Have you ever lost a hard-fought fish while landing it in your kayak? Did you dump a toothy creature into your kayak so it could flop between your legs? Ever had a fish swat you so hard with its tail that it knocked your favorite clip overboard? I have. And I’ve started researching the best kayak fishing nets so that never happens again.
In this article, I research and rank the top five kayak fishing nets based on what matters most to kayak fishers.
- Functionality/Durability
- Fish-Friendliness
- Weight/Flotation
- Price
YakAttack Leverage Net
First introduced in 2010, the YakAttack Leverage landing net has grown in popularity year after year thanks to its ergonomic handle that fits under your forearm for (you guessed it) MORE LEVERAGE. This makes it easier to fight fish with one hand and land them with the other.
Few nets are as functional as the Leverage, not just because of the unique handle, which is the big selling point. The hoop folds over the handle when stored, cutting the length in half, which is nice on a crowded kayak. And with a wrist flick, the hoop deploys and locks into place. The knotless, rubber-dipped net reduces snagging and tangling, which is nice.
Nylon netting is dipped in rubber, less abrasive than pure nylon. It protects the fish and increases survival, but the net is thin and wide, which is light but not as fish-friendly as the heavier rubber that is not available.
The lever is not what I would consider a lightweight net, weighing in at 3 pounds, but the single handle makes it feel much lighter than it is. It doesn’t float, so it might be worth attaching a floating element if you drop it.
This is the landing net to buy if you’re looking for a unique design and real lifting power. No one has matched the innovative handle, and the foam extension fits into a rod holder that allows the net to be spread.
Cons
The net can get stuck on the net release mechanism, requiring you to use both hands to open it. I recommend opening the net before leaving the shore and putting it in a rod holder behind you. The net also has a limited reach, which can be a disadvantage if you have a feisty fish or a lot of stuff on your line that won’t fit through the guides.
EGO S2 Slider Kayak Fishing Net
EGO continues improving its versatile line of landing nets with stunning new options designed with the kayak angler in mind. The S2 Slider landing net can accommodate fish up to 30 pounds when fully extended and looks downright cool. It comes in various lengths from 18 to 108 inches to fit your type of fishing and has a unique set of screw-on and screw-off accessories (sold separately) like a gaff, hooks retriever, boat hook, and deck brush.
The S2 crushes it in this category. Let’s start with the hoop, uniquely shaped like a shovel for catching fish in the net.
The heavy-duty rubber handle gives you excellent grip and leverage for lifting large fish, sometimes with just one hand.
The push-button extendable handle is padded, comfortable, and gives you instant reach, which is handy when you can’t get too far up because of weights or leaders that won’t fit through your guides.
You can choose from 3 different net options, the PVC-coated net (which also floats), the PVC-coated zippered net with measuring tape (shown), and the rubber net bag. The rubber bag ranks highest in fish friendliness, but the soft PVC mesh comes in a close second. Overall, the line ranks pretty well in this category.
Weight varies by size and net type; they are all lightweight aluminum, and most models float depending on the net option.
Previous versions of the S2 lacked strength when fully extended. This was a big complaint that the company responded to very quickly, and early reviews are positive.
Cons
From the push-button extension to the net selection to the lightweight, reinforced construction, the S2 Slider has it all and has proven to be the best kayak fishing net.
Fishpond Nomad Landing Net
The Fishpond Nomad Mid Length Boat Net is made of carbon fiber and fiberglass composite, making it incredibly lightweight and strong. It is finished with rubberized paint for a better grip and a clear rubber net. This is a beautiful net made to last a lifetime.
This is the most technologically advanced net in the line regarding materials. It is super light for a net with a full rubber bag, and the fact that it floats is a huge plus. The net attaches to the hoop like a basketball net, making it easy to change if you wear yours. The handle fits some rod holders, and the rubber net keeps snags to a minimum. Otherwise, there aren’t many bells and whistles on the Nomad. It’s just super light and super strong.
All Nomad nets come with the clear rubber bag net, the most fish-friendly material. Fishpond is a fly fishing brand that caters primarily to anglers who release their catch, so it makes sense.
Cons
The price puts this net out of reach for some, and the fixed-length is a drawback for a kayak angler who may need the extra distance.
The Fishpond Nomad fell short on price and functionality. Being a fly fisher, I would love to own one someday, but as a kayak fisher, I think there are more versatile options on the list.
Frabill Power Stow Net
Frabill is one of the most trusted brands in fishing, and they make a huge assortment of nets for all types of fishing. Their latest line is the Power Stow line of nets. Featuring a telescoping aluminum handle, a glass-filled nylon yoke for serious strength, and a micro-winged mesh net. It comes in several sizes to fit your fishing. The model shown here is the Walleye.
Compact storage. The shaft slides up through the net, and the hoop folds in half over it. Ideal for kayaks with limited storage space. The net can easily be deployed with two hands, or even one hand and one foot if you’re waiting for a fish to spread it.
The Power Stow’s net is 3/8 inch, small but not enough. Even though it’s a double-dipped nylon, it’s still not at the top of the fish-friendly scale. It’s also a deeper net than the others in the group, making it harder to remove fish.
Power Stow nets are relatively light, but they don’t float. It is made from lightweight components, such as quality aluminum and lightweight mesh,
Cons
The net is not as durable or snag-resistant as I would like. The treble hooks tangle easily, and if your net for big fish all day, the double coating wears off, and holes start to appear, which no one wants.
They came up with a great folding design with a decent telescoping handle but unfortunately, they skimped on a good bag that doesn’t hold up well and is hard on the fish. It also seems a bit too expensive in my opinion. Unfortunately, the Power Stow falls to the bottom of the list.
Promar ProMesh LN-651 landing net
Promar has a huge line of inshore and offshore nets that offer good value. The ProMesh is one of their newest nets with what they claim to be a zero-hang net. The LN-651 has a 20×21 inch net that is 14 inches deep, which is big enough to handle good-sized bass.
The ProMesh is a performance net made of anodized aluminum, with a high-quality bag and a simple telescoping mechanism. The net separates from the handle with two pins for easy storage.
A pretty good score in this category. The fine 3/16″ mesh is easy on the fish, and the bag has the proper depth and shape to net and release, which helps with mortality.
Hard to find a weight listed on this net, but with lightweight aluminum and a mesh bag, it doesn’t weigh much. That said, I would be surprised if it floats for long.
Cons
Some screws and other hardware are known to rust, so this is a freshwater-only net. The telescoping mechanism has a plastic nut that locks by twisting. It could be stronger, as it has been known to tear or not lock enough to keep the net from turning.
It’s a solid net that will work in many different situations, but it didn’t measure up in features. As I said, you can find great deals on this product if you look hard enough.