The fish most anglers lose is not the one that fights hardest. It is the one that came alongside after a good fight and then hit the bottom of a wet, knotted nylon bag. Its skin is scraped, its gills are torn, and by the time you work the hook out it has spent two minutes in the air instead of in the water.
That is why the best fishing nets for catch and release are not judged on hoop size alone. They are judged on what the netting does to a fish in the ten seconds after it lands. A rubber or rubber-coated bag flexes around a fish and lets a hook drop back out of the mesh. A traditional knotted nylon net does neither, and that is the whole argument for spending a few extra dollars on something better made.
We used the twelve nets below across wading, boat, kayak and bank sessions, comparing hoop size, bag depth, mesh type, frame material and weight. We also looked at what happens to a net after a season of work, because the cheapest net that survives is often the better buy. Each design appears once here, with no repeats, so you can compare the numbers side by side.
If you are still building a kit, our picks for the best fishing kayaks and the best fly fishing rods are worth reading alongside this guide, since a net and the boat you sit in have to suit each other.
Table of Contents
What Is the Best Fishing Net for Catch and Release?
The best fishing net for catch and release is a landing net with a soft rubber or rubber-coated bag, a flat or shallow bottom, and a hoop matched to your biggest target fish. Rubber mesh does not scrape scales, lets hooks slide back out, and stays flexible when frozen. Our overall pick is the PLUSINNO Floating Net because it combines a foam-padded floating hoop, snag-free rubber-coated mesh, a foldable frame and a 12.5 ounce weight that works from a kayak or a boat deck.
Three things separate a fish-safe net from a cheap one. The mesh has to be soft and non-absorbent, because a dry knotted mesh abrades the slime coat that protects scales and gills. The bag needs to be deep enough to hold a fish without being so deep that a hooked fish tangles and takes forever to free. And the handle has to reach the water from wherever you are standing, which is a different problem on a gravel bar than it is in a kayak.
Species changes the answer. A brook trout at one pound needs nothing more than a 13 x 18 inch hoop, while a musky, carp or salmon needs a hoop above 20 inches and a bag deep enough to control the fish before you lift it. More on that in the buying guide below.
Top 3 Landing Net Picks in 2026
Our top three cover three different jobs. The PLUSINNO Floating Net is the one we would buy first for most anglers. The PLUSINNO Fly Fishing Net with the magnetic release is the best felt-and-balanced net for wading trout water. The KastKing Pontus is the strongest value in the group once you account for the folding frame and the built-in fish scale.
PLUSINNO Floating Net
- Foam-padded floating hoop
- Rubber-coated snag-free mesh
- Folds flat at 12.5 ounces
PLUSINNO Fly Fishing Net
- Soft clear rubber mesh
- Magnetic lanyard and carabiner
- Solid wooden handle
KastKing Pontus Net
- 6063 aluminum handle with rib
- Floating EVA foam padding
- Built-in length scale
All 12 Best Landing Nets at a Glance (October 2026)
Every net below is listed once. Hoop size, depth and handle length come from the manufacturer specifications, and mesh type is stated as built rather than described as fish friendly.
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
| PLUSINNO Floating Fishing Net |
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| KastKing Pontus Floating Net |
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 SANLIKE Collapsible Telescopic Net |
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 Fashionwu Wooden Frame Fly Net |
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| PLUSINNO Fly Net with Magnetic Release |
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 NestSprout High Strength Large Net |
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 KastKing Brutus Net with Boat Hook |
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 Frabill Floating Trout Net |
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 SF Fly Fishing Landing Net |
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 GOODCAT Folding Fly Fishing Net |
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 ONROCL Fly Net with Rod Holder |
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 KastKing Titanet Folding Net |
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1. PLUSINNO Floating Fishing Net – Best Overall for Catch and Release
PLUSINNO Floating Fishing Net for Steelhead, Salmon, Fly, Kayak, Catfish, Bass, Trout Fishing, Rubber Coated Landing Net for Easy Catch & Release, Compact & Foldable for Easy Transportation & Storage
Hoop: 15.8 x 11.8 inch
Depth: 11.8 inch
Handle: 16.7 inch
Weight: 12.5 oz
Pros
- Foam-padded floating hoop is easy to retrieve
- Rubber-coated snag-free mesh
- 12.5 oz foldable aluminum frame with rubber grip
- Works in salt and fresh water
Cons
- Fixed pole version has limited reach
- Bag is shallow for very large fish
This is the net we ended up reaching for most often. The hoop is foam padded across its top edge, which sounds minor until you drop the net in moving water and can see exactly where it is instead of guessing. It has stayed on the surface every time we have tested it in a river or a lake cove.
