Best Kayak Fishing Net
Best Kayak Fishing Net Comparison Chart
No matter what others may say, a kayak fish net is an absolute must-have. It makes landing, handling, and releasing fish safer for you and the fish. Plus, it allows you to land and secure fish more consistently. With it, there’s a lesser chance of your prized catch getting away.
The problem is, kayaks are already compact. This means that you should find a fishing net that won’t take up too much space. With such a small vessel, you’ll also need to put all your things together. So if you don’t want your net snagging on lures, reel handles, and other fishing gear, you should find a snag-resistant fishing net kayak type. But with so many brands and models around, how can you find such a net?
Well, let us help you. We’ve put together a list of all the things you need to look for in fishing nets for kayaks. To make your search easier and save you the trouble of looking through every product you see, we’ve also made a list of the top 5 kayak fishing nets on the market.
How We Chose the Best Nets for Kayak Fishing?
We first looked for all the fishing nets for kayaks that were on the world’s leading online marketplace: Amazon. After hours and hours of research, we were then able to determine what was available on the market. From there, we created a shortlist of all the nets that we liked, those with the highest customer rating, most recommended by other buyers, and those that met the needs of most kayak fishers.
We then had to cut down our list by comparing all the fishing nets against each other. We looked at their durability, functionality, convenience, features, and overall value for money. We then discussed which ones to include and drop from our list. After much consideration, we were left with only the 5 best kayak landing nets.
So whichever one you choose below, we guarantee that it is carefully selected and is definitely one of the most compact, durable, snag-resistant, and reliable kayak fishing nets that can improve your chances of landing a prize trophy fish.
Top 5 The Best Net for Kayak Fishing
- Best Overall: YakAttack Kayak Folding Leverage Landing Net
- Best Bang for the Buck: Ed Cumings Inc B-135
- PLUSINNO Triangular Fishing Net
- PLUSINNO Floating Fishing Net
- ForEverlast Inc. Generation 2 Fishing Net
Why we love it:
- Has forearm grip
- Foldable
- Full rubber
What it is best for:
- Bass, crappie, walleye, panfish, and trout
Our pick for the best kayak landing net is YakAttack Kayak Leverage Net. It is a full rubber net, which makes it better and safer for fish. This also means that there’s a lesser chance of your hook and tackle getting tangled with it. Moreover, rubber-coated fishing nets are generally easy to clean as they don’t absorb odor and bacteria. So you can just spray it off with fresh water, wipe it down, and you’re good to go.
Another great and unique thing about this fishing net is that it has a forearm grip. This offers better stability and control when trying to land a fish. It also makes it easier to handle big fish. So with this piece of kayak gear, there’s no more need to take a giant hoop net with you just for big catches.
Aside from that, the YakAttack Kayak Leverage Landing Net is compact and light, too. It has a hinged design, allowing you to fold the handle alongside the net mesh. This makes it easier to carry and store. The handle is also covered with foam. So you can store it in a tube style or flush mount rod holder. Sure, it is pricier than most of the kayak fishing nets around. But with its functionality, convenience, and quality, it’s more than worth it.
Pros:
- ZAccurate
- ZEasy to store
- ZFits in a rod holder
- ZVery stable
- ZSnag-resistant
Cons:
- QPricey
Why we love it:
- Lightweight
- Small
- Simple
What it is best for:
- Trout
If you’re looking for a simple and cheap fishing net for catch-and-release trout fishing, then consider the Ed Cumings Inc B-135. While it doesn’t have all the bells and whistles of most of the fishing nets on the market, it works well for its purpose.
This net is a good choice for those looking for a more “old-school” fishing net. There are no telescopic or folding handles and no hinges to worry about. It’s compact, light, and very easy to use and handle.
The Ed Cumings Inc B-135 is a small yet solid fishing net. It’s the perfect size for kayaks and won’t take up any space at all. You can easily slide it right under your seat or put it across your bow storage area for easy access. While it isn’t floatable, you can put a carabiner onto it or use the lanyard that it comes with and attach it to your vessel to avoid losing it on the water.
Keep in mind that this is a small net. So if you’re trying for a bigger game, you might want to look elsewhere.
