Best Folding Fishing Net: 5 Compact Landing Nets

Why it made the list: The Brutus hoop folds in half with a push-down switch, and the handle extends to 75 inches, long enough to net fish from a bass boat or a low pier. You can choose fish-friendly clear silicone or nylon-covered PVC mesh. A built-in boat hook in the handle helps grab a dock line or pull in a drifting buoy, and KastKing rates this version to 45 lb.

Key specs: U-shaped folding hoop; boat hook version in 19 x 18 x 17 in or 19 x 20 x 18 in (length x width x depth); handle extends to 75 in; 6063 aluminum; silicone or nylon-covered PVC mesh; orange non-slip TPR grip; rated 45 lb; storage bag included.

Skip it if: you fish from a kayak where a dropped net sinks. The KastKing Pontus floats.

Why it made the list: The Pontus is built to float, which matters on kayaks and canoes where a net can slip over the side. A triangle-shaped hoop folds with a push-down switch, and a length scale on the frame lets you measure a fish in the net. The 36 and 61 inch models add a second extension section.

Key specs: triangle folding hoop with FBR frame; 6063 aluminum handle with reinforced rib; up to 61 in extended (model dependent); nylon-covered PVC mesh; built-in length scale; floating design; orange EVA grip; belt clip and storage bag.

Skip it if: you fish from a high-sided boat. The 75-inch Brutus reaches farther.

Why it made the list: Frabill has made landing nets for decades, and this one folds at the yoke and uses a 20 to 40 inch telescoping handle, so it packs small. The fine 3/16 inch micromesh is less likely to split fins and catch hooks than wide knotted mesh. At 14 inches deep, the bag holds bass, trout, and walleye.

Key specs: hoop folds at the yoke; telescoping handle 20 to 40 in; micromesh netting with 3/16 in openings; 14 in net depth. The listing title says 22 x 20 in, but the spec bullet lists an 18 x 16 in hoop; check the size before ordering.

Skip it if: you need to reach fish below a pier or high gunwale. Choose the Promar or Brutus.

Why it made the list: The Promar handle telescopes from 3 to 8 feet, the longest here, which helps on docks, seawalls, and piers. The 19 inch hoop folds for storage, and the netting is designed to resist hook tangles. Promar markets it for kokanee and crappie, fish that are often netted from a distance.

Key specs: 19 in folding hoop; handle telescopes 3 to 8 ft; hook-resistant netting.

Skip it if: you need a net for heavy fish like big catfish or stripers. A larger, rated net is safer.

Why it made the list: For panfish, small trout, or a kid’s tackle bag, the Restcloud net covers the basics: an aluminum telescoping handle, a soft mesh bag, and a hoop that folds and locks with a flip of the handle.

Key specs: aluminum telescoping handle 18 to 36 in; about 50 in total length extended (per the bullets; the title states 40 to 63 in); soft mesh; folding hoop that locks open.

Skip it if: you target bass over a few pounds or fish in salt water often. Choose a KastKing net.