Are you looking for the best fly fishing net to land your favorite species? Or are you looking for your next fly fishing net to replace one that you lost? When you are fly fishing, the right net can make all the difference. We consider a net an important part of your fly fishing gear.
You need a net that is big enough to handle fish of different sizes, made from a material that won't damage the fish's scales, and with a handle long enough to reach out and grab the fish without getting wet.
GearHacking.com has reviewed the top three nets for wading and the top three nets for when you are boating or need to land larger fish while fly fishing. We discuss what makes a great fly fishing net so you can determine what fits your specific needs.
Find the perfect net for your next fly fishing adventure with GearHacking.com! Keep reading to find the best net for you to Gear up and Get Outdoors!
Selection of Your Fly Fishing Net – What You Should Look For
Size of Net
The size of the fly fishing net is very important when landing fish. If the net is too small, you may not be able to land your fish. If the net is too large, it may scare the fish away or hurt them when you are trying to land them.
The size of the net will also depend on the type of fish you are trying to land. If you are fly fishing for smaller fish, you will not need a large net. If you are fly fishing for larger fish, you will need a larger net.
For smaller species like trout and bass, a fly fishing net with an opening size of 12” x 18” is adequate, and a net with an opening size of 26” x 30” will work for larger species like pike, salmon, steelhead, and even surf and inner coastal species.
Net Material
Fly fishing nets normally have nylon or rubber nets. Nylon nets are less expensive, but they can damage the fish scales. Rubber nets are more expensive, but they are softer and will not damage the fish scales. A rubber net also makes it faster to get back into action because your flies will not stick in the net. When the fish self-releases inside your net, unhooking the net from nylon netting can be time-consuming and frustrating. The improved treatment of the fish and the time savings have led us to consider only rubber nets in this review.
Handle Material
When looking at the handle material, there are generally three types: wood, composites, or aluminum.
Wooden handles are the lightest but also the weakest. They can break when you are landing a large fish or if they get tangled in your line.
Composite handles are made of materials like fiberglass or carbon fiber and are stronger than wooden handles. They are also lighter than aluminum handles.
Aluminum handles are the strongest type of handle but they may also be the heaviest.
Wooden handles look more classic while aluminum or composite handles look more modern. Most of the non-wooden handles have a rubber grip to make them easier to hold when your hands are wet.
Handle Length
The length of the handle is important for two reasons. The first reason is that you want to be able to reach your fish. The second reason is that you want to be able to keep your line from getting tangled in the net.
Nets with longer handles (up to 60 inches) will give you more reach when landing fish from a boat. If you are wading, you will often want may want a net with a shorter handle so it is easier to carry.
Price
The price of nets can range from $15 to $200. The more expensive nets are usually made with better materials and have longer handles. The lower-cost nets are often wooden handled with nylon netting.
Fly fishing nets get more expensive as the quality increases. High-quality nets with better components are more expensive. As your target species gets bigger and stronger, your net should too! High-quality landing nets are an important piece of your fishing gear as you enjoy the sport of fly fishing. The right net makes landing trophy fish in difficult conditions much more natural.
Selecting Your Net
Now that you know what to look for in a net, it is time to select the best one for your next fly fishing adventure! Here are some of the best fly fishing nets on the market:
Wading Nets
1 - Premium Gear – Fishpond Nomad Native
Gear Greatness
The Fishpond Nomad Native is the best fly fishing net available. This premium net is made in the USA with the highest quality materials. The netting is rubber, and the handle is made of carbon fiber and fiberglass. The Nomad Native also has an extendable handle that can be used at different lengths. This is the best net for wading because it will not get tangled in your line and has a long reach.
Traveling anglers will love the FishPond Nomad Series Native landing net. It’s short, lightweight, and compact making it easy to slot into your luggage for those flights abroad on new fly fishing grounds!
With this trout net, you can get more fish than ever before! It features a clear nylon mesh that makes landing them easy, plus there's an extra-grippy handle so it won't slip even when wet.
This trout net is designed to be portable and compact. It won't have trouble catching average size fish, but if you're looking for larger gamefish, this might not do the job. This net is perfect for most freshwater species. If you think you will be catching larger freshwater fish like salmon, steelhead, pike, or muskie, take a look at the next section.
Tech Specs:
Material: Carbon fiber and fiberglass
Length: 25.5 inches
Head: 8.5 x 17 inch.
Weight: 0.63lbs
2 - Mid-Tier Gear - Aventik Carbon Fiber Floating Fishing Net
Gear Greatness
Aventik's Mid-Tier offering delivers on quality without breaking the bank. Ths net is designed with the angler and fish in mind. This is a great landing net that is light and fish friendly. The handle is 60% carbon fiber material. The net floats nicely and has a sturdy silicone mesh easier landing and quick releasing. The net comes with a great magnetic net release and lanyard clasp for quick deployment and return of the net to the vest or backpack.