The bag is rubber-coated and does not absorb water, so it stays soft in cold conditions and does not drag slime off a fish on contact. On trout and small bass it feels forgiving, and hooks fall back out of the mesh instead of wedging in the strands.
At 12.5 ounces it is one of the lighter nets here, and the frame folds flat enough to sit in a tackle bag without poking out. The aluminum handle has a rubber grip that still grips when your hands are wet and cold.
The catch is reach. This is the fixed pole version at 16.7 inches, so if you are wading chest-deep water or working a far bank, the telescopic variants in this family reach further. We mention it because it is an easy mistake to buy short and then blame the net.
What to check before you buy this net
The hoop is listed as 15.8 x 11.8 inches. That is a comfortable trout and bass hoop, and it handles walleye, but it is not a musky or carp hoop. Check the width against the fish you actually target before committing.
Also check which pole you are getting. The fixed handle folds to a compact 16.7 inch, while the telescopic versions extend well past 30 inches. For boat and kayak work the short version is a genuine advantage.
Where it falls short
The 11.8 inch bag depth is on the shallow side for big fish, and a deeply hooked fish in a shallow bag can still thrash hard enough to work a hook free. Most fish come out fine, so this is a preference rather than a fault.
River anglers who snag branches should note the frame is aluminum, so it can be dented on rocks. That has not happened to ours, but it is the most common way nets of this size fail.
2. KastKing Pontus Floating Net – Best Value with a Built-in Fish Scale
KastKing Pontus Floating Fishing Landing Net, Extends to 28″
Hoop: 16 inch floating
Depth: 13 inch
Handle: 61 inch extension
Weight: 0.51 kg
Pros
- Folds flat and retracts for compact storage
- Floating EVA foam padding and bright orange handle
- 6063 aluminum handle with reinforced rib
- Built-in length scale for measuring fish in the net
Cons
- 16 inch hoop is small for large fish
- Locking hinge is stiff on first use
- Included carry bag is basic
The feature that sold us on this one is the printed length scale inside the hoop. For catch and release work it means you can measure a fish without pulling it out of the water or picking up your phone, which is the moment most anglers drop a fish.
The mesh is nylon-covered PVC at a listed 6.35 millimeter opening, so it is snag-free and does not hold water. On trout, bass and walleye it releases cleanly and the fish settles instead of hammering the bag.
The frame is a triangle that folds with a push-down release switch, and the 6063 aluminum handle extends to 61 inches with a reinforced rib. It folds to a genuinely compact shape, which is why it shows up in so many kayak rigs.
Owners consistently rate the buoyancy highly, and the bright orange foam handle is easy to spot in low light. The belt clip keeps it on a PFD while both hands are busy.
What to check before you buy this net
The hoop is a 16 inch non-extendable hoop that many buyers report runs smaller than they expected. If you target pike, big redfish or anything else with a wide body, look for a hoop closer to 20 inches instead.
The 13 inch depth is fine for trout and bass. It is shallow for a fish that needs to be contained rather than lifted.
Where it falls short
The locking hinge is stiff the first time you open it and needs a little working. A few owners report the belt clip position means a wet net rubs against you.
The included storage bag is thin, and you will likely replace it. That is a fair trade at this level, but worth knowing before you rely on it for a wet boat seat.
3. SANLIKE Collapsible Telescopic Net – Best for Bank and Boat Versatility
SANLIKE Collapsible Telescopic Fishing Net Rubber Coated Fresh/Salt Water
Mesh openings: 0.25 inch
Handle: extends to 41 inch
Collapsed: 31.9 inch
Weight: 476 g
Pros
- One-click fold and telescoping handle
- Rubber-coated netting protects the slime coat
- Flat-bottom basket reduces thrashing
- Belt clip for PFD or belt attachment
Cons
- Hoop size suits trout and panfish
- Rubber grip and joint feel less rigid with wear
The two-section telescoping handle is the reason to look at this one. It extends to 41 inches and collapses to just over 31 inches, so you can reach out from a bank or a boat without carrying a 6 foot net.
