With the size of fish seemingly increasing every year, the landing net is possibly one of the most important items of tackle you will use and is the safest and most efficient way of transferring fish out of the water. Whether you are an avid match angler, a specialist angler or enjoy fly or lure fishing, a net is a piece of equipment you can't be without.
Nets come in all shapes and sizes, but the best landing nets will have a strong and durable mesh, a lightweight frame and enough room to accommodate the fish you are trying to catch.
The best landing nets for coarse fishing at a glance:
• Best All-Round Commercial Landing Net - Preston Match Landing Net - View offer on Total Fishing Tackle
• Best Silverfish Landing Net - MAP Silver Match Landing Net - View offer on Fishing Tackle and Bait
• Best Specimen Landing Net - Korum Barbel Spoon Net - View offer on Total Fishing Tackle
• Best Lure fishing landing net - Fox Rage Warrior Racket Net - View offer on Total Fishing Tackle
With so many styles on the market, it can be hard to decide which landing net is best for you. Here is a guide to some of the best landing nets available and the correct situations to use them in...
ONCE YOU'VE LANDED A FISH YOU MAY NEED A KEEPNET, OUR GUIDE GIVES THE BEST FISHING KEEPNETS OPTIONS OUT THERE
Best all-round commercial landing net
www.total-fishing-tackle.com
If you are a serious match angler or just enjoy pleasure fishing, the Preston Match Landing Net is a superb choice for commercial fisheries, regardless of the species you’re fishing for. The head is really lightweight, so it isn’t cumbersome to use, even on long handles, and it glides through the water really easily when scooping fish up. The net is primarily made for F1s and silverfish but we have used these for large carp and found them to be no issue at all, in fact, they help keep the larger fish subdued for easier unhooking.
Constructed from wide mesh, with a soft fine mesh base, this helps prevent the fish coming to any harm whilst they wait to be unhooked. The added benefit of the fine mesh base is that it prevents bands and hair-rigs getting snagged in the net, preventing them breaking every time a fish is netted. The bright blue bottom is also a great target when using on a long handle, so you can see exactly where the net is in comparison to the fish.
Available in 16”, 18” and 20”.
Pros
- Fine mesh base prevents damaged hair rigs.
- Wide mesh allows for easy scooping of fish.
Cons
- Not the best for really big commercial carp.
Best lightweight landing net
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This Preston Carbon Match Landing Net is a great choice for anglers who want a lightweight and durable net, specially if you use a long landing net handle. The carbon frame is strong and rigid, making it easy to manoeuvre. It's lightweight, strong carbon frame enables confident scooping of fish in high catch rate commercials where efficiency is key but also lends itself to natural venue anglers who need to use a long net handle because of long rods to land fish effectively.
The net material is also strong and durable, and the large holes allow for quick and easy landing of fish.
Pros
- Carbon frame is super strong and lightweight
- Lightweight nature makes the net extremely manoeuvrable
Cons
- It's carbon construction means it's one of the more expensive nets on the market
Best Carp Coarse Fishing Landing Net
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The Preston Carp XS Landing Net is designed to provide anglers with the confidence and durability needed to handle even the most challenging catches.
Crafted with a robust spreader block, the Preston Carp XS Landing Net ensures a wide, stable opening, making it easy to safely guide large fish into the net. The large latex mesh is not only strong and durable but also gentle on the fish's scales, minimising stress and damage.
The thick, durable frame of the Preston Carp XS Landing Net provides exceptional strength and rigidity, allowing it to withstand the powerful struggles of large fish without bending or breaking. The stainless steel thread used in the construction further enhances the net's durability and resistance to corrosion.
Designed specifically for landing large fish, the Preston Carp XS Landing Net is available in several sizes, including two larger options with added depth to accommodate especially big catches. Whether you're targeting carp, pike, or other large predators, this landing net is the perfect tool to help you land your trophy fish safely and efficiently. Available in 18" to 24".
Pros
- Latex mesh will shake dry
- Deep to handle big fish
Cons
- Wide mesh may not be too compatible with bands and quickstops
Best all-round specimen landing net
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The Drennan Specialist Landing Net is a firm favourite of specimen anglers up and down the country fishing for a whole range of species. The net is incredibly lightweight thanks to its tubular aluminium build, so carrying it long distances won’t cause any fatigue in your arms.
The mesh comes in two parts, there is a wide mesh on the sides to allow water to flow through easily, great if you’re on rivers or if you need to push the net through the water at speed on a lake. The bottom portion where the fish will sit is a very fine, soft mesh that helps protect the fish whilst its being retained. The olive-green colour blends in well as to not spook the fish and you’ll often find the fish can dive into the net to seek refuge.
We find the dipped shaped frame is also great for using as a rod rest, if your handle can be pushed into the ground the net sits perfectly to position a rod on, it means one less thing to carry for anglers who like to be mobile.
Available in sizes 20”, 22”, 24” and 26”.
Pros
- Great shape for doubling up as a rod rest.
- Mesh is a subdued colour to prevent spooking fish.
Cons
- Bit deep and heavy for speed fishing.
