A landing net handle is a crucial piece of equipment for any angler, regardless of their experience level or fishing style. This tool plays a vital role in safely and efficiently landing fish, to help protect them from injury and is a mandatory piece of equipment required by fisheries to ensure the safety of the fish you catch.
A landing net handle is the only thing that separates you from landing larger fish that you have hooked and without one, it would be nearly impossible to bank them safely and efficiently. Landing net handles vary in length, style, and materials to meet the needs of different types of anglers. Whether you're a match, lure, pleasure, or specimen angler, there is a handle suited to your specific requirements.
Best landing net handles at a glance
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Best In Class Landing Net Handle: Preston Response Ultra 4m Handle - View offer on Fishing Tackle & Bait
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Best Commercial Landing Net Handle: Daiwa Airity Commercial 3.5m Handle - View offer on Fishing Tackle & Bait
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Best Budget Landing Net Handle: Preston Monster Exteme Handle - View offer on Total Fishing Tackle
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Best Beginner Landing Net Handle: The Daiwa Matchman 3m Handle - View offer on Total Fishing Tackle
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Best Specialist Landing Net Handle: Drennan Specialist 3m Twistlock Handle - View offer on Total Fishing Tackle
The best landing net handles can help you increase your catch rates by providing the reach and control needed to successfully net fish. There are a plethora of options on the market with different lengths and applications and in this guide we discuss the pick of them.
Best in class landing net handle
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The pinnacle of landing net handle design, The Preston Response Ultra 4m Handle offers exceptional stiffness and strength. This high-performance tool is suitable for all fishing venues and styles.
The Preston Response Ultra 4m Handle handle boasts an incredibly stiff construction, ensuring optimal control and stability when landing large fish. Built to withstand the demands of challenging fishing conditions, it offers exceptional durability and reliability. The handle is available in a 4m length, and when combined with the Response 1m extension, it can be extended to 5 meters for maximum reach.
The textured surface in key areas provides enhanced grip, ensuring secure handling even in wet conditions. Despite its exceptional strength, the Response Ultra remains remarkably lightweight, making it easy to manoeuvre.
Pros
- Super lightweight and stiff
- Stiffness makes handle much more manoeuvrable through the water when netting fish
Cons
- Full carbon handle so does need treating with care, like a pole
Best commercial landing net handle
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The Daiwa Airity Commercial Net Handle 3.5m is a robust and versatile handle. Its two-section construction provides exceptional reach, allowing you to land fish from a distance without compromising on strength.
This handle offers a significant advantage over shorter options, as its 3.5-meter length allows you to reach fish in deep waters or difficult vantage point. You can further extend the handle by adding a dedicated extension, which could also be the first section of the tournament handle.
Crafted from Daiwa's HVF carbon, the Airity Commercial Net Handle is built to withstand the demands of commercial fishing.
Pros
- 2 Piece design offers rigidity and length
- Can be extended to to over 4m with top section from Tournament handle
Cons
- It's 2 piece design means the sections are quite long so not as a compact as others
Best compact landing net handle
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If you have limited space, like to stay mobile, or use a bicycle to get to and from your venues, the Drennan Specialist Combat Handle has been designed for you. Its compact length of 59 cm when packed down fits perfectly under a bike seat, in a rucksack, and can easily be carried with minimal tackle. It’s ideal for situations where you might have previously sacrificed bringing a landing net pole out of fear that it would overburden you.
The handle itself is telescopic in design, extending to a total length of 2 m. There's also a 2.8 m version available if you need extra reach, though it comes with a slightly longer pack-down length of 80 cm. This handle is perfect for all coarse fishing applications, whether you enjoy lure fishing, river fishing, or heading to your local commercial venue in search of carp. It can do it all, but it’s particularly suited for the roving angler.
The strong internal brass thread is built to last. It also features a rubberised bung to prevent the handle from falling out during transport, which allows you to land fish with the handle packed down in especially tight swims.
Pros
- Perfect for roving due to its compact packdown size of 59cm
- Ideal for tight swims and beginners
Cons
- due to its nature, it isn't the longest handle on the market and can't be extended any further
Best long landing net handle
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The Guru Aventus Landing Net Handle is a high-performance handle designed for elite competition anglers. Its lightweight, durable construction and adjustable length make it ideal for all fishing situations, as one of the longest handles on the market, if you need to reach fish at distance, this is definitely a handle for you.
Offering a maximum length of five metres, a two-section design with a one-metre extension, reinforced joints for added strength, and versatile threading options for customisation there will be setup to suit any angler. The handle also features a floater protection cone for durability, and a smooth and slick finish for easy shipping.
