Best Fishing Nets: 6 Landing Nets for Every Fish and Setup
Many fish are lost right at the boat or bank, when the line is short and the fish makes one...
By James
Updated November 10, 2026
Many fish are lost right at the boat or bank, when the line is short and the fish makes one last run. A landing net closes that gap. The right net has a hoop big enough for your fish, a handle long enough to reach the water from where you stand, and mesh that is gentle on fish you release and does not tangle hooks.
This guide compares six landing nets from Frabill, Ranger, Fishpond, Plusinno, and UMT, from a small floating kayak net to a 41-inch hoop for musky. We compared each maker’s published hoop size, net depth, handle length, mesh type, and construction. For more tools, see our fishing tools section.
Our Top Picks
| Best for | Product | FH Score About FH ScoreThe FH Score is our editorial rating from 0 to 10, based on published specs, materials, warranty and value. It is not based on Amazon ratings and is never influenced by commissions. Learn more › | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best overall |
Frabill Conservation Series Net (20 x 23 in)
|
8.3/10 | Check Price |
| Best for catch and release |
Ranger Knotless Rubber Net (25 x 25 in)
|
8.0/10 | Check Price |
| Best for musky and salmon |
Frabill Power Catch Net (32 x 41 in)
|
7.8/10 | Check Price |
| Best for fly fishing |
Fishpond Nomad Fly Net 2.0
|
7.3/10 | Check Price |
| Best for kayaks |
Plusinno Floating Folding Net
|
7.0/10 | Check Price |
| Best budget |
UMT Telescopic Rubber Net (17 x 19 in)
|
7.0/10 | Check Price |
The Picks in Detail
Frabill Conservation Series Net (20 x 23 in)
Why it made the list: This net has a 20 x 23 inch hoop and 16-inch depth, a size that handles bass, walleye, speckled trout, and redfish. The telescoping handle locks from 24 to 48 inches with a cam lock, and the handle slides through the yoke for compact storage. Stainless hardware makes it safe for salt water.
Key specs: 20 x 23 in hoop; 16 in net depth; 24 to 48 in Cam-Lock telescoping handle; Pow’R Lok yoke; stainless hardware; MeshGuard hoop protects netting; matte black finish; saltwater safe.
Skip it if: you target fish over about 30 inches. Choose the Frabill Power Catch.
Pros
- Versatile hoop size
- Telescoping handle stores short
- Saltwater-safe hardware
Cons
- Mesh type not stated on the listing
- Too small for big musky and salmon
Ranger Knotless Rubber Net (25 x 25 in)
Why it made the list: Knotless, rubber-coated mesh is gentler on a fish’s slime and fins, and hooks pull out of it easily. Ranger’s 25 x 25 inch net has a flat bottom that lets fish lie naturally, a telescoping octagon handle from 54 to 84 inches for reaching down from a high boat deck, and an anodized hoop. It is made in the USA.
Key specs: model 9788TFB; 25 x 25 in hoop; knotless rubber-coated flat-bottom net; 54 to 84 in telescoping octagon handle; black anodized hoop and handle; made in USA.
Skip it if: you fish from a kayak or wade. A short, light net is easier.
Pros
- Fish-friendly rubber net
- Long reach
- Made in USA
Cons
- Long and heavy for small boats
- Rubber nets weigh more in the water
Frabill Power Catch Net (32 x 41 in)
Why it made the list: Big fish need a big hoop and a deep bag. The Power Catch has a 32 x 41 inch hoop and 38-inch net depth, with a hexagonal hoop profile that cuts drag in the water and I-beam reinforcement around the hoop. The weighted netting drops into the water quickly, and the handle is shaped to resist twisting with a heavy fish.
Key specs: 32 x 41 in hoop; 38 in net depth; 48 in sliding handle; hexagonal Brute hoop with I-beam reinforcement; tangle-free weighted netting; stainless hardware; Pow’R Lok yoke.
Skip it if: your fish are under 10 lb. A mid-size net is easier to handle.
Pros
- Very large hoop and deep bag
- Strong hoop
- Handle resists twisting
Cons
- Bulky to store
- Overkill for bass and walleye
Fishpond Nomad Fly Net 2.0
Why it made the list: Wading anglers need a light net that floats if dropped. The Nomad is made from a Kevlar, carbon fiber, and fiberglass composite that is waterproof and buoyant, with a soft TPU net bag that is gentle on trout. Fishpond offers it in several sizes.
Key specs: Kevlar, carbon fiber, and fiberglass composite frame; waterproof and buoyant; TPU net bag; matte finish. Sizes vary by listing option.