Tech Specs:
Net Size - 18’’ X 13’’ X 12’’
Total Length - 26"
Netting Material - Rubber (knotless, fish-safe)
Frame Material - Carbon Fiber
Best Mid-Tier Fly Fishing Landing Net
Aventik Carbon Fiber Landing Net with Connector
3 - Economy Gear - PLUSINNO Wooden Fly Fishing Net
Gear Greatness:
If you're looking for an affordable net that will last, then the Plusinno landing nets are what we recommend. For less than $40 dollars they provide great quality and durability along with their lightweight design which makes them perfect for wading while fly-fishing.
These fly fishing nets are perfect for the beginner or pro. With a handle, hoop for adding a magnetic quick detach mechanism, and a net bag that’ll fit most freshwater fish species. The added bonus? The magnetic quick-connect system will run you $10-$20 if you buy it separately. This is a good fly fishing net for the money.
Tech Specs:
Material: Wooden handle & rubber mesh netting
Length: 23.6 inch
Head: 14.56 x 5.9 inches
Bonus: Magnetic quick-connect and lanyard
Weight: 7.4 ounces
Best Economy Fly Fishing Wading Net
Plusinno Wooden Handled Rubber Fishing Net with Connector
Boating and Big Fly Fishing Nets
Fishing nets are essential for landing fish from a boat. Without a net, it is often difficult to reach the fish and pull them into the boat. Even when you can reach the fish, they are more likely to get away. With a net, you can easily scoop up the fish and bring them aboard. In addition, fishing nets help protect the fish from being damaged by hooks and sharp objects in the boat. By using a net, you can ensure that the fish stay healthy and improve fish survivability if you are releasing them or landing them if you plan to keep them. Below are the best fly fishing nets available for landing fish from boat or kayaks. They also work if you are planning to catch larger fish from shore.
1 - Premium Gear - EGO S2 Slider Extra Large Fishing Net
Gear Greatness
The EGO S2 Slider Fishing Net delivers on quality! This net is designed with the angler and fish in mind. This is a great landing net that is light and fish friendly. The extra-large hoop is 24" x 27" and 22" and is capable of landing fish up to 30 lbs. The clear rubber net is recommended for improved netting and releasing of fish. The handle has the most advanced telescoping handle on the market and extends from 22" to 60". This landing net will hold up to the elements and the fish.
Tech Specs:
Net Size - 22” x 27” (Extra Large Hoop)
Total Length - 24” to 60” (Telescoping
Netting Material - Rubber net of knotless make that is fish-safe
Frame Material - Carbon Fiber
Best Premium Boating and Big Fish Net
EGO S2 Slider Fishing Net for Landing Big Fish
2 - Mid-Tier Gear – Frabill Power Catch Net, 26 x 30-Inch
Gear Greatness
The Frabill Power Catch Net is an ideal fly fishing net for guides to carry or use when catching and releasing fish from a boat, or catching large fish. It collapses but it is too large for wading. Frabill has been in business since 1938 and is a trusted fishing brand. The ergonomically-designed handle prevents the torque and roll-over issues that plague other round handles.
This landing net is durable and weighted to get into the water faster. The handle is well designed and the size is great for catching large pike, muskie, and carp! This is a premium fly fishing net with the length needed to reach fish from boats and a deep net for landing even the largest freshwater fish.
Tech Specs:
- Patented Pow'R Lok yoke slides handle through for convenient storage
- Brute Hoop unique hexagonal profile for reduced drag
- Corrosion-proof stainless steel hardware
- Dual "I-Beam" extrusion spans the entire length of the hoop for added strength
- Tangle-Free weighted netting drops into the water quickly
- Hoop Size: 32" x 41"
- Sliding Handle Length: 48"
- Net Depth: 38" Mesh: 1/12"
Best Mid-Tier Boating Net for Big Fish
Frabill Power Catch Net for Fly Fishing from Boats and Kayaks
3 - Economy Gear - Wakeman Fishing Net with 56" Telescoping Handle
Gear Greatness:
If you're looking for an affordable fishing net that will last, then the Wakeman fishing net is what we recommend as an economic landing net. For less than $50 they provide great quality and durability. The lightweight design and corrosion-resistant aluminum telescoping handle make this net perfect for a fly fishing landing net to bring in fish from the shore, a kayak, or a boat in freshwater or saltwater.
These fly fishing nets are perfect for the beginner or pro. With a handle, hoop for adding a magnetic quick detach mechanism, and a net bag that’ll fit most freshwater fish species. The added bonus? The magnetic quick-connect system will run you $10-$20 if you buy it separately.