Pros
- Supplied with extension making it 5m
- 2 threaded sections giving numerous configurations
Cons
- The length and strength means its not the lightest
Best pole fishing landing net hande
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The Drennan Acolyte Pro Landing Net Handle is a great choice for match anglers who want a high-quality, lightweight, and hard wearing landing net handle. It's made from high-quality carbon fibre, which makes it strong and lightweight. The handle is also very rigid, which makes it easy to control and manoeuvre.
The Acolyte Pro Landing Net Handle can be used as a 2-section telescopic handle or a 3-section telescopic/take apart handle. This makes it versatile and easy to transport.
The threaded sections are reinforced with stainless steel and machined brass pins for added security, to prevent the end ripping out when lifting large fish. An EVA nose cone on the No3 section provides a finishing touch. Also available in 3m and 5m.
Pros
- Can be used at varying lengths thanks to two threaded sections
- Slim, lightweight and stiff
Cons
- EVA nose cone quickly wears off
Best sub £100 landing net handle
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The Matrix Ethos Power Handle 3.5m is a robust and durable tool designed for anglers targeting large weights or big fish. Its three-piece construction provides exceptional strength and stability, while the high-modulus carbon material ensures a lightweight yet powerful design.
Featuring Matrix's proprietary MST (Multi-Strength Technology), this handle delivers optimal balance and performance. The sections are wrapped with a smooth Glide Tape Finish, ensuring effortless movement and reduced friction which is required when bagging large weights of fish. The handle incorporates reinforced 1K carbon around the thread and a coated brass thread for added reliability. The printed rubberized grip provides a secure and comfortable hold, even in wet conditions.
Pros
- Super strong and powerful
- Will handle even the biggest fish
Cons
- Slow taper means it is quite thick compared to others
Best feeder fishing landing net handle
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A tool designed to be as compatible and efficient as possible when fishing the feeder. The Daiwa N'zon Feeder Pro Handle 4m has two-threaded sections allow for adjustable length, making it suitable for various fishing conditions, including tight swims and sloping banks.
Crafted from premium carbon materials, this handle offers exceptional strength and its lightweight design helps you chase fish through the water or quickly scoop important fish. The two-threaded sections allow you to shorten the handle to suit your fishing needs, ensuring optimal adaptability, so in theory you should only need to take one handle with you. An optional 1m N'zon extension is available to extend the handle to 5m, providing maximum reach for challenging conditions.
Pros
- 4m length make it perfect to use with long feeder rods
- Optional 1m extension taking handle to 5m for the deepest venues
Cons
- 1m extension not supplied
Best adjusting landing net handle
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Never again worry about the perfect net length. The Korum Adjusta-net Handle with its cam-locking system is specifically engineered to lock at lengths between 1.8m - 2.8m ensuring unparalleled security and strength, no matter how you adjust the handle.
Crafted with a lightweight, super slim, and incredibly strong design, this landing net handle offers a compact option perfect for a multitude of angling situations without compromising on power. Ideal for both smaller and larger specimen nets, the Adjusta-Net Handle is a tool perfect for the river and particularly the roving angler.
Enjoy superior grip, even in wet conditions, thanks to the Japanese shrink wrap sections that finish the handle.
Pros
- Can be adjusted between 1.8m and 2.8m to give a handle length that suits the situation
- Simple cam-lock system that allows quick and easy adjustment
Cons
- The cam-lock can snag in vegetation if fishing overgrown river banks
Best budget landing net handle
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The Preston Monster Xtreme Landing Net Handle is designed for anglers that primarily target large fish like carp. Its exceptional strength, balance, and stiffness make it ideal for scooping and landing big fish like these with ease, without fear of the handle breaking whilst transferring fish to and from the water.
Built to withstand the demands of big-fish fishing, the Monster Xtreme offers exceptional durability and strength. The handle's balanced design ensures optimal control and manoeuvrability, even when handling large fish. The stiff construction prevents bending or flexing under pressure, providing reliable performance when catching large amounts of big, powerful fish.
Available in various lengths, 2.5m, 3m, 4m and the 3.6m XS model with a dual threaded section, the Monster Xtreme features a take-apart design for easy assembly, disassembly, and storage. Reinforced joints provide added security and durability, ensuring long-lasting performance.
Pros
- Available in multiple lengths to suit you needs
- XS model available for the biggest commercial carp
Cons
- Would like to see a telescopic option in the range
Best beginner landing net handle
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A budget friendly tool designed for versatility and durability the Daiwa Matchman 3m Handle is crafted from High Modulus Carbon Plus (HMC+), this handle offers exceptional rigidity and strength while maintaining excellent handling characteristics.
Its two-piece design allows for convenient storage and transportation, packing down to a compact 1.55 meters. While the full 3-meter length is ideal for most fishing situations, the top section can be used independently for speedy, short-range netting.