Skip it if: you fish from a high boat deck. Choose a long-handled net.
Pros
- Light and floats
- Fish-friendly TPU bag
- Will not rust or rot
Cons
- Expensive
- Short handle for boats
Plusinno Floating Folding Net
Why it made the list: In a kayak, you want a short net that floats if it goes over the side. This Plusinno net has foam on the hoop for buoyancy, a rubber-coated mesh that resists hook snags, and a lightweight aluminum handle that folds. It weighs 12.5 oz.
Key specs: 15.8 x 11.8 in hoop; 11.8 in depth; 16.7 in handle; floating foam hoop; rubber-coated mesh; folding aluminum handle; 12.5 oz; fresh and salt water.
Skip it if: you fish for big fish from shore. Choose a larger net with a long handle.
Pros
- Floats
- Folds small
- Low cost
Cons
- Small hoop
- Short handle
UMT Telescopic Rubber Net (17 x 19 in)
Why it made the list: For shore, pier, and dock anglers on a budget, the UMT net offers a 17 x 19 inch hoop, a silicone rubber mesh, and an aluminum handle that extends from about 3.5 to 5 feet. It folds to 19 inches and weighs about 2 lb.
Key specs: 17 x 19 in hoop; 10 in depth; telescoping aluminum handle, 3.5 to 5 ft; silicone rubber mesh; about 2 lb; 19 in folded.
Skip it if: you want an ultralight net for hiking. The maker says this one is not built for that.
Pros
- Rubber mesh at a low price
- Good reach from piers and banks
- Folds for carrying
Cons
- Shallow 10 in bag
- Heavier than most small nets
Landing Nets Compared
| Net | Hoop | Depth | Handle | Mesh |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Frabill Conservation | 20 x 23 in | 16 in | 24 to 48 in | Not stated |
| Ranger 9788TFB | 25 x 25 in | Flat bottom | 54 to 84 in | Knotless rubber |
| Frabill Power Catch | 32 x 41 in | 38 in | 48 in | Tangle-free weighted |
| Fishpond Nomad 2.0 | Varies | Not stated | Short, fixed | TPU |
| Plusinno Floating | 15.8 x 11.8 in | 11.8 in | 16.7 in | Rubber coated |
| UMT Telescopic | 17 x 19 in | 10 in | 3.5 to 5 ft | Silicone rubber |
How We Picked
We did not use these nets for this guide. We researched each one and compared the specifications published by the makers. Our criteria:
- Hoop size and depth for different fish.
- Handle length for boats, banks, and wading.
- Mesh: rubber or knotless for catch and release.
- Durability and saltwater hardware.
- Storage and value.
The FH Score in each product box is our editorial rating, built from five weighted criteria: performance for the job, build quality, versatility, warranty and value. It is not based on Amazon ratings. See how it works on our How We Review page.
How to Choose a Fishing Net
Hoop size
Choose a hoop that fits the biggest fish you expect. Small hoops (12 to 18 inches) suit trout and panfish. Medium hoops (about 20 inches) suit bass and walleye. Large hoops suit musky, pike, salmon, and big catfish.
Handle length
Short handles suit kayaks and wading. Bank, pier, and boat anglers need 4 feet or more. High decks and piers need even longer reach.
Mesh
Rubber and knotless mesh protect a fish’s slime coat and release hooks easily. Nylon mesh is lighter but tangles treble hooks.
Floating and storage
Floating nets are useful for wading and kayaks. Telescoping and folding handles make nets easier to store in a boat or car.
How to net a fish
Put the net in the water and lead the fish in headfirst. Do not chase the fish with the net or swipe at its tail.
Related Guides
See more in our Landing Nets section.
FAQ
What size landing net do I need for bass?
A hoop around 18 to 22 inches with a 4 to 5 foot handle works for most bass fishing.
Are rubber nets better?
For catch and release, many anglers prefer them because they are easier on fish and hooks do not tangle.
What net is best for kayak fishing?
A short, floating net that will not sink if dropped, like the Plusinno.
Final Thoughts
The Frabill Conservation Series net is our top pick for its versatile size, telescoping handle, and saltwater-safe hardware. Choose the Ranger knotless net for catch and release from a boat, the Frabill Power Catch for musky and salmon, the Fishpond Nomad for wading, the Plusinno for kayaks, and the UMT net on a budget.
About the author
James writes reviews and buying guides for Fishing Hacking, covering rods, reels, line, lures, and the gear anglers rely on. His work focuses on clear criteria, balanced pros and cons, and practical advice to help readers choose equipment that fits how and where they fish.