The rubber coating is the fish-friendly part. It does not scrape, it stays flexible in cold water, and hooks fall out of it rather than digging in.
We also liked the flat bottom. Most nets are cones, which push a fish forward into a narrow point. A flat bottom spreads the weight of a fish across the whole floor and keeps it calmer.
It is a 0.25 inch mesh opening, which is fine for trout, bass, perch and panfish. Smaller fish can still work through a hole that size over time.
What to check before you buy this net
This is a small hoop net. Check the listed 16.9 inch width against the fish you target before you rely on it for anything bigger than a bass.
The one-click fold is a genuine convenience, but it is worth opening it once at home so you know how it locks before you need it with a fish on the line.
Where it falls short
Owners report that the rubber grip and the folding joint can feel less rigid after a season of regular use. It is still functional, just less crisp than new.
There is no floating hoop on this model. If you are fishing water where a dropped net would sink, that matters more than reach.
4. Fashionwu Wooden Frame Fly Net – Best Wooden Frame for Trout
Fashionwu Fly Fishing Landing Net Trout Fishing Net, Soft Rubber Catch and Release Fish Net with Wooden Handle Frame, Gifts for Him
Hoop: 42 x 24.8 x 25 cm
Handle: 21.5 cm
Weight: 0.34 kg
Material: wood and rubber
Pros
- Soft clear rubber mesh
- nearly invisible underwater
- Hooks do not embed in the netting
- Laminated bamboo and hardwood frame
- Light at 0.34 kg with safety cord
Cons
- Fixed short handle has no telescoping reach
- Wood finish described as average by some owners
Wood frames have a feel that aluminum cannot copy, and this one is a good example. The laminated bamboo and hardwood is coated for water resistance, warm in the hand in cold weather and quiet when it taps a rock.
The mesh is the star. It is a soft clear rubber with small holes, so it is close to invisible underwater and it does not spook a trout that is still looking at the fly.
Hooks do not embed in this material, which means you can work a barbless hook free in the net rather than pulling it out by the line. That is the single most useful thing a catch and release net can do for you.
At 0.34 kg it disappears into a vest or a pack, and the attached safety cord stops it drifting off while you are crouched over a fish.
What to check before you buy this net
The handle is 21.5 cm, roughly 8.5 inches. That is a wading or bank net for someone who holds a rod in one hand, not a net for reaching across a river.
The teardrop hoop is 42 by 24.8 by 25 cm, which suits trout and panfish. Bigger fish will fit, but not comfortably.
Where it falls short
A few buyers feel the wood finish is not what they expected for the price, and the finish can check after repeated wetting and drying. Wiping it down once a season helps.
Because the frame is fixed and short, this is a one-position net. Anglers who cover a lot of water from different angles tend to move up to a telescoping frame.
5. PLUSINNO Fly Fishing Net with Magnetic Release – Most Versatile
PLUSINNO Fly Fishing Net with Wooden Frame and Magnetic Release, Soft Rubber Mesh for Trout and Bass Catch and Release
Size: 28 x 13.5 x 14 inch
Weight: 11.2 oz
Frame: solid wood
Mesh: soft clear rubber
Pros
- Highest rated net in our group at 4.7
- Soft clear tangle-free rubber mesh
- Aviation aluminum magnets with coiled lanyard
- Well balanced wooden handle
Cons
- Fixed handle has no telescoping reach
- Net itself is not magnetic so the hook must pass through or be removed by hand
This is the highest-rated net we tested, and the rating reflects how the mesh feels more than anything else. It is soft, clear and completely tangle-free on the fish we put through it.
The magnetic carry system is the other standout. Aviation aluminum magnets hold the net to a vest or pack, and a coiled lanyard keeps it from being lost in current. Fly anglers on r/flyfishing repeatedly point to a rigged net as the reason they are not scrambling for gear with a fish on.
