If you know anyone who has been out there fishing for a long time, chances are that they’ll give you so many stories. For instance, we all seem to have stories of the “big catch that got away.” Unfortunately, such a story only confirms one thing – the need for the best fishing net. After working for so many hours in the waters, the last thing you want to do is lose that precious catch. That’s where a good net comes in.
Some essential qualities to keep in mind when shopping for a net include the need for a gentle net. As such, not just any other net on the market will work. You, therefore, only want to settle for something that’s gentle on the fish’s skin. Other quick pointers to consider include (we have a detailed buying guide at the end):
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Fishing Net Comparison Table
Here’s a handy table that will help you make a firm decision on the ideal landing net for fishing. Hopefully, you’ll find something that’s within your budget reach.
Ranking | Image | Product | Dimensions | Weight | Check Price |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | PLUSINNO | 59 Inches | 18.7 ounces | ||
2 | Wakeman Fishing Retractable | 35 Inches | 60.8 ounces | ||
3 | South Bend LN-250 | 24 Inches | 8 ounces | ||
4 | Frabill Folding | 24 Inches | 16 ounces | ||
5 | SF Fly Fishing | 24.5 Inches | 12.8 ounces | ||
6 | Fiblink Folding Aluminum | 25 - 40 Inches | 19.2 ounces | ||
7 | Ego S2 Reach | 48-108 Inches | 16 ounces | ||
8 | Ranger Nets Knotless | 25x25-Inch | 59.2 ounces | ||
9 | Frabill Tangle Free | 21 x 25 Inches | 4.8 ounces | ||
10 | South Bend Telescopic | 18 x 26 Inches | 16 ounces |
10 Best Fishing Nets Reviewed
1. Plussino Nylon
- 🎣 Warm Prompt: Four models are offered,...
- 🎣 Premium Material: High-density carbon...
- 🎣 Waterproof Nylon Mesh: Non-absorbent...
- 🎣 Foldable Fishing Nets and Ultralight...
One thing we particularly like about this net is that it’s available in four different model sizes. Sizes 12/31, 16/40, 17/43 and 20/25. Of course, that means you can always find something that suits your needs no matter the fish species you’re targeting. Its pole is made from premium material and particularly high-density carbon fiber. As you might be aware, carbon fiber is one of the lightest yet durable materials on the markets.
And to make the deal even sweeter, the handle has an EVA grip. This is pretty comfortable and grippy. It also provides you with a better fighting chance. The net itself is made from a waterproof nylon mesh which also has a non-absorbent coating. This design comes in handy in preventing waterlogging. Most importantly, this net is foldable and extremely light in weight. As somebody who travels to fish frequently, that means a bit of an easier time in storing and transporting the net.
Pros
Cons
2. Wakeman Thermal
- FISHING NET WITH TELESCOPIC POLE - Extendable...
- DURABLE MATERIALS - Corrosion-resistant...
- ERGONOMIC HANDLE - The handle of these kayak...
- VERSATILE FISHING ACCESSORIES - This...
Made from one of the best forms of thermal plastic rubber, the Wakeman is a cut above the rest. In fact, it also comes with a corrosion-resistant aluminum handle. So, if you’re looking for a net that you can use to subdue hard-fighting fish, this would be the best choice. It’s not only classy and good looking but also pretty durable.
Another advantage of it is that it has a well-made hoop. So, no matter the fish species you may be targeting, this one is sure to provide a good catching and releasing job. In fact, its well-thought-out design is particularly optimized for reducing and eliminating tangles. The net, further, has a wide opening which means that it’s accommodative to fish of different species.
Pros
Cons
3. SouthBend LN-250
- Landing Net
- With Black Poly Netting
- 18" Diamond Embossed 1/2" Aluminum Handle...
- 24" Net Depth
This tear-drop shaped landing net is popular on the market for many good reasons. To begin with, it’s large and spacious. That alone provides it with an enhanced fishing capacity for an awesome experience. Its mesh is generally smooth meaning that it’s perfect for dealing with delicate fish such as brook trout. Besides that, the unit comes with a 0.5-inch aluminum handle which is convenient for hard-fighting fish.
That said, we’d recommend this mesh for river fishing especially when one is using a small craft. And provided you put it to good use, there’s no reason why it shouldn’t reward you with good value for money. In other words, you shouldn’t expect it to do a stellar job if used for ocean fishing or when attempting to net too far away from the boat. Otherwise, everything about it seems perfect.
Pros
Cons
4. Frabill Folding
- Frabill | Trusted By Anglers Since 1938
- Hoop Size: 18" x 16" | Telescoping Handle...
- Telescoping handle ensures you reach your...
- Net folds at yoke for easy storage
Looking for a cheap fishing net? This one from Frabill might be the all-time solution you’ve been yearning for. Right off the bat, it’s clear that this net is specifically designed for small boat fishing. It has a small but powerful handle which comes in handy when taming feisty trout. Likewise, it has a high-quality and generally smooth net. This is gentle on your fish but also protective enough for all those catch and release tasks.
Further, this net boasts a 20 to 40-inch quick latch handle. The handle is not only convenient but also, as mentioned, quite powerful. The mesh stands out with its knotless design. It’s, however, important to note that this is a knotless micro mesh which is perfectly designed for capturing delicate fish. And with a hoop size of 18-inch x 16-inch, you’re bound to get a no-nonsense hoop that’s capable of punching well above its weight.
Pros
Cons
5. SF Soft Rubber
- SF catch and release net features a soft,...
- Perfect nets for fly fishing on your favorite...
- New Strong and durable carabiner quick...