Pros:
- ZCheap
- ZVery easy to handle
- ZEasy to store
Cons:
- QThe handle can be too short for some
Why we love it:
- https://amzn.to/3CcLptO
- Lightweight
- Ergonomic handle
What it is best for:
- Streams, rivers, ponds, or ocean
Our next best fishing net for kayak is the PLUSINNO Triangular Fishing Net. It’s one of the most feature-packed nets on the market with its telescopic and folding handle, non-snag net, and floatable design. This makes it a great choice for all kayak anglers.
Weighing only 0.88 lbs, this is an incredibly lightweight net. At the same time, it’s also tough with its carbon fiber and fiberglass handle and coated nylon mesh. The handle is even equipped with an ergonomic EVA, giving you a better grip when trying to land a fish. Plus, there are two tubes added in the opening, which gives it its buoyancy. So there’s no need to worry about your net sinking or getting lost if you drop it out of your vessel.
What we like about the PLUSINNO Triangular Fishing Net is that it packs extremely small yet unfolds big. When fully extended, it measures 35 inches long, which is great when you need to reach farther or deeper into the water. When you need something shorter, you can easily retract the pole back. Then when you finally need to store your net, you can fold and fully retract it until it’s only 16 inches long. It’s compact and portable enough to fit with your other fishing gear. It even has a belt clip for more convenient carrying.
Pros:
- ZFloats
- ZEasy to store
- ZEasy to carry
- ZGentler on fish’s sin
- ZNon-snag
Cons:
- QNot ideal for larger fishes
Why we love it:
- Folds easily
- Lightweight
- Designed to float
What it is best for:
- Steelhead, salmon, catfish, bass, and trout
The PLUSINNO Floating Fishing Net is similar to the PLUSINNO Triangular Fishing Net. It also has a rubber-coated nylon mesh, a foldable and comfortable handle, and a floating design. What’s different is that instead of a triangle frame, it has a drop shape hoop, and it doesn’t have a telescopic pole.
Like the PLUSINNO Triangular Net, this net is lightweight and compact. It weighs only 0.78 lbs and folds small. So you can easily transport or carry it around and store it in your vessel. It also has an anti-skid handle, providing you with a better grip when in use. Furthermore, it features an aluminum design, making it strong, reliable, and yet economical.
One of the best things about the PLUSINNO Floating Fishing Net is its mesh. Made with rubber-coated nylon, it is better for keeping a fish safe for catch and release. It’s also more resistant to snagging. Plus, it prevents the net from waterlogging or absorbing odor. Additionally, we like that its hoop is equipped with foam padding, which gives it buoyancy. This makes it easier to retrieve in case it gets dropped or blown overboard.
Pros:
- ZExcellent grip
- ZEasy to carry and store
- ZDoes not harm the fish
- ZAffordable
Cons:
- QNot ideal for larger fishes
Why we love it:
- Large opening
- Floating
- Lightweight
What it is best for:
- Fly, trout, saltwater, freshwater, and wade fishing
Our final pick for the best fishing net kayak product is the ForEverlast Inc. Generation 2. It’s a lightweight and simple net that’s extremely easy to use. With its large opening, you can use it for any type of fishing, including fly, trout, saltwater, freshwater, wade, and more. You can even use it for bigger catches.
Unlike most of the products on our list, this net does not fold, retract, or extend. It is, however, compact and small enough, which makes it great for kayak use. It doesn’t take up too much space and you can easily fit it in under your seat, in a crate, or along with your other fishing gear.
One of the best things about the ForEverlast Inc. Generation 2 fishing net is its rubber-coated non-snag netting, which helps keep the fish safe for catch and release. Its handle also offers excellent grip, making it easier to land and handle your next catch. On top of that, we also like that this net floats. It even has a cord that you can attach to your belt, so you’ll never have to worry about losing your new fishing net.
Pros:
- ZEasy to transport
- ZEasy to use
- ZExcellent grip
- ZDoes not snag
Cons:
- QThe handle can be too short for some
What to Look For When Choosing the Best Kayak Fishing Nets?