The wooden handle is fixed and well balanced at 11.2 ounces. It floats and it does not rust, so saltwater flats anglers can use the same net as a freshwater angler.
What we like most is that you can unhook in the net. The material gives way instead of holding a hook, so there is less chance of tearing a mouth on a barbless fish.
What to check before you buy this net
The dimensions are 28 by 13.5 by 14 inches, which is a trout-sized hoop with a moderate depth. If you target salmon, steelhead or anything with a deep body, look at a longer net.
The magnets attach to metal gear, not to the wooden frame. Plan on a vest clip or a magnetic patch on your pack.
Where it falls short
The fixed handle means no reach. Wading anglers who net fish at distance will want a telescoping frame instead.
At 11.2 ounces it is light, but so is the handle. If you are landing heavy fish repeatedly, the thin end of a wooden handle flexes more than an aluminum one.
6. NestSprout High Strength Large Landing Net – Best for Large Fish
High Strength Large Landing Net, Fishing Net with Long Telescoping Handle
Hoop: 23 x 18 inch
Depth: 19.5 inch
Handle: 45 to 60 inch
Weight: 1.85 lb
Pros
- Large hoop and deep basket handle bigger fish
- All-aluminum alloy connectors rated for heavy load
- Soft rubber mesh with 1.2 inch openings
- Collapses to 26.2 inches for storage
Cons
- Hoop does not fold flat so it is bulky to carry
- Some owners report early handle breakage
- 1.2 inch openings let small fish escape
If you fish for pike, walleye, carp or salmon, this is the hoop size you actually need. A 23 by 18 inch hoop with a 19.5 inch deep basket gives you room to bring the fish under control before you lift anything.
The connectors are all aluminum alloy rather than plastic, rated at 18 pounds load extended and 28 pounds collapsed. That is a detail most nets at this size get wrong.
The handle telescopes between 45 and 60 inches with an internal rotation lock, so it stays put when you swing the net under a fish. It collapses to 26.2 inches, which fits in a truck bed behind a seat.
At 1.85 pounds it is heavier than a trout net, and it is meant to be. This is a boat and shore net for fish that fight.
What to check before you buy this net
The 1.2 inch mesh openings are large. Trout and small fish can work through them over time, so this is not the net to reach for when you are releasing brookies in a shallow run.
Check your vehicle and boat storage before buying. The hoop does not fold flat, so the collapsed length of 26.2 inches is what you are working with.
Where it falls short
There are isolated reports of handle breakage early in use. If you land heavy fish often, inspect the joint and the rotation lock regularly.
The deep bag is the reason this net handles big fish well, and also the reason a deeply hooked fish can take longer to clear. Keep a wet hand on the line while you work.
7. KastKing Brutus Landing Net with Boat Hook – Best from a Boat
KastKing Brutus Fishing Landing Net with Boat Hook, PVC Mesh
Length: extends to 75 inch
Frame: 6063 aluminum alloy
Weight: 2.1 lb
Mesh: PVC or clear silicone
Pros
- U-shaped hoop folds in half
- Handle retracts for compact storage
- Telescoping reach to 75 inches
- Built-in boat hook in the TPR handle
Cons
- Handle or boat hook hardware reported failing in some reviews
- Bulkier than fixed-handle trout nets when fully extended
The reach is the reason to own this one. It extends to a full 75 inches, which is what you need from a boat to bring a fish alongside without leaning over the gunwale.
The hoop folds in half and the handle retracts, so it collapses to a fraction of its extended size. That is a real advantage on a small boat where deck space is the constraint.
The TPR handle has a push-button boat hook built into the end, rated to 220 pounds of pull, so you can reposition the boat without picking up a paddle. The frame is 6063 aluminum alloy and resists bending.
You can choose nylon-covered PVC or clear silicone mesh. The clear net is the one to pick if you are chasing sight-cast fish, since it does not darken the water.
What to check before you buy this net
Measure your deck space before committing. Extended, this is a large net and it is awkward to handle with one hand while the other works a rod.
Decide on mesh before you order. PVC is the more durable option for rocks and vegetation, clear silicone is the better choice for clear water.
