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Best Fishing Landing Nets 2026: Rubber Mesh, Telescoping and Trout to Bass Picks
A landing net is the last piece of gear between a fish and the cooler or the water. Get the mesh wrong and you strip the slime coat off every catch-and-release fish, shortening its survival odds after release. Get the hoop size wrong and a 5-pound bass rolls out over the rim. Get the handle length wrong and you are leaning so far off a kayak gunwale that the next thing in the net is you.
The six picks below cover every common fishing scenario: fixed-handle nets for stream trout, telescoping rubber-mesh nets for kayak anglers, large-hoop aluminum-frame nets for bass and walleye, and premium telescoping systems for anglers who need reach from a boat deck or tall bank.
Quick Picks: Best Landing Nets 2026
| Pick | Net | Hoop | Handle | Mesh | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Best Budget Trout | Frabill Tear Drop | 12x16" | 24" fixed EVA | Rubber | Trout, panfish |
| Best Telescoping Budget | PLUSINNO Fly Net | 16x13" | Telescoping | Rubber | Trout, panfish |
| Best All-Around Mid-Range | KastKing Brutus | Foldable | Extends 31" | PVC/rubber-coated | Bass, walleye |
| Best Large-Hoop Mid-Range | Frabill Pro-Formance | 20x23" | Sliding 48" aluminum | Knotless rubber | Bass, walleye |
| Best Premium All-Purpose | EGO Reach | 14x18" | Telescoping | Knotless rubber | All species |
| Best Premium Large | EGO S2 Slider | 22x23" | 29-60" telescoping | Knotless rubber | Bass, salmon, large species |
What to Look For in a Landing Net
Mesh Type: Rubber vs Nylon
Rubber mesh is the right choice for any angler who releases fish. It does not strip the protective slime coat that fish need to fight infection, it does not press hard knot points into scales, and it does not tangle treble hooks the way nylon knotted mesh does. Nylon mesh is cheaper and lighter, but for catch-and-release fishing the tradeoff in fish survival is not worth it. The six picks below all use rubber or rubber-coated mesh.
Hoop Size by Species
Match hoop size to the fish you target. For trout and panfish up to 12 inches, a 12-by-16-inch hoop is sufficient. For bass and walleye averaging 14 to 20 inches, a 20-by-23-inch hoop handles most fish without rolling. For salmon, steelhead, or trophy bass in the 5-pound-plus range, move to at least a 22-by-23-inch hoop. Going slightly larger costs you nothing in function and saves the fish from being folded against the rim of an undersized net.
Handle Length and Type
Bank anglers and wade fishers working shallow water can use a fixed or short telescoping handle of 24 to 30 inches. Kayak anglers need at least 36 inches to reach fish without leaning off the side of the hull. Boat anglers working from a raised deck may need 48 to 60 inches to reach the waterline. Telescoping handles add versatility; collapsible or folding hoops add compact storage. Either works well as long as the locking mechanism is firm and does not flex under the weight of a fish.
The 6 Best Fishing Landing Nets for 2026
1. Frabill Tear Drop Trout Net -- Best Budget Small-Stream Net
The Frabill Tear Drop uses a 12-by-16-inch tear-drop shaped hoop with rubber mesh and a 24-inch EVA foam handle. The foam handle floats, which matters when you set the net down on a streambank and it rolls into the current. The rubber mesh is fish-friendly and hook-tangle-resistant. At under $25, it is a reliable tool for trout and panfish on small streams and ponds where you do not need reach or a large hoop.
The trade-off is fixed handle length: 24 inches is enough for bank fishing but too short for kayaks or tall banks. For wading anglers who want to attach the net to a vest D-ring, the rigid frame and short handle make it easy to clip with a carabiner clip or magnetic release.
Pros
- Rubber mesh, fish-friendly
- Foam handle floats
- Compact, easy to clip to vest
- Under $25
Cons
- Fixed handle too short for kayaks
- Small hoop, trout/panfish only
2. PLUSINNO Fly Fishing Net -- Best Telescoping Budget Pick
The PLUSINNO fly fishing net pairs a 16-by-13-inch rubber mesh hoop with a telescoping handle, making it a step up from fixed-handle nets for anglers who want some reach without a large price tag. The rubber mesh is knotless and fish-friendly. The telescoping handle extends enough for wading and bankside use. For panfish and small to mid-size trout, it covers the same species as the Frabill Tear Drop while giving you a little more flexibility in handle position.