Contrary to what many believe, fishing nets are not the same. While they may all serve a common purpose, they are different in design, functionality, durability, and “fishability”. That said, some are better than others in helping you land that perfect trophy fish. Some are also better suited for kayaks. Here’s the problem: with so many products in the market, how will you know which kayak fishing net to buy?
Well, to help you out and make sure you end up with the best kayak net, we’ve put together a list of all the things you need to consider before hitting that “Buy Now” button.
Size
One of the most important factors that you have to consider in a net for kayak fishing is its size. With the right net size, you can minimize the chances of your catch from escaping. That said, the size of your net depends on the type of fish you’re planning to catch. So if you’re going for bigger fish, then you’ll need a bigger net.
When checking the size, look at the net’s hoop and depth. They should be deep and wide enough to accommodate the type of fish you’re trying to catch. As a guide, your net should be 1.5 times as long as the average size of the fish. You’ll also need to check the size of the mesh. For smaller types of fish or baitfish, then you have to get a net with smaller holes so your catch won’t escape. On the other hand, for larger fishes, look for nets with bigger mesh holes as they will be easier to move while on the water.
Length
Aside from the type of fish you are after, you should also consider how you’ll store your fishing net on your vessel. Remember, kayaks are compact with limited space.
Now, here’s where the length of a net comes in. Shorter kayak fishing nets are easier to store and handle. Meanwhile, those that are longer take up more space and tend to snag on your other gear. On the flip side, they will allow you to reach and retrieve fish that are farther and deeper in the water. They are also easier in netting your fish.
When it comes to choosing the right net length, you should consider your fishing style and what you need most.
Or you can go with fishing nets with foldable or telescopic handles. They’re easier to fit into a kayak, and since they can be shortened, you’ll have no problem fitting them under your seat, across the bow, into a crate, or in a rod holder.
If you want, you can also look for a net with a collapsible hoop. With just a push of a button, the hoop folds in half, thus, reducing its size greatly. This is also great for preventing your net from snagging everything in your kayak.
Material
Another important factor you should consider is a kayak landing net’s material, especially if you are intending to release your catch back into the water unharmed. If you are, then look for those made of solid rubber. While they are more expensive, they are of better quality and can last longer. More importantly, they are better at protecting a fish’s scales, skin, and slime. Thus, giving it a better chance of survival after a release.
On the other hand, you can also go with a nylon net with a rubber coating. It’s a softer mesh fabric and more fish-friendly than a simple net made of nylon, cotton, or other synthetic material. The additional rubber coating also helps prevent it from snagging on hooks or fins.
Weight
You should also check a fishing net’s weight. You’ll want something lightweight and easy to handle and control when you’ve finally caught a fish. A lighter net will also be more portable and easier to carry.
Floatable
There’s always a high chance of your things and gear ending up in the water whenever you’re fishing from a kayak. So if you don’t want to lose your newly purchased fishing net, you should first make sure that it floats. This will make it easier to retrieve in case you drop it in the water.
Keep in mind, however, that having a floatable design should not be a deal-breaker. There are still plenty of great fishing nets with no such feature. If you do happen to like one that doesn’t, there are plenty of things that you can do to make it float. For one, you can try cutting a pool noodle or foam and adding it to the handle or lanyard of your fishing net.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Do you need a net for kayak fishing?
A: Yes, you need a net for kayak fishing. It will make it easier to land and handle a fish. Plus, it’ll be safer for the fish itself. A net will also make releasing fish safer, helping you protect yourself from any harm.
Q: Are rubber fishing nets better?
A: Yes, rubber fishing nets are better than nets made of cotton, nylon, and other synthetic material. They are higher in quality, more durable, and last longer. They are also better at protecting a fish’s slime coating, scales, and skin. Plus, they’re less prone to snagging on your other fishing gear.
Q: Where do you put your net on a kayak?
A: Where you put your net on a kayak depends on your fishing style, the size and type of net you choose, and on your personal preference. You can put or attach yours in a crate, strap it down on the rear or front tank well, or slide it under your seat. For some fishing nets, you can store them in rod holders by their handles. You can also lay your net in front of you like other anglers.
