It can never be too early to begin preparing for your next fishing trip. One of the things you have to do as you prepare is to stock up your gear and that includes your fishing net.
Hooking fish will not mean a thing if you cannot land them so you can see why it is important to get yourself the best fishing net.
There are many options when it comes to these nets but we are here to help you cut down your choices until you get to the prefect one for you.
Top-Rated Fishing Nets in 2023: Comparison Table
If you only have enough time for a short and quick list, here’s one for you. You may keep scrolling if you’re looking for the detailed reviews.
| Ranking | Name | Net Depth | Hoop Size |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | PLUSINNO Fishing Net Fish Landing Net | 7.5 Inches | 12 Inches |
| 2 | KastKing Madbite Fishing Net | 20 Inches | 7.87 Inches |
| 3 | EGO Pro Bait Fishing Net | 12 Inches | – |
| 4 | SF Classic Wood Fly Fishing Landing Rubber | 8.5 Inches | 15 Inches |
| 5 | PLUSINNO Fly Fishing Net | 10 Inches | 16 x 13 Inches |
| 6 | ODDSPRO Fly Fishing Landing Net | 10 Inches | 11.5 x 15.5 x 10 inches |
| 7 | EGO S2 Slider Fishing Net | – | 17-Inch Hoop |
| 8 | SouthBeat LN-250 Fishing Net | 24 inches | 14x 15 inches |
| 9 | EGO Reach Landing Fishing Net | – | – |
| 10 | ODDSPRO Kids Fishing Net | – | – |
| 11 | Wakeman Fishing Retractable Rubber Landing Net | – | – |
| 12 | YVLEEN Folding Fishing Net | 11.8 inch | 16 inch |
| 13 | Fiblink Folding Aluminum Fishing Landing Net | – | – |
| 14 | Foreverlast Inc. Generation 2 Non-Snag Floating Fishing Landing Net | – | – |
| 15 | Frabill Folding Net with Telescoping Handle | 18 X 16 inches | 14 inches |
1. PLUSINNO Fishing Net Fish Landing Net
Dock space is important for any fishing expert and the type of net you have sometimes tends to take up all your space. With this in mind, PLUSINNO developed a foldable as well as collapsible net for easy carriage plus storage.
The mesh used on this fishing net is made of nylon which is non-absorbent thereby reducing the risk of the net getting waterlogged.
To top it all up, the mesh does not keep bad odors.
Pros
- Collapsible fishing net
- Non-slip handle
- Light in weight
- A variety of models to choose from
Cons
- Unsuitable for large fish
2. KastKing Fishing Net Folding Landing Net
This fishing net from KastKing is easy to use since it is said to extend out quickly for use. Moreover, it is foldable for storage while occupying minimal space.
The handle is made of aluminum which is light in weight but rigid enough to be used for fishing. In addition, the rectangular hoop frame is claimed to be able to support large fish.
Pros
- Two sizes to pick from
- Light in weight
- Rectangular hoop frame
- Can be folded
Cons
- Brittle pole that easily snaps
3. Ego Pro Bait Well Net
Have you been looking for a fishing net that even children can use? Well, try out this one from EGO that is supposedly light in weight due to the aluminum handle on it that extends with ease hence simple to use.
The net is resistant to tear and can support many fish although the small sized ones. In addition, the handle and frame are resistant to rust plus corrosion as such the net can be used in saltwater.
Pros
- Light in weight
- Resistant to tear net
- Telescoping handle
- The net parts are rust free
Cons
- The handle slips when wet
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4. SF Fly Fishing Landing Net
Do you get stressed up when you try to release your fish but it is tangled in the net? With this fish product from SF, that is made of rubber and said to be tangle free you are likely to have an easy time removing your fish.
The handle and frame of the net is made of laminated bamboo plus hardwood. As such, it is allegedly resistant to rot as well as mildew while offering you a comfortable grip.
Pros
- Tangle free net
- No rot and mildew
- Gentle on fish
- Waterproof frame
Cons
- Large bottom net holes
5. PLUSINNO Fly Fishing Net 16” x 13”
Have you ever considered that the color of your fishing net may be sending the fish away? Well, PLUSINNO have a clear colored net that is said to disappear in water and fish are likely to swim into it unknowingly.
There is a magnetic clip on the net’s handle that you can attach to your fly fishing net. Unfortunately, customers have reported that the magnetic clip is weak and breaks away hence loss of the net.
Pros
- Collapsible net
- Light in weight
- Clear non-spook color
- Belt clip for carriage
Cons
- Weak magnetic clip
6. ODDSPRO Fly Fishing Landing Net
The nylon mesh used on this fishing net is knotless. As a result, tangles are likely to be minimal and you fish is easy to release from the net.
This net has a rubber coating on its mesh to prevent water logging. Besides that, the mesh is said to be resistant to rot as well as mildew hence a hygienic product to use.
Pros
- Foldable handle
- Collapsible for easy storage
- Knotless nylon mesh
- Impact resistant hoop
Cons
- Suitable for small fish
7. EGO S2 Slider Landing Net
EGO may have the solution for you if you are fond of losing your nets. Their product is said to float meaning when it accidentally falls into the water, it is likely to float back up and you can retrieve it.
The handle on the net can be extended easily to your preferred length. Besides that, you can detach the handle to be able to store it properly.
Pros
- Detachable handle for storage
- Non-tangle nylon mesh
- Floats for easy recovery
- You can extend the handle
Cons
- Hooks get stuck in net seams
8. SouthBeat LN-250 Fishing Net
With an aluminum handle, this fishing net is light in weight making it easy to use. In addition, the teardrop shaped-hoop is said to enhance its movement in water to your advantage.
This seems like a good product but the mesh is fragile. As such, it tears easily and you are likely to lose your fish, a fishing net like EGO S2 Slider Landing Net may be a better choice as your catch remains intact.