- Multi functional uses more than a net release...
If you can afford to part with a few more dollars for a high-quality fishing net, the SF soft rubber landing net would be a great option. It’s one of the very few clear and soft nets available on the markets currently. In particular, it does a great job when fly fishing tasks are involved. Most importantly, it features a clear rubberized material which is pretty gentle on the fish that you may catch.
Another awesome advantage of this net is that it’s designed to be waterproof. Therefore, with it, you won’t have to worry about it rotting, growing mold or tangling. How cool is that?
Pros
Cons
6. Fiblink Extendable Telescopic
- Warm Reminders: We have three different...
- Material: Corrosion resistant anodized and...
- Waterproof Nylon Small Mesh: Non-hydrophilic...
- Feature:Reasonable structure can be folded...
Fiblink is known for many things and compromise is certainly not one of them. As such, this net from them stands out all thanks to its good looks and a well-made handle. But with different models available, you may need to double-check just to make sure you’re getting the right one for the job. Actually, three models of this particular product exist.
Away from that, this fishing net comes with a corrosion-resistant, retractable aluminum alloy. This comes in handy when you need the net to last long. Further, it provides you with the extra power you need to tame an aggressive fish. Its hand-grip further packs a skid resistant design. This prevents it from sliding right off your hand even when your hand is wet.
Further, the next is made of waterproof nylon which goes a long way to prevent it from accumulating any water. With an extendable rod length, we think this net could be one of the finest options that trade at a cheap price. So, if shopping for a cheap fishing net that works well, you might want to give this one a shot.
Pros
Cons
7. EGO S2
- THE ONE THAT GOT AWAY - Never again miss out...
- MORE THAN A NET: The innovative modular...
- QUALITY MEETS VERSATILITY - Comes with...
- FEATURES - Amazing Grip, extends 48" to 108",...
Available in different hoop sizes, this net is easily the most versatile one on retail. Such flexibility makes it ideal to use in different conditions and even when targeting different fish species. One thing we really like about it is that it has a pretty generous handle. In fact, its handle spans 48-inches and can always be extended to 108 inches. That’s pretty long meaning that the unit can comfortably be used even for lake fishing.
Pros
Cons
8. Ranger Nets Rubber
- 9800TFB- hoop is 28"x30" handle is 54"-84"
- Octagon telescopic handle automatically lines...
- All black anodized heavy-duty hoop and handle
- This knotless netting is great for catch and...
As its name might suggest, this net is designed for a rugged lifestyle. Not only does it have a strong and stable handle but also a collapsible netting. Such a unique design makes it pretty easy to pack up when one needs to transport it through bass boats and kayaks.
Besides that, its handle is made from anodized heavy-duty metal. The same case applies to its hoop. But why does that matter? Because only such a well-made handle would easily survive tough times. Yet another thing that we like about it is that it features a knotless netting. This is the kind of net to go for if you want to avoid issues to do with tangling. Last but not least, the net is entirely Made in the USA. As you know, that provides you with the assurance that this net is built to the highest possible standards.
Pros
Cons
9. Frabill Heavy Poly
- Frabill | Trusted By Anglers Since 1938
- Tangle-Free Replacement Net
- Hoop Size: 21" x 25" | Mesh: 1 1/4" | Depth:...
- Tangle-free netting prevents hook snags
Has your net worn out yet the handle and hoop look good to go? Perhaps all you need to get is a replacement net such as this one from Frabill. As you know, Frabill is one of the leading names in the production of award-winning nets. Therefore, the fact that you can get this replacement net for under 20 is such good news.
The net is meant to fit on hoops of up to 21-inch x 25-inch. That, therefore, makes it one of the most convenient nets available. A closer look at the netting reveals that it’s made from a high quality, heavy-duty poly. Such a wonderful piece of equipment to carry with you at all times.
Pros
Cons
10. South Bend
- Corrosion resistant anodized orange aluminum...
- Handle telescopes for easy storage
- 1/2" aluminum construction tear drop shaped...
- Deep, tangle resistant black live release...
The South Bend landing net may not be the most popular on so far but it certainly is one of the best in terms of value. To begin with, it comes with an eye-catching flexible handle that’s made from anodized orange aluminum. This handle is pretty comfortable and, therefore, ideal for long-term use.
Most importantly, the handle is designed in such a manner that it’s extremely easy to store and transport. The hoop is tear-drop shaped, providing you with a 0.5-inch capacity which is accommodative of different fish species.
Pros
Cons
Fishing Nets - The Buying Guide
What factors should I consider when buying a fishing net? Well, the answer is simple – if you find the best, forget about the rest. But while at it you want to make sure that you only settle for a well-made handle.
The Perfect Handle
Remember that short handles are best suited for river fishing, near the kayak. Longer handles, on the other hand, are perfect for lake fishing. Another thing, short handles tend to give you more control over the fish than all other handle types. As far as the material of the handle is concerned, we’d recommend the following:
The Type of Mesh
You want to go for a knotless net that’s soft enough to protect even the most delicate fish species. Ideally, the net should either be rubber-made or nylon-made. Both of those materials tend to be waterproof.
Which One Is The Best?
The best fishing net in our opinion is the Frabill 18x16-Inch Folding Net with Telescopic Handle. That’s because it is quite tough, stable, and generally well-made. The net further boasts a telescopic handle. In terms of quality and value proposition, we have nothing but kind words for the Frabill.
Final Thoughts
It’s possible to up your fishing game if you invest in the right kind of fishing gear. You may need to do a bit of research, but ultimately, an investment in the right fishing net would be an ideal starting point.