Best landing net for hair rigs
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As the name suggests, the Daiwa N’ZON Pellet Landing Net is primarily designed for any fishing that involves using banded or hair rigged pellets, but it applies to any hair rigged bait. A common problem is the hair getting snagged and proceeding to be snapped when the fish moves in the net, this net head has a very fine micromesh to prevent this happening and it does it perfectly well.
Not only will it prevent the nightmare of a new hooklength every time you net a fish, but the light anodized frame makes it really lightweight and easy to use, so you aren’t compromising on quality. The Daiwa spreader block is also really strong, so you won't have to worry about it breaking when lifting large carp from the water, with the slightly off-round shape making it really easily to shuffle bigger fish into it.
Available in 45cm, 50cm and 55cm.
Pros
- No more snapped hair rigs.
- Off-shape makes it great for landing larger fish.
Cons
- The micro-mesh will slightly inhibit its speed through the water.
Best specimen landing net
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If you are an avid specimen hunter and need a large net, the Korum Barbel Spoon Net is an ideal net for not only easily landing your quarry but acts as a safe, secure place to retain a fish for short periods too.
This net is large, the frame and the mesh are oversized to allow you to get any big fish in, whilst the name suggests barbel, you can use it for pike, carp and even smaller catfish. The mesh is made from Korum’s SOFTEX material, which is a special latex, with the advantages being it will dry quicker but also remove far less mucus from the fish.
Being a deeper net, it allows the fish much more room, perfect for sensitive species like barbel and pike that often need some time to recuperate before being released or to hold species like chub for a few minutes to see if there is another bite to be had before releasing it.
The net has a retaining clip to make it easy to transport and prevent it snagging on fences or foliage. It is available in 26” and 30” sizes.
Pros
- Large net, perfect for specimen fish.
- Deep construction is ideal for reviving fish.
Cons
- The deeper mesh can take some getting used to.
Best silverfish landing net
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The Map Silver Match Landing Net is a superb choice on venues where you will be catching a lot of silverfish or where rules state you have to net every fish. This is because the net is incredibly lightweight and you will have no issue reaching for it no matter how many fish you catch, which is important on prolific venues. It will also stop you choosing to swing a fish that eventually drops off and costs you a section or framing place, something we have all done.
The ultra-fine 2mm mesh is incredibly fish safe and will ensure no damage occurs to smaller fish before they are returned to the water. Whilst it is targeted at silvers, the net is really good where you are fishing for 'stockie' sized carp, these fish can get their fin snagged in wider mesh but this net will eliminate that happening, better for you and much better for the fish!
Available in sizes 14” and 16”.
Pros
- Ideal for silvers or when you're reaching for the net a lot.
- Great for small, stockie carp.
Cons
- A little small and fragile for really big fish.
Best landing net for barbed hooks
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If you fish venues that allow barbed hooks you will know the pain that can come from netting fish, the Guru Barb Safe Net helps reduce the hook getting snagged in the first place.
The open mesh is primarily designed to allow the easy removal of a barbed hook when it gets caught up, but it also makes the net really manoeuvrable through the water too, which is great when you need to quickly net that bonus fish or prevent a pike snatching your catch. The mesh is very dark and discreet to prevent spooking fish on natural venues, where the water is generally very clear.
The net will accommodate everything from small roach to large bream and tench, thanks to its slightly deeper mesh and circumference, allowing you to take one net with you regardless of the species you might encounter.
Available in 400 and 500 sizes.
Pros
- Perfect when using barbed hooks.
- Will accommodate a variety of fish species.
Cons
- A larger size would be a nice addition.
Best landing net for mobile anglers
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If you like to stay mobile when you’re angling, the Gardner Folding Pan Net could be net you’ve been looking for. The net head folds in half at the spreader block which makes it much easier to move around, as when its folded up it vastly reduces the chances of getting snagged on barbed wire, brambles or other annoying instances that we all experience when moving swims, especially on rivers. The net is locked into place by the thread and the super strong block will make sure it won’t collapse or break easily.
The wide and deep mesh makes it useful when fishing fast flowing rivers as the drag from the water is greatly reduced and it gives you somewhere to revive the fish too. The net also comes supplied with a nylon stink bag to prevent your car getting wet and smelling of fish if you were lucky enough to catch one.
Available in 22” and 26” sizes.
Pros
- Folding design makes moving swims easier.
- Deep mesh is great for retaining and reviving fish.
Cons
- You have to make sure the net is well secured to prevent it folding when netting a fish.
Best lure fishing landing net
www.total-fishing-tackle.com
The Fox Rage Warrior Racket Net is the ideal choice for lure anglers, fly anglers or those who like to remain mobile. The net head has a moulded, short handle to allow the user to quickly grab it from their back or wherever they have chosen to store it and safely net the fish.
The net is incredibly lightweight and comes with an elasticated lanyard, allowing it to be clipped onto a bag or belt buckle for easy transporting, meaning you can keep moving and casting without having to keep picking your net up every time you move a few metres. The net is also ideal for anglers who like to wade, as the net can easily accompany you out into the water and as the net also floats, you needn’t worry about it sinking while using it.