The hoop is still in the small-to-medium range, so it is not the right choice for bass in the 3-pound-plus class. For fly anglers on smaller rivers or stream trout in the 8-to-16-inch range, it handles the job well at a budget price. Pair it with a vest with a D-ring for hands-free carrying.
Pros
- Telescoping handle adds reach
- Rubber mesh, hook-friendly
- Budget price point
- Compact for storage or backpacking
Cons
- Hoop undersized for bass
- Extension mechanism less durable than aluminum frames
3. KastKing Brutus Fishing Net -- Best All-Around Mid-Range
The KastKing Brutus combines a folding hoop with a handle that extends to 31 inches. The folding design collapses the hoop flat against the handle for compact storage on a kayak or in a pack, then opens into a full hoop with a click. The PVC-coated rubber mesh is fish-friendly and resists tangling. The net holds up to 44 pounds, so it handles bass, walleye, and most freshwater species short of large catfish and salmon.
The 31-inch extended handle works from a kayak deck or low-bank situation. For anglers fishing from elevated boat platforms, a longer handle is necessary. The folding hoop is the standout feature: it makes the Brutus the most packable mid-range net on this list without sacrificing hoop size. It is a particularly good choice for kayak anglers who need the net to stow inside a tank well or under a bungee.
Pros
- Foldable hoop, packs flat
- Handle extends to 31"
- Holds up to 44 lbs
- Rubber-coated mesh
Cons
- 31" handle short for elevated boat decks
- Folding hinge adds a mechanical weak point
4. Frabill Pro-Formance Rubber Net -- Best for Bass and Walleye
The Frabill Pro-Formance steps up to a 20-by-23-inch hoop with knotless rubber mesh and a sliding aluminum handle that extends to 48 inches. The large hoop comfortably takes bass up to about 6 pounds and walleye to 24 inches without the fish rolling out over the rim. The 48-inch sliding handle reaches from a kayak, canoe, or low boat deck to the waterline without requiring you to lean over the side. The aluminum frame is rigid and durable.
For bass and walleye anglers who fish from a boat, this is the most balanced pick on the list: large enough for the species, long enough for the platform, and built from proven Frabill materials. It is not designed to fold or collapse, so storage on a kayak requires a net holder or mount. Pair with a pair of needle-nose fishing pliers so you can unhook fish quickly without keeping them in the net longer than needed.
Pros
- 20x23" hoop handles most bass and walleye
- Sliding handle extends to 48"
- Knotless rubber mesh
- Rigid aluminum frame, durable
Cons
- Does not fold or collapse
- Larger size means more storage space needed
5. EGO Reach Landing Net -- Best Premium All-Purpose
EGO is widely regarded as the benchmark for premium landing nets, and the Reach is their core model: a 14-by-18-inch hoop, knotless rubber mesh, and a telescoping handle. The construction quality is noticeably above the budget and mid-range picks: the frame materials, mesh attachment, and handle locking mechanism all feel purpose-built. The 14-by-18-inch hoop covers trout, panfish, bass to about 18 inches, and most walleye. It works in fresh and salt water.
The Reach does not have the largest hoop on this list, so it is not the right choice if large bass or pike are your main target. It is the right choice for anglers who fish a variety of species across multiple trips and want a net built to last. A magnetic net release designed to fit the EGO handle is widely available and makes it vest-ready. For wading and wade-fly-fishing applications, the EGO Reach is the top pick.
Pros
- Premium build quality, lasts years
- Knotless rubber mesh, salt and freshwater safe
- Telescoping handle
- Widely available magnetic accessories
Cons
- 14x18" hoop undersized for large bass or pike
- Premium price point
6. EGO S2 Slider -- Best Telescoping Net for Large Species
The EGO S2 Slider is built for anglers who need reach and a large hoop: a 22-by-23-inch hoop with a handle that telescopes from 29 to 60 inches. At 60 inches extended, it reaches from a raised boat platform to the waterline without leaning. The replaceable head system is a standout feature: when the mesh wears out after years of use, you buy a replacement head rather than a new net. The 22-by-23-inch hoop handles bass over 5 pounds, walleye over 24 inches, steelhead, and smaller salmon species.
This is the most capable net on the list and the most expensive. For tournament bass anglers or boat anglers who frequently land large fish, the reach and hoop size justify the cost. Pair it with a boat net mount to keep it accessible without it rolling around the deck. A fish grip tool alongside the net makes handling large fish easier and quicker for release.
