Best Fishing Nets 2023

If you’ve ever hooked into a monster fish only to realize you don’t have a net to land it, then you know how important a quality fishing net is. Among the many pieces of equipment you’re likely to use on the water—from rods to sunglasses to fish finders—a net is one of the simplest yet most effective tools you can pack. Even with a net in hand, it takes a certain amount of skill to easily haul in a fish and release it, but having the right net for the job can make all the difference for you and the fish. Below, we’ve rounded up the best fishing nets that help you land fish and return them to the water with ease.

The best fishing nets make it easy to catch and release fish.

Like most fishing gear, nets come in a variety of shapes and sizes, from large landing nets to small, compact dip nets. After researching the top options from brands known and unknown, we’ve rounded up 7 of the best fishing nets based on factors that include durability, portability and cost. Whether you want a top-of-the-line net or a bang-for-your-buck option, our research and expertise will help you identify the net that meets your needs. And if you’re looking for more advice, scroll on to find a comprehensive list of the variables you should consider when shopping for a fishing net, as well as expert insights courtesy of Jack Reis, director of marketing with Colorado-based outfitter Fishpond.

Fishpond

For freshwater anglers, the Nomad feels right at home on any river or lake. The compact, lightweight carbon fiber and fiberglass composite net looks good and performs even better on the water, and it’s overbuilt to withstand backcountry fishing excursions. With the included bag, the net weighs less than a pound and is a foot deep. Made to conquer the elements, it stands up to rocks, water and sun, and at 32 inches in length, it’s compatible with both vests and packs so anglers can easily carry it further to catch more elusive fish.

Tenkara Rod Co.

Best known for its distinct minimalistic rods, Idaho-based Tenkara Rod Co. offers lightweight, compact nets that perform in spite of their small size. The carbon fiber handle and frame—made from the same material as the brand’s popular rods—is lightweight and designed to float on the water. The clear rubber net won’t spook fish in the water, and it makes it easy to pull a hook out if it gets snagged. The medium net is only 26 inches long and nearly a foot deep with the bag, making it compact enough to carry all day.

Orvis

There’s nothing worse than hooking into a monster fish that’s bound to break records, only to realize your net is too small for the job of hauling it in. Eliminate that problem with the Orvis Wide-Mouth Guide Net. If this net is good enough for guides, it will definitely bag fish for the average weekend angler. It features an extra large hoop at 17.5 inches long and 10.5 inches deep., and the total length is 37.5 inches to deliver great reach from a boat or the shoreline. The knotless hook-resistant net will easily handle any fish you manage to hook.

Amazon

Fishing from a boat is a different game because, like the ocean itself, everything’s a little bit bigger when you step away from the shore. With that in mind, the Bubba 24-inch Landing Net ensures you stay in the boat while pulling fish out of the water thanks to its length and capacity. The 2 millimeter carbon fiber textured grip on this net helps you hang onto it even when the going gets wet, and at 6 feet long and 2 feet wide, it can hold up to 75 pounds of fish. The PVC nylon net is durable and the yoke of the net is made of anodized aluminum, so it’ll stand up to saltwater and other unfavorable conditions.

Amazon

For the price of a six-pack, you can pick up this Wakeman Outdoors 8-Inch Fishing Net that won’t cost an arm and a leg, but it will certainly help you land a fish. Designed for catching smaller fish, the basket is 8 inches long and 10 inches deep, and the aluminum handle is easy to grip and rust-resistant. With a 16-inch handle, the net’s ready to go without taking up too much space. And for only $12, it’s an economical option that caters to budget-minded beginners in need of a net.

Amazon

If you’re the type of fisherman who tends to lose everything on the water, then a solid floating net may be a good option for you. This ForEverlast net is designed to float, so there’s no chance of it sinking while you’re busy netting a fish. The large rubber net is lightweight and features a cord so you can tether it to your pack or pants. The net is rubber coated to keep fish safe and designed to shed hooks with ease should they get snagged. A winner of the ICAST Best Show Fishing Accessory, this net will float on as long as you can catch fish.

Amazon

Looking to save on space during your next fishing trip? Then the San Like collapsible telescopic fishing net makes for a solid investment. The sturdy handle pole is ideal for both saltwater and freshwater fishing, and it’ll extend out to 36 inches, 43 inches, 71 inches or 98 inches depending on where you’re fishing. The high-density carbon fiber and fiberglass pole is strong yet lightweight, and the wide net is made with a knotless, waterproof, non-absorbent rubber coating to protect fish. When you’re done fishing for the day, simply telescope the pole in and fold the net over for easy transportation.

When selecting the best fishing nets, we considered the results of independent testing, expert advice and online reviews from anglers just like you. When comparing one fishing nets against one another, we examined variables that include durability, portability, materials, dimensions and intended use, and weighed these against reviews before selecting the nets we like the most. And because outfitters release new nets and modernize existing models regularly, we revisit this list and update the information to reflect our latest findings.

When conducting research for this article, we spoke with Jack Reis, director of marketing at Fishpond, a Colorado-based fishing equipment outfitter, to identify what you should consider when buying a fishing net. Reis notes that the first step in choosing a net is to ask yourself how you'll be carrying the net and what type of fish you're targeting. Are you wading in from the shore or casting in a boat? Are you fishing for panfish at your local pond or tangling with large rainbow trout in Alaska? The answers to these questions will reveal the overall length and size of the net you need. From there, it's important to understand how durable the net will need to be, and Reis recommends a frame made from fiberglass or carbon fiber. These offer a superior blend of strength and durability that will hold up season after season.

When the time comes to invest in one of the best fishing nets, there are several important factors to consider that will determine which net is right for you. Here’s what you should keep in mind:

The material used to construct the fishing net will determine how it behaves in the water, while supporting a fish and beyond. Common net materials include nylon, monofilament, polyethylene and multifilament, each of which has its own strengths and weaknesses in terms of strength, durability and resistance to abrasion.

The size of the net itself determines the size of the fish that you can catch. Keep in mind that the net size should comply with local regulations and be appropriate for the target species.

The shape of the net can vary, but common shapes include diamond, square or hexagonal figures. The shape affects the strength, efficiency and ease of use of the net, and once again, it should be suitable for the type of fish you intend to catch.

The strength of the net will influence its durability and whether or not a fish can escape. Consider the breaking strength of the net material and the overall construction quality.

Some nets are equipped with floats or foam handles to keep them on the surface of the water should you lose your grip. While a floating net is primarily designed to stay on the water so you can grab it, it also prevents the net from tangling up with underwater obstacles or marine life.

The weight of the net affects its maneuverability, ease of use and portability. Heavier nets may be more durable but can be more challenging to handle or haul. Consider the balance between weight and functionality based on your specific needs.

A durable fishing net is essential to withstand the harsh conditions of fishing, including exposure to water, UV rays and stress as a result of supporting a fish. Look for nets made from high-quality materials that feature reinforced edges or additional details that withstand wear and tear.

Ensure that the fishing net you choose complies with local fishing regulations, including mesh size restrictions, bycatch reduction requirements and legal dimensions. Adhering to these regulations helps maintain sustainable fishing practices and avoids unwanted legal troubles.