Pros
- Aluminum handle
- Light in weight
- Easy to use
- Serves as a landing net too
Cons
- Mesh is fragile
9. Ego Reach Rubber Landing Net
According to Ego, when using this net, you hook is unlikely to get stuck. Moreover, you are likely to have an easy time releasing your fish as compared to other nets that fish get tangled in.
The innovative grip design allows for easy use since you have full control of the net. But the hoop is said to be fragile and easily bends during use which may cause you to lose your fish.
Pros
- Tangle free rubber mesh
- Innovative grip design
- Aluminum handle
- Lightweight and easy to use
Cons
- The hoop bends during use
10. ODDSPRO Kids Fishing Net
Who would not want their kids having fun fishing or start the fishing lessons early. Well, ODDSPRO have a fishing net specifically designed for your kid that is colorful and simple to use with a telescopic skid-resistant EVA handhold.
The nylon mesh used is non-absorbent hence unlikely to get water logged or absorb bad odors. Moreover, the net is durable and can withstand harsh water conditions.
Pros
- Durable nylon mesh
- Skid-resistant handhold
- The handle is detachable
- Quadrilateral structure mesh
Cons
- The net does not float
11. Wakeman Collapsible and Foldable Fishing Net
Are you wondering where you can find a saltwater fishing net? Well, wonder no more as Trademark Global have a fishing net that is said to be designed for salt water use with corrosion resistant features.
The net has a flat bottom basket meant to handle any fish type. However, the holes are a bit too large and small fish like the minnow easily get through the net hence more suitable for larger fish.
Pros
- Retractable handle
- Suitable for saltwater use
- Tangle-free mesh
- Light in weight
Cons
- Unsuitable for small fish
12. Yvleen Foldable Fish Landing Net
Since a fishing net is in water most of the time, the quality of the handle is important. This product from Yvleen is said to have a handle pole that is foldable as well as resistant to corrosion and unlikely to bend or crack.
The nylon mesh is durable plus non-absorbent to prevent water logging. Besides that, the mesh is gentle and unlikely to harm the fish as you can easily remove it from the net.
Pros
- Corrosion resistant aluminum handle
- Durable nylon mesh
- Foldable handle pole
- Safe and gentle on fish
Cons
- Some customers find the handle to be too short
13. Fiblink Folding Aluminum Fishing Landing Net
The hexagon shape on this net is said to make it more stable for use. As such, it is supposed to remain firm enabling you have full control even when the fish keeps moving as it tries to escape.
This product from Fiblink is made of a waterproof nylon mesh to prevent bad odors as well as water logging. In addition, the net is foldable for portability and easy storage.
Pros
- Waterproof nylon mesh
- Anodized aluminum handle
- You can easily fold the net
- Non-slip handhold
Cons
- Tends to tangle everything
14. ForEverlast Generation Floating Fishing Landing Net
A long handle for leverage is what For Everlast claims to have in their fishing net. Moreover, you have a good grip hence complete control as you bring your catch to dock and minimal chance of fish lose.
The net is useable in saltwater and freshwater. Some customers have reported that the mesh tangles everything within its reach and it takes time to untangle it making them prefer to use other fishing nets to save time.
Pros
- For any water type
- Long handle for leverage
- Floats on water
- Large top opening
Cons
- Hooks get tangled
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15. Frabill Folding Net with Telescoping Handle
Telescoping handles seem better since you adjust the length according to your preferences. This net’s handle can be extended up to 40 inches hence convenient for angling.
The mesh holes are micro-sized allowing you to catch the small fish. Moreover, this net is said to be tangle free and efficient for catch and release without injuring the fish.
Pros
- V-shaped hoop
- Tangle-free mesh
- Extendable handle
- Foldable for easy storage
Cons
- Works well with small fish
Buying Guide
Your fishing net plays a crucial role in determining whether you become a successful angler or not. Therefore, you need to seriously consider some factors before picking one such as:
Handle Durability
You probably do not know this, but many net handles fail because their manufacturers use substandard materials in fabricating them.
You want to get a net with a handle made from resilient material such as aluminum to ensure your catch lands in the right place.
Handle Length
You want to get the right handle length for the kind of fishing you are going to do and the kind of fish you are targeting.
Chances are high that you will fail at angling if you use the wrong handle length for your particular kind of fishing. You may catch the fish, but you will lose them before getting them into your boat.
Mesh Material
Fishing nets are generally made from one of three materials namely; rubber, nylon coated cord, and nylon.
Rubber mesh nets work best if you are doing catch and release. Whichever kind of material you pick should be based on your target fish.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
It would only be right for us to answer some of the questions that are commonly raised on this topic. We hope they can be of some help.
Are fishing nets safe for fish?
Yes, they are. Owing to the emergence of the catch and release fishing method, most modern fishing nets are fairly safe for fish.
You might want to reduce time in the net if you intend to release your catch when using a net with a knotted mesh.
That said, the safest type of net has to be the rubberized kind because it is less castigatory on fish compared to other nets because it will not tear at their scales and gills as they try to escape.
Can I replace my net?
Yes, you can. It is easier and cheaper to replace your net than buying another entire net.
What is the best fishing net?
There are many good nets in the market so the answer to that question is relative. However, if you care about your catch, you may want to go for a rubberized net because it is less punitive on fish.
Best Overall Choice
SF Fly Fishing Landing Net is our top fishing net choice. It is tangle-free plus highly ideal for catch and release. The handle is comfortable meaning you can use it for a longtime and, therefore, we highly recommend it.
Final Thoughts
Angling is not easy, and choosing the right gear for it is even harder. Nonetheless, we are here to make your purchasing decision a walk in the park.
This guide should be able to help you make the right decision.