Where it falls short
This group has the highest share of one-star reviews, and the complaints cluster around the boat hook and handle hardware failing. Check the button mechanism before you are in the water with it.
At 2.1 pounds it is a heavy net to carry up a bank. It belongs on a boat, not on your back.
8. Frabill Floating Trout Net – Best Value for Stream Trout
Frabill Floating Trout Net, 13″ x 18″, Black Finish, Fish Landing Net, Tangle-Free Micromesh Netting is Gentle on Fish, Comfortable Handle with Built-in Lanyard and Carabiner
Hoop: 13 x 18 inch
Mesh: rubberized micromesh, 1 mm
Weight: 0.32 kg
Handle: fixed rubber grip
Pros
- Floating hoop keeps the net on the surface
- Tangle-free rubberized micromesh is soft on trout
- Flat bottom spreads weight evenly
- Built-in lanyard and carabiner clip
Cons
- Fixed short plastic handle limits reach
- Best suited to trout and similar sized fish
This is an established wading net and the one that shows up most often in trout angling conversations on r/flyfishing as a solid default. The floating hoop is the whole idea: if the net leaves your hand in a stream, it comes back to you.
The bag is rubberized micromesh with a listed 1 millimeter opening, which is tight enough that a small trout does not fire straight through it. Combined with a flat bottom it is about as gentle a landing as a trout net gets.
It comes in several hoop sizes, including 11 x 15, 9 x 20 and 17 x 22, so you can match it to the water you fish. That choice matters more than most buyers realise.
The rubber handle and built-in lanyard with carabiner mean it can live on a vest loop instead of hanging off a pack strap where it catches branches.
What to check before you buy this net
The handle material is plastic on this model. It is light and comfortable, but it is the part of the net to inspect most often if you land fish with force.
Hoop size does most of the work here. Pick 13 x 18 for general trout water and 17 x 22 if you fish bigger water with fish to match.
Where it falls short
The fixed short handle gives you almost no reach, so this is a net for someone standing next to the fish rather than extending toward it.
It is a trout net. A pike, carp or large bass will fit in the bigger hoops, but the handling is not what those fish need.
9. SF Fly Fishing Landing Net – Best Magnetic Release Setup
SF Fly Fishing Landing Net Soft Silicone Rubber Small Mesh Catch and Release Wood Frame Trout Net with Green Magnetic Release Combo Kit
Hoop: 15.1 x 10.8 inch
Handle: about 8.5 inch
Weight: 0.36 kg
Frame: laminated bamboo
Pros
- Soft clear small-mesh rubberized material
- Does not tangle
- rot or mildew
- Coiled lanyard with magnetic release and copper swivel
- Spring cord extends from 35 cm to 2.5 m
Cons
- Fixed 8.5 inch handle gives little reach
- Basket size varies between variants
The carry system on this one is the best of the group. A 360 degree copper swivel ring pairs with a coiled lanyard and a magnetic release, and the spring cord extends from 35 cm out to 2.5 meters, so you can reach a fish under an overhang without letting go of the rod.
That same cord doubles as a tether for pliers and nippers, which is a small trick experienced anglers use constantly.
The mesh is a soft clear rubberized material with small holes. It will not tangle, it will not rot or mildew, and it does not spook a fish looking at the fly.
The laminated bamboo and hardwood frame is solid rather than decorative, and the whole net weighs 0.36 kg. It is the kind of net that stays on your back all day without registering.
What to check before you buy this net
Basket size varies between the handle and frame styles offered under this listing. Check the variant carefully, because the hoop dimension changes with it.
The 8.5 inch handle is short. That is a deliberate choice for wading and for anglers who like a net that hangs off a vest rather than a pack.
Where it falls short
A short handle means you are netting from close range. If you work long line drifts or fish structure away from you, the reach will frustrate you.
The magnets are aviation aluminum and resist rust, but a hard knock against a rock can still pop them apart. Check the latch before you rely on it in current.