The mesh is rubberised to allow for quick drying and reduced slime removal from the fish, all while preventing the lures or barbed hooks becoming tethered and if they do, they are easily removed.
Available in one size, 32cm x 47cm.
Pros
- Rubberised mesh allows for quick drying and increased fish welfare.
- Perfect choice for mobile angling such as fly fishing and lure fishing.
Cons
- The handle can't be extended.
Best landing net for commercial carp
www.total-fishing-tackle.com
For those anglers that do a lot commercial carp fishing, the Matrix Carp Landing Net is an ideal choice for those venues where you are catching lots of large fish. The net isn’t overly wide but it has a deep mesh, this does two things, firstly it securely holds the carp in a purse when lifting them upwards out of the water, so they won’t hang out or flap back into the lake. It also keeps the carp folded so you can quickly and efficiently remove the hook without the fish having too much room to wrap themselves up in the line.
The wide mesh and lightweight frame allows for the aggressive scooping of large fish, sometimes you only get one chance, and this net ensures you can make the most of it. A fine, fish-friendly mesh base keeps the fish in the best condition and prevents bands being snapped off. The mesh is also very durable and strong, so it can withstand those bagging sessions where big weights are on the cards during the summer months.
Available in sizes 60cm, 55cm, 50cm and 45cm.
Pros
- Strong, durable mesh.
- Deep mesh to prevent fish falling out.
Cons
- Not the widest nets available.
LOADING YOUR SPOOL WITH THE BEST LINE IS IMPORTANT. OUR GUIDE TO THE BEST FISHING REEL LINES WILL HELP YOU CHOOSE
What to look for in a landing net
When considering what the best landing net is, you need to decide what it will be used for and the size of the fish it will be targeting. The main purpose of a landing net is that it is big enough to safely net the fish you are fishing for, if the net is far too small for the size of the fish and you cannot get it in your chosen landing net, then it is completely useless to you.
If you are fishing for carp and larger fish on commercials, it is likely you’ll be using your landing net a lot. The best choice would be a net that is lightweight and durable, as it won’t be cumbersome to use and it will stand up to the demanding nature many commercials put on our tackle. If you fish a lot of matches, it’s also worth taking into account the width of the net, a net that is too large to transfer easily into your keepnet will cause you issues and sometimes lost fish.
If you fish for specimen fish on rivers and lakes, a large net with a deep mesh is the perfect choice. Not only will you be able to get the majority of specimen fish into the net, it will also give you a secure area to retain fish like barbel, chub and pike to allow them to regain their strength before they are returned to the water. A net that can be clipped up or folded would also be advantageous to prevent the net snagging on undergrowth or fences when moving swims.
Glossary
Landing net: A net used to safely extract fish from the water onto the anglers legs or a mat.
Hair rig: A method that allows a bait to be presented independently on the line without having to be hooked directly.
Narrow/Wide Mesh: This simply refers to the hole size in the mesh, the smaller the hole the narrower it is.
Spreader block: The metal or plastic area where the thread for the handle and the arms from the net are fused together.
Rubberised mesh: This mesh is either fully latex or has a special rubber coating to prevent mucus being removed from the fish, it also dries quickly being waterproof.
Thread: This is usually constructed of brass and is where the landing net handle can be screwed into place.
<strong>Frequently asked questions on landing nets</strong>
What size landing net do I need?
The landing net you need must be big enough to safely accommodate the size of fish you're targeting or could potentially hook. If you're fishing for really large carp and catfish, a 42" net would be the minimum size we recommend. If you are barbel fishing, choose a net that has some depth to it to give you a safe area to retain the fish until it is fully revived and if you are match or pleasure fishing on a commercial, nets between 18" and 22" are generally the most commonly used sizes.
Do you really need a landing net?
Yes, you do! The majority of fisheries around the country stipulate that you must have a landing net with you, with some enforcing that you net every fish regardless of size. It is also in the best interest of the fish that you can safely remove it from the water and safely place it back after it's unhooked. A net helps support the weight of the fish and stops it coming into contact with the ground, it is very poor practice to fish without one.
How do you assemble a landing net?
Most smaller nets just require you to screw the net head straight onto the landing net pole with the thread that is fused into the block. On some larger nets you may be required to push the arms into the spreader block, simply push one arm in, then apply some pressure by pushing that same arm into the ground to cause a slight bend, which will allow you to get the other arm into place.
What is the best shape for a landing net?
The most common shapes for landing nets are circular/oval or triangular, as these shapes tend to be the easiest to move through the water and provide enough space to get the fish into the net. In match fishing the round nets are preferred as they easily slip inside a keepnet and large fish are usually more subdued in a smaller net, allowing them to be quickly unhooked. Specimen anglers tend to opt for triangular shaped nets as it gives added insurance the net will be big enough whilst providing somewhere for the fish to be retained for short periods before it is photographed and released.
Author Aidan Bordiuk is an enthusiastic angler who enjoys all fishing disciplines from match fishing to beach casting. He is currently occupying the position of Commercial Content Writer at Angling Times.