Tech Specs:
- Retractable design
- Corrosion-resistant aluminum handle
- Nylon net is strong and resists tangles and snagged flies
- The colors are Black and Gold
- Net Opening 20" x 19"
- Net Depth 17"
- 56" handle length retracted to 35"
Best Fly Fishing Net FAQs
When looking for the best fly fishing net, there are many factors to consider. You need to decide what size net you need, what material the net should be made out of, how long the handle should be, and how much you are willing to spend.
Below are answers to some commonly asked questions that will help you choose the best fly fishing landing net for your needs. There are so many different brands and prices that it's hard to know where to start.
We've created a comprehensive buyers guide of frequently asked questions to help you choose the best fly fishing net for your wading, boating, and large fish landing net needs. The following FAQs should answer some of your questions if we haven't addressed them above. We want to give you the information you need to be confident that you're getting the right net for you. All you have to do now is tap the Check Price button on the best fly fishing net for you so that you can Gear up and Get Outdoors! Thanks for stopping by!
What is the best trout net?
The best landing net for trout fishing is the one that fits your specific needs. If you are wading, you will need a smaller net with a shorter handle. If you are boating or kayaking, you will need a larger net with a longer handle. And if you are landing larger fish, you will need a deeper net. Evaluate the size of fish you are targeting and where you will be fishing when making your decision.
What are the best fly fishing nets?
The type of net that is best depends on what you are going to use it for, how often you are going to use it, and the price. However, we prefer a nylon or rubber net to protect fish that are being released. These nets also get you back to the fishing faster by preventing hook removal from the net material. After a few fishing trips, the time you will save in stress-free hook removal will pay for itself.
Why do you want a shorter net for wading?
A shorter net handle is better when wading because it prevents you from getting tangled in the vegetation and keeps your hands close to your body so you can maintain your balance.
What is the best size net for a boat?
The best size net for a boat depends on the size of fish you are targeting and the space you have available on the boat. A telescoping handle can come in handy for boating, especially in small boats like kayaks and canoes.
What size fly fishing net do I need?
The size of net you need depends on the type of fish you are targeting and where you will be fishing. You want the net opening to be large enough to fit the largest fish you expect to catch and deep enough to keep it from wiggling out. Take a look at your target species and the water bodies you expect to fish to get a feel for the size. Check out the discussion above for some recommendations.
Should I use a net while fly fishing?
There is no right answer to this question. Some people feel that nets are unnecessary and that they only damage fish. Others feel that nets help protect fish from being damaged by hooks and prevent them from getting away. Ultimately, the decision is up to you. We have found that nets help bring in the bigger fish that are not easy to grab with one hand while controlling the fly rod. It often comes down to personal preference.
How do you pick a fishing net?
The best fishing net is the one that meets your specific needs. Consider the size of fish you are targeting, where you will be fishing, and how often you will be using it. Also, think about the type of material you want and the length of the handle. Price is also a factor to consider. We have provided some recommendations above to help guide you in your search for the perfect net.
Are rubber nets better for fish?
A rubber net is often more gentle on fish because they are softer and have less give. Nylon-coated nets are also popular because they are less likely to tangle hooks and are easier to clean. The uncovered netting often digs into the fish and can tangle with fins. Ultimately, the decision of which is best for fish comes down to personal preference.
What is the most durable fishing net?
The most durable fishing net is the one that is made of high-quality materials and can withstand repeated use. The new carbon fiber handles are extremely durable and corrosion-resistant. Aluminum is also a great choice for a durable fishing net.
Are nylon nets bad for trout?
Nylon nets are not necessarily bad for trout, but they can be more damaging than a rubber net. The reason for this is that nylon is a harder thinner material and can dig into the fish more. Nylon-coated nets are often seen as being more gentle on fish because they don't dig into the fish as much or tangle with gills and fins.
Does using a net hurt fish?
The use of a net does not necessarily hurt fish. In fact, it can often help to protect them from being damaged by hooks or getting handled too much. However, the type of net and how it is used can make a difference. Rubber nets are often seen as being more gentle on fish because they are softer and have less chance of removing the fish's protective slime.
Why do fly anglers use nets?
A fly angler will use a net for a variety of reasons. Nets can be used to help land fish, to keep fish from getting away, or protect them from being damaged by hooks and handling.
How do you use a fly fishing net?
To use a fly fishing net, simply hold it in the water behind the fish you are trying to catch. When the fish swims into the net, lift it out of the water and remove the hook. Be careful not to damage the fish when removing it from the net. return it to the water as quickly as possible. A telescoping landing net used from a boat should be lifted with the rod vertical to prevent bigger fish from breaking the handle.
How can you secure a net to your vest or waders?
There are a few different ways to secure a net to your vest or waders. You can use a net leash, which is a short rope that attaches to the handle of the net and loops around your vest or waders. You can also use a carabiner to clip the net to your vest or waders. The quickest release system is a magnetic net release with a lanyard connected by a carabiner to your waders or vest.
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