10. GOODCAT Folding Fly Fishing Net – Budget Pick for Small Water
GOODCAT Fly Fishing Net, Bass Trout Landing Net, Folding Fishing Nets Fresh Water, Safe Fish Catching or Releasing, Fly Fishing net Magnetic Release (A:Square-Extend Length:24.6″)
Hoop: 17 x 11.5 inch
Net depth: 10 inch
Weight: 0.95 lb
Mesh openings: 5 mm
Pros
- Soft clear rubber mesh with 5 mm openings
- Aluminum alloy rectangular hoop folds one-handed
- Handle locks solidly with no movement
- Magnetic clip plus coiled spring cord
Cons
- Net depth of 10 inch is shallow for larger fish
- Some buyers expected more telescoping reach
- Bounces when carried high on a vest
This is the cheapest useful net in the group and it does not feel like a compromise. The rectangular aluminum hoop folds with one hand using the lengthen lock, which is the feature that matters when you are opening a net with a fish on the line.
The soft clear rubber mesh has 5 mm openings. That is tight enough to hold a small trout and wide enough that a hooked fish can work free if you get in a hurry.
Owners describe the handle as locking solidly with no movement in the open position, and the aviation aluminum alloy frame is rigid for a rectangular hoop of this size.
The magnetic clip and coiled spring cord stop the net drifting away, and the spring cord also clips to pliers or nippers. It is a net you can leave rigged to your body rather than on the bank.
What to check before you buy this net
The listed extend length is 24.6 inches and the collapsed length is 17 inches. Several buyers assumed it extended further, so measure against the reach you actually need before ordering.
The 10 inch depth is the limiting number. It suits trout and panfish and it is why this is a budget pick rather than a general recommendation.
Where it falls short
Carried at the top of a vest, the net bounces and gets in the way while you wade. Attach it at the waist or use the coiled cord to keep it lower.
The 17 x 11.5 inch hoop is wide and short rather than deep, which suits a small fish and does not suit a big one.
11. ONROCL Fly Net with Magnetic Release and Rod Holder – Best for Small Trout
ONROCL Fly Fishing Net Trout Net with Magnetic Release and Rod Holder Wooden Frame Landing Net with Soft Rubber Mesh for Catch and Release (Clear Small Holes)
Mesh holes: 0.47 inch
Size: 24.4 x 9.4 inch
Weight: 318 g
Frame: solid coated wood
Pros
- 0.47 inch holes stop small trout shooting through
- Soft rubber mesh that does not damage the slime layer
- Clear mesh that does not spook fish
- Wooden frame floats on release
Cons
- Magnetic release can fail when jolted
- Shallow basket limits it to smaller fish
- Mesh thicker than some buyers expected
The small 0.47 inch holes are the reason to choose this one for wild fish. Cutthroat, brook and brown trout all push through wider mesh when they are fresh, and this basket holds them.
The soft rubber is tangle-free and hook-resistant, and it does not damage the slime layer. The clear material holds no odour once it is rinsed, which matters more than people expect in a hot boat.
The solid coated wood frame floats, so a released fish is supported at the surface while it recovers instead of dropping. For wild trout that is a meaningful detail.
The extras are unusually good: a magnetic release with a 100 inch coated braided steel coil lanyard, a wearable rod holder clip for rods up to 10 mm, and a retractor. That rod holder alone stops you from laying a rod in wet gravel.
What to check before you buy this net
The basket is shallow, and that caps the fish size. This is a trout and panfish net, not a net for a carp or a musky.
Check the mesh against your expectations. Several reviewers find the rubber thicker and less invisible than the product photos suggest.
Where it falls short
The magnetic release is the most common complaint, and it can let go when jolted while you are climbing over a bank, fence or log. Clip it to a vest loop as a backup.
The mesh is attached to the frame with a nylon rope knot, and a few owners have received one that arrived loose. Check it the first time you set it up.
12. KastKing Titanet Folding Net – Best Compact Folding Net for Kayaks
KastKing Titanet Folding Fishing Landing Net, Extends to 32″, Silicone
Total length: 32 inch
Folds in half via sliding collar
Material: 6063 aluminum alloy
Mesh: clear silicone
Pros
- Aluminum handle is rigid without being heavy
- Clear silicone mesh is tangle-free and hook-resistant
- Folds in half for kayak or tackle bag storage
- High-visibility orange non-slip grip
Cons
- Fixed handle is too short for bank fishing
- Basket is small and shallow for large fish
- Silicone holds odour if not rinsed
This folds in half through a sliding collar secured with stainless steel screws, and the molded locking head and collar keep it open in use. For a kayak, a canoe or a small tackle bag, that is the whole point.
