10 Best Fishing Nets in 2018

Nobody wants to be overwhelmed by their tackle as they’re making their way through the woods to their favorite fishing hole. That’s one reason we have collapsible fishing nets today like the Fiblink Folding Aluminum Fishing Net. Fiblink folding fishing nets fold down to about 1/3 their full size which lets you sling and forget about it. The handle is extendable for when you’re fishing off the boat in Minnesota and collapsible for when you’re landing trout in a Vermont stream. The mesh is fashioned from waterproof nylon with a non-hydrophilic coating that prevents it from getting waterlogged. The mesh structure is small and strong and unlikely to tangle regardless of the size of the fish. The aluminum used here is flexible but will stand up to being opened and closed repeatedly during the course of the year. Suitable for fresh or saltwater you can take it along with the confidence to the stream or pond. This also makes a great gift for fishermen in your life.

KastKing doesn’t mess around with their foldable landing net. It’s crafted from industrial strength graphite with stainless steel and aluminum components. Although the KastKing weighs less than 2 pounds it’s remarkably strong and won’t succumb to the thrashings of the biggest fish. The handle is fully retractable and the flat bottom provides an ideal platform for measuring fish when engaging in catch and release. The KastKing Folding Landing Net is beautifully balanced and folds down in seconds for storage in the handsome carrying sack. Whether you’re out for a day in the boat or relaxing along the banks of your favorite trout stream KastKing folding fishing nets are there when you need them. You definitely want this along as one of your large fishing nets. Don’t forget to wear your favorite fishing watch and enjoy a day on the water.

Frabill is well known for their high-quality, affordable fishing nets. Their Folding Net with Telescoping Handle is large enough to take along on the boat and yet it folds down to almost nothing for when you need to haul it down the path for a while. The net collapses at the push of a button and the handle can be extended from 20 to 40 inches just as quickly and easily. The mesh is 14 inches deep and has a flat bottom so you can regard your fish thoroughly and then release it knowing you haven’t done it irreparable harm. While marketing for the net emphasizes it’s compatibility with canoe and kayak fishing the truth is you can use this versatile, well-constructed net just about anywhere and for everything except some of the smaller species. Be sure to also check out our list of the best fishing shirts for more great items like this.

Wakeman Fishing Net is a handsome, well-built landing net with a wide mouth and rubberized mesh that isn’t going to do unnecessary damage to your catch. It’s got a nice flat bottom so you can see and measure your catch before releasing and the handle slides forward to minimize any hassle carrying and storing the net. The mesh composition and design discourages hook snags and allows the fish to emerge virtually unscathed from the encounter. The handle is strong and won’t give way when you’ve got that 7 pounder on the line. One of the better large fishing nets for medium and large sized fish whether freshwater or saltwater.

The Plusinno collapsible fishing net is a beauty that will cradle your catch rather than punish them and let you land even large fish with a great deal of ease and confidence. The handle is one of the most well-considered and comfortable we’ve encountered. It’s also telescopic so you can use it on sea or river bank. The waterproof nylon mesh has a non-absorbent coating that prevents it from rotting or playing host to harmful bacteria. And the whole thing breaks down in seconds so you can sling it and go, or attach it to the specially designed belt clip. The mesh is knotless which means not only will it be gentle on your catch it will also prevent fish hooks from getting tangled. Our handy guide to the best fishing shoes features more great products like this.

Sometimes you need to get the net out to the catch before it gets away but you’re caught having to manually work the handle extension system. Not so with the Ego S2 Slider Landing Net. The S2 utilizes a patented design that allows you to automatically extend the net 100% by simply pushing a button and pulling on the handle. As you pull the handle toward you the net projects outward toward your catch. In seconds you’re under it and pulling it boatside. Another great aspect of the S2 is that if you drop it overboard it isn’t going to make a beeline for the bottom. For those looking for fly fishing nets, the handle screws off and the standard mesh can be swapped out for something shallower. One of the best fishing nets around, but you’ll pay for it.

The handle of the Frabill Power Stow Net may not be ideal for open water fishing but it would do in a pinch. Where it really shines is when you’re going after large freshwater fish. In that case you’ll find the handle pleasantly strong (even though it’s lightweight), the knotless mesh forgiving on the fish, (which is crucial for catch and release) and you’ll learn quickly that the mesh won’t fail even when landing large aggressive species. The sliding handle does allow for some flexibility and the net folds down quickly to the very manageable size of 8 x 26 inches. It’s not quite as versatile as some of our other nets but for medium to large size fish it’s a winner. Love fishing? Check out our review of the best fishing backpacks for our top picks.

The MelkTemm Foldable Landing Net has a little bit of everything going for it. Which is what makes it our Best Value. The mesh is fish-friendly yet strong, the flat bottom makes it ideal for catch and release, the entire net breaks down quickly and effectively and the handle lets you extend the net out to nearly 39 inches. On top of that the net is fashioned from high strength yet low weight industrial grade aluminum, has a nice wide mouth so you won’t miss your catch and is suitable for river, lake or open water fishing. The fact that it’s so affordable makes one wonder why so many other nets need to cost as much as they do. Make sure you also check our guide to the best fishing vests.

While no one will accuse the ForEverlast Generation 2 Net of being the most versatile on planet earth it is nonetheless an outstanding net for wade fisherman. Compact, light and strong it features a no snag net that’s nice and deep, a flat bottom that allows you to keep the fish secured while measuring and knotless construction that’s not going to tear into the gills and scales of your catch. It’s a bit of a one trick pony to be sure but at the same time it really nails that trick. If you’re a wader you couldn’t ask for a better landing net. Find more great products like this by checking out our guide to the best sunglasses for fishing.

The final entry on our list of best fishing nets is the South Bend 24 inch Deep Landing Net. This is a basic, all-purpose freshwater net that’s lightweight and durable. The handle is strong and grip simple and secure. With a mesh that is 24 inches deep and a handle that is designed to stand up to maximum stress the South Bend 24 inch is a tough, no-nonsense net that designed to help you snag even large freshwater fighters before they shake themselves loose. Great for waders, fly fishers and for days in the rowboat on your favorite pond. It’s uncomplicated, unpretentious fishing tackle that will appeal to purists and newcomers alike.