yet lightweight for easy manipulation. The handle extends up to 45 or 76 inches, depending on the model. Like the folding center yoke, it also utilizes industrial strength graphite parts which are extra strong and will not flex under a heavy load. The folding point is made of aluminum and has stainless steel screws. Consequently, the net has no weak points and is very light at only 1.4 or 2 lbs.
The rubber-coated netting material is fish-friendly, and you can safely catch and release fish without harming their scales. It is also snag-proof and resistant to sticking hook points. In addition, the net has been treated with a water repellent coating which also makes it non-absorbent. The handle is calibrated, and you can use it to take accurate measurements of the landed fish.
KastKing offers a 1-year warranty with these nets for added peace of mind.Best Fishing Net Versatility.
Features
Brand: EGO
Model: S1
Weight: 1 lb.
Pros
Cons
This floating fishing net has been designed to meet a broad spectrum of fishing styles. The solid foam core body construction has it floating on water such that it is easy to recover if you drop it or it gets blown overboard, common with kayak fishing. This also makes it eco-friendly as the lake, and river bottoms are free from sunken net trash.
The handle is made from a strong yet lightweight extruded aluminum that is dependable and resistant to water damage. Its modular platform allows interchangeability of handles, and the handles come in 5 different sizes ranging from a small 6-inch wade handle to a 55-inch handle.
You can easily switch the detachable handles by twisting and unscrewing them from the net frame. There are also four different net hoop sizes to work with. Your customization options with the S1 Genesis are limitless.
The netting material is made out of lightweight rubber-coated nylon, which is safe for the fish. The hoop is shaped for easy scooping and landing of fish, and the handle has a low profile contoured grip for comfortable handling without the regular line damaging problems. The handle can be accessorized with various fishing tools not limited to lure retrievers, deck brushes, or boat hooks, making it a multi-purpose tool.
This floating fishing net comes with a 30-day money-back EGO guarantee in case you are not pleased with your purchase.
Features
Brand: PLUSSINO
Model: 12”, 16”, 16.2” or 20” hoop size
Weight: 14 oz.
Pros
Cons
PLUSSINO foldable landing nets have four models: a 12-inch, 16-inch, 16.2-inch, and a 20-inch hoop size. Their telescopic handles are adjustable to different lengths ranging from 27 inches to a maximum extended length of 60 inches for the larger 20-inch hoop size model.
The collapsible folding handle makes it easy to transport and store. In addition, it comes with a compact carry bag and a special belt clip so you can even carry it hands-free on your fishing trip.
The durable rubber-coated nylon mesh with a strong hexagonal structure is great at preventing your hooks from getting snagged and soft so that the fish don’t get hurt. It is also waterproof and has a non-absorbent coating, so it will not get waterlogged or smelly after use. It can take on freshwater as well as saltwater.
The pole is made of high-density carbon fiber mixed with fiberglass and has a skid-resistant EVA handle for a comfortable and stable handhold.
Features
Brand: Sunshine Fishing (SF)
Model: SF
Weight: 13.62 oz.
Pros
Cons
Their strong and sturdy handles and frames are made from polyurethane-coated bamboo and hardwood that is easy to grip and balance as you sport for catch and release fish
The catch and release net is soft rubberized, so it won’t harm the fish. It is also tangle-free and water-resistant, so you won’t have to deal with rot or mildew. Its clear color makes it disappear underwater, so the fish are not spooked, and its small mesh design is highly practical for catch and release. This also makes it a great fly fishing net.
It comes with a stretchable spring cord of about 14 inches capable of stretching up to 100 inches for securing the net and preventing losses. There is a 360˚ copper swivel ring at the end of the handle that you can match with a coiled lanyard. Coupled with a high-quality magnetic net release, your hands are freed for other duties. The magnets are made of aviation-grade aluminum that is rust-resistant, so is the carabiner clip used to fasten the spring cords.
Features
Brand: BUBBA
Model: BUBBA
Weight: 2.19 lbs.
Pros
Cons
This refined landing net will have you bagging the biggest and fiercest heavy-duty bull redfish because it has been designed for heavy lifting with a 75-pound rating. The hoop is made of aerospace aluminum to combat forceful fish, and the netting is PVC-coated nylon.
It is knotless, easy to clean, and will protect the fish from injury. The yoke is a die-cast aluminum black chrome that is weather-resistant, durable, and can be used for many years in saltwater.
It floats on water, making it a great net for a kayak angler because you will not have to go deep sea fishing for the net every time it is knocked into the water.
The handle is made of 2mm-thick carbon fiber that will endure rough tests. They have BUBBA’s iconic textured non-slip grip to facilitate your wrangling with prized game. Their modular design will have them fitting in most rod holders. The entire net assembly has a corrosion-resistant coating for saltwater damage resistance.