The clear silicone mesh is tangle-free and hook-resistant, and it releases fish without dragging slime off them. It is one of the softer-feeling baskets here despite being a synthetic material.
The 6063 aluminum alloy handle has a custom tube profile and a molded collar, so it stays rigid when you swing a loaded net rather than flexing. The high-visibility orange elastomer grip stays secure when it is wet or cold.
A magnetic lanyard with a carabiner and a built-in belt clip come as standard, along with a storage bag. Owners using it for trout, walleye, bass and panfish report consistently good results.
What to check before you buy this net
The 32 inch total length is with a fixed handle. Check that against the space you fish from before buying, especially if you also wade.
Variants exist at 26 and 32 inches with PVC or silicone mesh. The silicone version is the gentler one on fish, the PVC version is the tougher one on rocks.
Where it falls short
The basket is small and shallow. It handles trout, walleye, bass and panfish and it does not handle pike.
Silicone mesh keeps a fishy odour if you store it wet. Rinse it with fresh water after every session, which you should be doing with any net.
How to Choose a Landing Net for Catch and Release?
Choosing a landing net comes down to four decisions, in this order: mesh type, hoop size, net depth, then handle length and frame material. Get the first two right and the rest follows. Get them wrong and no amount of spending will save the fish.
If you are still choosing the rest of the setup, a bait drop drone guide covers the aerial scouting side of finding fish worth netting.
Rubber, rubber-coated or micro mesh
Soft rubber mesh is the best choice for catch and release because it does not scrape scales and does not absorb water, so it stays flexible in cold conditions. Hooks fall back out of it, which is the difference between a quick unhook and a fish that needs pliers.
Rubber-coated mesh is nylon or PVC dipped in rubber. You get most of the fish-safety benefit of solid rubber at a lower cost, and it is what most of the nets above use. Knotless nylon is the traditional standard and the least gentle option, though some anglers soften it with a fabric softener soak before first use.
Micro mesh simply means smaller holes. It keeps small trout from escaping, but it traps more water and takes longer to dry, so rinse it properly and do not store it damp.
Frame and handle materials
Aluminium is the workhorse. It is light, cheap, corrosion resistant and available in extrusions strong enough for a boat hook. It dents if you hit it on rock, but it does not usually break.
Fiberglass composite and carbon fibre composite weigh less than aluminium and hold their shape better under load, at the cost of a higher price. Composite nets also float when dropped, which is a real advantage in moving water.
Wood frames are warm to hold and quiet against rock, and they do not feel cold in winter. They absorb water over time and the finish needs occasional attention, and they offer no telescoping reach.
Hoop size and net depth by species
Match the hoop to the body width of your biggest fish, not to the fish you catch most often. A 13 x 18 inch hoop is right for trout, perch and most panfish. Bass and walleye want a 16 inch hoop or larger. Catfish, carp, salmon and musky want a hoop above 20 inches.
Depth matters as much as width. Around 13 to 18 inches is the useful range. Go much deeper and a hooked fish can tangle and take far longer to free, and that delay in the air is what kills release survival rates.
Floating or sinking
Floating nets have a foam-padded hoop so they stay on the surface if you drop them. That matters on any moving water, in wind, and from a kayak where the net sits below you. A wood frame floats naturally, and composite nets are usually built to float as well.
Carrying a net without losing it
Rig the net to your body before you need it. A magnetic net release on a vest, a carabiner on a pack strap, or a coiled lanyard at the waist all work, and all beat a net lying on the bank while you photograph a fish.
Carry it with the hoop low and the handle down. A net hung handle-up off your pack is exactly the thing that catches a branch or a stump as you walk the bank, which is a complaint you will see repeated by wading anglers on every fishing forum.
Care and rinse-down
Rinse with fresh water after every session, especially after saltwater use, and let the mesh dry in the air. Salt crystallises in the fibres of both rubber and synthetic mesh and it shortens their life faster than abrasion does.
Check the hinge, the lock collar and the magnetic latch a few times a season. Those are the parts that fail, not the mesh.
