How important is a kayak fishing net? While participating in a kayak fishing derby recently I cast into some standing timber and hooked a big bass. I went to grab my net which is usually laid across the bow of my kayak, but it had gotten hung up on some brush and was about 10 yards away at this point. Fortunately, I was able to scoop this beast of a bass into the kayak by hand. I got lucky this time without a net, but it almost cost me the best fish of the day.
Though some choose not to use one, a landing net is a necessity for the majority of kayak anglers. A net prevents fish from flopping out of the kayak and swimming off before a vital photo is taken to submit for a contest. It can also help support the fish so that it doesn’t become injured and survive upon release. And you’re much less likely to get a finger or hand snagged on a hook when using a net than you are “lipping” a fish. Let’s look at some of the better kayak fishing nets on the market, and go over how to choose one.
- BEST OVERALL KAYAK FISHING NET: YakAttack Leverage Landing Net – [Buy from Tackle Warehouse]
- MOST FISH-FRIENDLY: Frabill Conservation Net – [Buy from Bass Pro]
- MOST INNOVATIVE: Ego S2 Slider – [Buy from Bass Pro]
- MOST EARTH-FRIENDLY: Broken Twig Landing Net – [Buy from Broken Twig]
- BEST VALUE: Frabill Sportsman’s Series – [Buy from Bass Pro]
- BEST BARGAIN: Plusinno Landing Net – [Buy from Amazon]
- BEST FOR THE MONEY: Promar Premier Angler Series Landing Net – [Buy from Amazon]
WHAT TO LOOK FOR IN A KAYAK FISHING NET
Due to the limited storage space on a kayak it is good to have a compact net that won’t get in the way of your casting or paddling. The size of the net should match the size of the species you are trying to catch. If you are seeking bigger fish then you will obviously need a bigger net.
Be sure the handle of the net can reach the water comfortably so that you are not leaning and risking flipping your kayak. The type of kayak you are using will greatly affect the length of handle you will need. Those fishing from a cockpit-style kayak can get by with a shorter handle, while a sit-on-top kayak with a raised seat might need a handle length of at least 36 inches long.
The construction of the handle makes a difference. Aluminum is usually a top pick as it is very light and corrosion resistant. Fiberglass handles are very reliable but may add a little weight. Wood handles are sometimes used by purist kayak anglers, but are prone to rotting with prolonged use. These are definitely not an option for saltwater.
Another feature to look for is a rubberized net bag that is friendly to the fish. The coating helps to protect the slime coat of the fish. Plus, it’s easier to untangle a lure from a rubberized net than other types.
Over the years I’ve lost a number of nets due to them sinking. Some of the newer models float, or you can add some DIY foam on the handles to keep them from sinking.
OUR TOP PICKS
BEST OVERALL KAYAK FISHING NET
YakAttack Leverage Landing Net
The YakAttack Leverage landing net has been a big hit with kayak anglers across the country since it was introduced in 2010. One of its finer points is that it is very easy to fight a fish with one hand and net it with the other due to its innovative forearm grip. With a 12 X 20-inch hoop and 56 inches of length when unfolded, it offers unprecedented stability and control.
It features a fish-friendly rubber net which reduces snags with hooks. A foam covered extension on the handle makes it easy to store in a rod holder or tube. The hinge design allows the handle to fold alongside the hoop to make this net easy to store, but it opens with a flip of the wrist so it’s ready to go when you hook a big fish.
MOST FISH-FRIENDLY
Frabill Conservation Net
Designed to land fish safely, with its knotless mesh and flat bottom that helps prevent the fish from rolling and injuring itself. The fish-friendly coating also keeps it tangle-free. It also features a strong, ultralight carbon-fiber handle and wide “Pow’R Loc” yoke makes it easier to land fish.
The Frabill Conservation Net is offered in various sizes offering a 17 x 19 inch hoop up to a 23 x 26 inch hoop. Handle lengths are anywhere from 36 to 60 inches. Conservation-minded anglers should take a good look at this net, as its features combine for safe releases.
MOST INNOVATIVE
Ego S2 Slider
This tactical landing net features a non-tangle clear rubber fish-friendly mesh bag and a very comfortable handle design. The innovative handle can be adjusted easily to accommodate varying distances to the water from the kayak seat using the quick release button. It can be placed in a YakAttack RotoGrip holder with a fish in the net for photo preparation on a bump board.
The 15-inch flat bottom provides excellent stability for the body of the fish and with the rubber mesh there are no worries of hook snags. At just over two pounds, it is very lightweight. And you never need to be afraid to lose this net to the depths as it floats.
MOST EARTH-FRIENDLY
Broken Twig Landing Net
This unique landing net with a handle made from recycled broken Bauer hockey sticks provides a strong, lightweight option for the kayak angler. This particular net is very popular with its versatile 30-inch handle and 21 long x 18 inch wide hoop. The net is 20 inches deep which provides a ton of area for larger fish.
The handle itself is lightweight and made of carbon fiber. The hoop is powder coated aluminum for a long life. It also floats! If you are looking for a high quality landing net with a bit of history this cleverly constructed landing net is for you.
BEST BARGAIN
Plusinno Landing Net
When it comes to purchasing a quality landing net for your kayak, this foldable unit with a telescopic handle and durable nylon mesh is a bargain. For under 20 bucks you will have yourself a 16 inch hoop to capture those catches. This net is very easy to store yet opens quickly to net those lunkers.
Made of high-density carbon fiber mixed with a fiberglass pole and a nylon mesh net makes this a solid choice for the money. It even has a belt clip if you decide to wade fish from your kayak.
BEST VALUE
Frabill Sportsman’s Series
The Frabill Sportsman is very popular among kayak anglers, as an economical option that has the sturdiness to handle even hefty catches with its rubber netting and 36-inch handle. The hoop itself measures 17 x 19 inches, which will handle most any freshwater fish you may encounter.
The flat bottom of the net helps with an easy removal of the fish and the rubberized coating creates less snags with hooks. Though the yoke on this model is fixed on with the handle, there is a sliding version that collapses the net for storage.
BEST FOR THE MONEY
Promar Medium Floating Wade Net
One of the best qualities of this Promar net is its ability to stay afloat. It features a foam covering not only on the handle but on the hoop as well, which makes it float like a cork if it lands in the water. The 18 inch handle is not too long, but gives the angler just enough reach to land a fish from the kayak.
The frame of the hoop is 13.5 x 18.5 inches which works well for most small to medium-sized fish. It is a great option for the novice kayak angler as it is easy to use and is easy on the budget.
Promar Premier Angler Series Landing Net
If an angler is looking for a longer-handled version of the Promar Medium Floating Wade Net that is also priced to fit most budgets then the Premier Angler Series is a perfect fit. With a 30-inch handle it is easy to reach the fish without having to lean over.
The net also has a flat bottom and the frame is made of sturdy aluminum. Molded grips and an octagon handle make this net easy to use. The 20-inch diameter on the hoop gives great space to trap the fish into the net. This net comes highly recommended by many of my friends in the kayak fishing community.
IN CONCLUSION
While there are a multitude of landing nets out there for purchase, we have listed and described a few of the favorites of kayak anglers across the country. There’s something for every budget; you can purchase a net that will get the job done for less than $35. But if you are looking for efficiency, then the YakAttack Leverage Landing Net is one of the best options out there.