The use of High Modulus Carbon Plus ensures exceptional strength and durability, without sacrificing weight.
Pros
- Powerful and stiff handle at a excellent price point
- Top section can be used independently for f1 fishing with short top kits
Cons
- It's 1.5m section length may make it more difficult to transport than other models
Best specialist landing net handle
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Drennan Super Specialist Twistlock, is a landing net handle designed for the all-round angler that requires a versatile handle to suit various situations. Crafted from super-strong, high modulus carbon, this handle delivers exceptional rigidity and durability, ensuring it can handle even the largest specimens.
Fitted with a brass thread, reinforced with a nylon pinned design, it guarantees a secure fit for the most popular landing net heads, including those used for specimen and carp fishing. With a simple quarter-turn twist-lock mechanism, the handle extends effortlessly from 1.6m to 3m (10ft), providing the perfect length for any situation.
Pros
- Unique twist locking mechanism enabling jandle to be adjusted from 1.6m to 3m
- Stiff and lightweight
Cons
- Can get locked out in wet conditions if over tightened
Best stalking landing net handle
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These innovative handles offer anglers the perfect blend of strength and portability. The Korum Opportunist XTND Handle is designed to meet the demands of modern fishing, which are available in two sizes.
1.8m XTND is a compact and powerful option ideal for stalking and roving, where the 2.8m XTND is a longer version perfect for river fishing or navigating high banks. Both models feature a pinned screw thread for added security and increased carbon wall diameters for exceptional durability.
Pros
- Extremely compact perfect for roving the rivers or stalking on lakes
- Capable of supporting upto 42" specimen nets
Cons
- May not be adequate where a longer reach is required
What to look for in a landing net handle
When selecting a landing net handle, consider the specific requirements of your angling style. The length of the handle should be chosen based on your fishing environment and the size of fish you typically target. A longer pole is ideal for reaching fish from high banks, deep waters, and longer rods while a shorter pole may be more suitable for smaller fish, confined spaces, and shorter rods.
The handle design should be comfortable and provide a secure grip, it also needs to be light and balanced so you can easily hold and manoeuvre it through the water. A cumbersome, heavy handle will not only be difficult to use, it will increase the chances of fish unhooking themselves before you net them.
Finally, look for handles with ergonomic shapes and non-slip materials. The size of the landing net attached to the pole should also be appropriate for the fish you intend to catch. A larger net is ideal for big fish, while a smaller net may be sufficient for smaller species. By carefully considering these factors, you can select a landing net handle that meets your specific needs and enhances your fishing.
Glossary
Handle: The main part of a landing net, which connects the net head to the angler.
Length: The overall length of the handle, typically measured in meters.
Sections: The number of sections the handle can be divided into for easier transport and storage.
Thread: The part of the handle where the net head screws in.Reinforced Joints: Joints that are strengthened for added durability.
Grip: The surface of the handle that the angler holds.
Extension: An additional section that can be added to extend the length of the handle.
High-Modulus Carbon: A type of carbon fiber used in some handles for strength and lightness.
Dual Threaded Sections: A design feature that allows for multiple length configurations.
Take-Apart Design: A design that allows the handle to be disassembled for easier storage.
Ergonomic Design: A design that is comfortable and easy to use.
Frquently asked questions
what is the best length for a landing net handle?
The ideal length of a landing net handle depends on your fishing venue, style and the size of fish you typically target. A longer handle is beneficial for reaching fish on natural venues with longer rods and deeper water, while a shorter handle may be more suitable for smaller fish, and shorter rods typically on commercials.
What is the best number of sections for a landing net handle?
A three-section landing net handle is a common choice, offering a good balance of length and configurations. However, some anglers prefer a two-section handle for added simplicity.
How do I care for my landing net handle?
To maintain the longevity and performance of your landing net handle, rinse it with fresh water after each use to remove any salt or debris. Store it in a dry place to prevent rust or corrosion.
Can I extend a landing net handle?
Some landing net handles come with extension sections that can be added to increase the overall length. This can be helpful for reaching fish from greater distances.
What is the best way to transport a landing net handle?
Many landing net handles come with protective tubes or cases for easy transportation. Alternatively, you can store your handle in a fishing rod bag.
How do I choose the right net for my landing net handle?
The size and type of net should be compatible with your landing net handle and the fish you intend to catch. A larger net is ideal for big fish, while a smaller net may be sufficient for smaller species.
How often should I replace my landing net handle?
The lifespan of a landing net handle depends on its usage and maintenance. If you notice any signs of wear or damage, it may be time to replace your handle.
Author Jonathan Longden, is an experienced angler. With over 20 years experience in the tackle trade specialising in match and coarse fishing he has an extensive practical knowledge of the latest equipment and the specific needs of anglers. He currently occupies the role of digital content writer at Angling Times.