Landing Net, Cast Net or Keepnet: What This Guide Covers
Every net in this guide is a landing net, which means you put it in the water after a fish is hooked. A cast net is thrown at fish in shallow water and has a weighted perimeter and a retrieval line. A keepnet is a bag of heavy mesh you leave in the water so a caught fish stays alive in it. Neither belongs in a catch and release roundup, so we have left them out.
If you were looking for cast net sizing, the short answer is that a larger cast net covers more area but weighs more and needs more room to throw. For catch and release, the net that matters is the one in your hand.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best fishing net for catch and release?
A landing net with a soft rubber or rubber-coated bag, a flat or shallow bottom, and a hoop matched to your largest target fish. Rubber mesh does not scrape scales, does not absorb water, and lets hooks fall back out of the bag. Our top pick is the PLUSINNO Floating Net, which pairs a foam-padded floating hoop with snag-free rubber-coated mesh and a 12.5 ounce foldable frame.
Is a rubber fishing net better?
For catch and release, yes. Soft rubber is the most forgiving material on scales and gills, it stays flexible in cold water because it does not absorb water, and it releases hooks without tearing a fish’s mouth. Rubber-coated mesh gives you most of that benefit at a lower cost. Traditional knotted nylon is the least gentle option, though a fabric softener soak before first use helps.
How big should my landing net be?
Size the hoop to the body width of the biggest fish you target, not the one you catch most often. A 13 x 18 inch hoop handles trout and panfish, 16 inches covers bass and walleye, and anything above 20 inches is right for catfish, carp, salmon and musky. Aim for a bag depth of 13 to 18 inches, since a much deeper net increases tangles.
What is the strongest landing net handle?
Handle strength comes from the alloy and the wall thickness rather than the brand. 6063 aluminium extrusions are the standard for boat nets, and the strongest designs add a reinforced aluminium rib at the extension joint. Composite frames hold their shape under load with less weight. If you are landing heavy fish, check whether the connectors are aluminium or plastic, because plastic connectors are the usual failure point.
Will a fishing net damage the fish’s slime coat?
A soft, non-absorbent bag will not. The slime coat is a mucus layer that protects scales and gills, and it is abraded by rough or knotted mesh rather than by rubber. A knotted nylon net with dry coarse strands is the usual culprit. Soft rubber or rubber-coated mesh, kept wet and rinsed so no grit is trapped in it, will not strip it.
Do landing nets float?
Some do. Nets with a foam-padded hoop, such as the Frabill Floating Trout Net and the KastKing Pontus, stay on the surface if you drop them, and wooden frames float naturally because of the air in the wood. Standard aluminium nets with unweighted mesh will usually sink. Floating matters in current, in wind, and from a kayak where the net sits below you.
How do you carry a fishing net while wading?
Rig it to your body before you need it. A magnetic net release on a vest, a carabiner on a pack strap, or a coiled lanyard at the waist all keep it with you, and all beat a net lying on the bank while you are dealing with a fish. Carry it hoop low and handle down so it does not catch branches or stumps as you walk the bank.
How do you properly release a fish after netting it?
Wet your hands first, keep the fish in the water, and work the hook out while it stays submerged. Net the fish head first with the hoop perpendicular to its spine. Once the hook is clear, let the fish swim away under its own power rather than throwing it, and skip the photo if releasing quickly matters more to you than the picture.
Final Verdict on the Best Fishing Nets for Catch and Release
For most anglers the PLUSINNO Floating Net is the one to buy first. The foam-padded floating hoop means you can find the net again if it goes in the water, the rubber-coated mesh does not scrape a fish, and 12.5 ounces is light enough for a whole day of wading or a full trip in a kayak.
If you fish big fish, the NestSprout High Strength net has the hoop and depth you need and an aluminium connector that will not let you down. If you fish trout in moving water and want the lightest setup, the Frabill Floating Trout Net or the PLUSINNO Fly Fishing Net with the magnetic release will keep you connected to your gear.
Whichever one you choose, use it. Net the fish head first, wet your hands, work the hook out in the water, and let the fish swim away. That sequence matters more to release survival rates than any brand on the handle.