Pros
- 22x23" hoop for large bass and salmon
- Reaches 60" extended for elevated boat decks
- Replaceable head system
- Premium EGO build quality
Cons
- Largest and most expensive pick
- 60" handle too long for compact kayak storage
Landing Net Accessories Worth Adding
- Magnetic net release -- attaches the net to your vest or wader belt, releases with one pull. Essential for wade fishing.
- Replacement rubber mesh -- rubber mesh eventually stretches and can tear. A replacement extends the life of the net frame.
- Needle-nose fishing pliers -- unhook fish quickly while they are in the net to reduce time out of water.
- Hook remover tool -- for deeply hooked fish, a hook remover reduces handling time.
- Boat net mount -- keeps a large net accessible on a boat deck without it rolling underfoot.
- Polarized sunglasses -- spotting fish in the net and near the surface is easier with polarized lenses that cut glare.
- Wading boots and waders -- if you wade fish with your net, the right waders keep you stable while netting.
How to Use a Landing Net Without Losing the Fish
Net the fish head-first. Lower the net into the water before the fish reaches it, then guide the fish over the rim and scoop with the net moving toward the fish, not the fish thrashing into a stationary net. Head-first netting prevents the fish from using the rim as a leverage point to jump out. Keep the net submerged until you are ready to handle the fish.
For catch-and-release, keep the fish in the net and in the water while removing the hook. Minimize air exposure. If you photograph the fish, have the camera ready before you lift the net. Most fish benefit from a brief recovery period in the net in moving water before swimming off; if the fish is sluggish, hold it upright and facing upstream until it swims out of your hand rather than setting it down in slack water.
Landing Nets by Fishing Platform
| Platform | Recommended Hoop | Handle Length | Best Pick |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stream / wade fishing | 12x16" to 14x18" | 24" fixed or short telescoping | Frabill Tear Drop, EGO Reach |
| Bank fishing | 16x18" to 20x23" | 30" to 48" sliding or telescoping | PLUSINNO, Frabill Pro-Formance |
| Kayak fishing | 18x20" to 20x23" | 29" to 36" foldable or telescoping | KastKing Brutus, EGO Reach |
| Boat (low gunwale) | 20x23" | 36" to 48" sliding or fixed | Frabill Pro-Formance |
| Boat (elevated deck) | 22x23" or larger | 48" to 60" telescoping | EGO S2 Slider |
| Mixed species / travel | 14x18" rubber | Telescoping | EGO Reach |
Frequently Asked Questions
What size landing net do I need for bass fishing?
For largemouth and smallmouth bass, look for a hoop at least 18 inches wide and 20 inches long. A 20-by-23-inch hoop handles most bass comfortably. For walleye and northern pike mixed in, go 22 inches or larger. Rubber mesh is strongly preferred over nylon: it removes far less protective slime and keeps treble hooks from tangling.
Why does rubber mesh matter?
Rubber mesh does not strip the protective slime coat fish rely on to fight infection. It also does not press hard mesh knots into scales and does not tangle treble hooks the way nylon knotted mesh does. For catch-and-release fishing, rubber mesh measurably improves post-release survival. The trade-off is a slightly heavier net, which is worth it for any angler who releases most fish.
Should a fishing net float?
Floating matters most for wade fishing and kayak fishing. Most nets with EVA foam handles or hollow aluminum frames float long enough to retrieve them. For boat fishing, floating is less critical. If you wade fish, choose a net with a foam-core handle or use a magnetic release to keep it clipped to your vest or wader belt.
What is a magnetic net release?
A magnetic net release is a two-part clip: one end attaches to your vest or wader belt D-ring, the other attaches to the net handle. Magnets hold the net against your side or back during fishing and release with a firm pull when you need the net. For wade fishing, it is one of the most practical $15 additions to any net on this list.
Telescoping vs folding landing net -- which is better?
Telescoping handles extend via a sliding or twisting mechanism and tend to be more durable. Folding hoops collapse flat for compact storage. The KastKing Brutus combines both. Either works well -- choose based on how you carry and store gear. For kayak anglers, a foldable hoop wins on compact storage; for wade anglers, a telescoping handle without a folding hoop is simpler and more reliable.
For more fishn buddy gear guides: Best Fishing Rods 2026 · Best Fishing Line 2026 · Best Fishing Waders 2026 · Catch and Release Best Practices