They come in three different sizes; small, medium, and large, so you can choose your optimum mesh size. All the versions have the same desired durability and strength.
Features
Brand: Wakeman Outdoors
Model: Retractable rubber
Weight: 0.8 lbs.
Pros
Cons
This fishing net’s compact size and lightweight construction make it ideal for kids and grownups with different skill levels. It is easy to maneuver for different types of small fish like minnows and crayfish, which are used to lure larger fish. It has a 16-inch lightweight aluminum handle with an overall length of 24.25 inches. The net loop is made of steel, and both have been treated to instill corrosion and rust resistance in different fishing conditions.
The nylon net has an 8-inch diameter and is 10 inches deep, ideal for the kind of small fish it was built for. It makes a great fishing bait well net. Its smooth rubber design handles fish gently, reducing chances of injury and preventing snagging of fish hooks.
Features
Brand: RESTCLOUD
Model: Assorted
Weight: Assorted
Pros
Cons
The telescoping aluminum pole handle gives it an extended reach option for diverse fishing methods. It goes from 18 inches to 36 inches. It is both retractable and foldable, which makes it easy to fit in small storage spaces. In addition, it is easy to set up and take down without using tools. You only need to flip the handle and lock the net in place.
It is lightweight and can be used by anglers with different skill levels, both adults and kids. The soft mesh will not damage the fish. There are various RESTCLOUD nets to choose from, and you will consider the optimum handle length and material for your fish landing net.
Fishing nets come in a variety of types, configurations, and designs. The most useful one for you will be determined by the targeted species and the type of fishing you intend to engage in.
Fixed frame fishing nets are strong and sturdy because there are no joints and weak points. Their application is also easy and straightforward. On the flip side, they are limited in versatility as you can’t make adjustments if you need a longer or shorter reach. They also take up a lot of space on your vessel that may not be available.
A folding frame fishing net is collapsible and can be converted into a compact form for storage and transportation. Many fishing net makers have resorted to these frames to facilitate portability and enable anglers to fit them in their boats or backpacks.
This is a fish landing net that you use to scoop the fish once you get them close to reduce the chances of losing the catch. It makes it easier than landing it by hand. A fly fishing net doesn’t have to be huge because most of the targeted species are small.
Source: Pixabay
There are basic features that every fishing net possesses that significantly impact how effective the net will be in your fishing endeavors.
Consider the strength and durability of the handle against the environment in which you will be fishing. Both these factors are a product of the material with which the handle is constructed. A strong handle does not have to be hefty.
Common materials include fiberglass, graphite, treated wood, and, more often, a form of aluminum alloy. These materials are strong and rigid without adding excess weight.
They are also treated to protect them against the adverse effects of water. Saltwater nets need to be taken care of because the water is more corrosive. The handle needs a quality non-slip grip because the water makes it slippery, and you don’t want to lose your net while tackling a strong fish. Buoyant handles have the advantage of floating on the water, so you can easily retrieve them if they accidentally fall.
A long handle helps you reach the fish faster and has more range of motion. It also allows you to reach deeper into the water, increasing the fishing methods you can apply. The heavier or larger the net is, the longer the handle should be so that you can get the correct handling position to balance the load.
A large handle is also heavier and occupies more space, so it might not always be possible or necessary to go for the largest fishing net. However, the length can be managed by innovative methods like making them foldable so that they pack compactly.
Size is considered two-fold when looking at fishing nets: the diameter and the depth. A wide fishing net will catch bigger fish. Always go for a net with the capacity to scoop the biggest fish you anticipate encountering so that you don’t lose out on a strong bite.
A deep net allows you to catch fish without risking their escape or harming them. It also enables you to catch bigger fish and scoop deeper, expanding your possibilities. The bigger your net is, the more space it will require in your vessel or backpack.
The shape of the net facilitates the efficiency of the scoop and the ease with which it can be done. You should consider this efficiency against the type of fish that you will be angling. A wide shape enables you to capture a wider variety of fish.
The mesh material affects the state of the fish caught in it. Some nets are sharp and injure the fish by scraping their scales and gills, which is especially bad for catch and release fishing because it lowers the fishes’ chances of survival when they are returned to the water. This is the main reason you will find a high-quality fishing net having a rubber mesh.
Besides being soft and flexible, it also makes a good knotless mesh free of tangles and does not trap your hooks. You don’t want to have to resort to cutting your net to free tangled fish and hooks
The material also plays a role in durability; saltwater is highly corrosive and requires the net to be subjected to some form of anti-corrosion treatment. It should also have water-resisting properties, so it doesn’t turn rancid in storage.
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