I remember back to one of my earliest catches off of a kayak. I had an 8lb snapper hooked to my line and was getting it closer and closer to my kayak when I realized, how the heck am I going to get this thing onto my kayak without ripping the hook out? It never crossed my mind that a net would’ve come in handy.
I barely got it onto my kayak, but I never went out without a net again.
When people ask, do you need a net for Kayak Fishing? The answer is always yes, for 3 simple reasons: It is easier to land fish, better for catch & release and safer for you.
When choosing a net, it is important to get one designed with kayak fishing in mind. Using a net designed for fishing off a boat or shore just creates havoc during those stressful moments before landing a fish.
In this article, I share with you my 3 favorite nets that I have used various times in the past. I’ll also share what makes a good net, so you can judge for yourself as well as how to take care of your net so it will last you a long time. So read on.
My 3 Favorite Nets for Kayak Fishing
YAKATTACK LEVERAGE LANDING NET
This net is the ultimate one-handed fish handle. The big selling point of this net is the ergonomic leveraged handle that makes scooping a fish with one hand a breeze. This net has always felt solid, which some 2 handed nets have a tough time feeling.
The net is rubber coated, make it easier on the fish allowing for increased survival rates for the fish you release. Something I really like is the rubber coating on the net eliminates hook snags common with typical nylon nets.
Another feature is that it folds in half making for easy storage, but also flips open easily with the flick of the wrist.
A few things have bothered me with this net though. There were a few times that when I went to flip the net open to scoop a fish, the netting got stuck in the hinge and would not lock in place. I solved that by just leaving it full length before launching.
I also thought the handle was a little short. I sometimes have rigged lines with long leaders. It can be really hard to reach the fish. I hate having to reach too far over the side of the kayak if you know what I mean.
The price for these nets are OK, coming in around $80. At least your sure that you’ll have a net that will last you a long time.
EGO2 SLIDER
This net was built to last. It feels solid in your hands, leaving you confident that it will stay strong while you land your next fish. What I like most about this net is the extendable handle which works like those extendable umbrellas, all it takes is a push of a button. Perfect when you only have one hand free.
The netting comes in 2 styles, soft PVC mesh and rubber mesh bag. The rubber mesh bag is the most fish friendly, but the PVC mesh is not too far behind.
I wish for the price it was made of lighter material, such as fiberglass or graphite. Each style comes with an aluminum handle that is light, but not as light as it could be. Overall though, this is an excellent net for Kayak Fishing.
PLUSSINO FISHING NET
This is a great budget fishing net that would work for any kayak fisherman. The poles are made from light weight carbon fiber mixed with fiberglass, giving the net strength but also making it really light.
The netting is made with a waterproof nylon mesh, which helps eliminate odor but also from water logging. The netting is considered fish friendly, but between the 3 nets discussed in this post, I’d say it’s the least friendly. The netting just doesn’t seem as soft as the rubber coating on the other nets.
The net comes with a variety of handle length options and does fold down for easier storage.
I just don’t like how the net opening is shaped. It’s got some weird triangular shape thing going on that makes it a little difficult to get a fish into the net.
Starting at only $20, you can’t beat the price!
3 Reasons You Should Get a Net
With a net, you can scoop your fish out of the water instead of trying to yank them up by a little hook onto your kayak. Many people have lost fish after they let out one good thrash while trying to be pulled up onto a kayak without a net. You can reel the fish close to your kayak, set your rod in a holder and use your net to scoop up the fish.
Nets also offer the fish a fighting chance. Quality nets are made out of material that is easier on the fish. And by not pulling a fish out of the water by a hook and scooping them up with a net, you can safely remove the hook and return the fish back to the water if it has to be thrown back.
While a net is safer for fish, it is also safer for you, the fisherman. Instead of reaching into a fish’s mouth and getting stuck by your hook, you can use your net. A net allows you to use fish grabbers more easily. It also keeps what would be a wild, floppy fish more subdued, allowing you to keep more of your gear and not have it lost to an errant bump by a thrashing tail.
What to Consider When Picking a Net
There are a few things to consider when you choose a net. They are not all one size fits all. By getting the right net, you save yourself lost fish and damaged equipment.
HOW WILL IT IMPACT THE REST OF MY GEAR
Introducing a new piece of equipment can totally throw off how you associate with the rest of your gear. Is the net too short that it is right in the way of getting to your crate. Maybe the handle is too long and it blocks your camera.
WHAT’S MY FISHING STYLE
If you are fishing for small trout all the time, there is no need for a net with a large opening, but if you have a few saltwater species within your sights you’re going to want the biggest opening you could find.
DOES YOUR KAYAK HAVE PEDAL DRIVE
A net with a long handle can easily get tangled up in the peddle drive system of your kayak if you’re not careful. You may want a shorter net because of this. Also think about alternate ways to store your net. You can use one of the paddle clips on the side of your kayak to store a paddle, keeping it out of the way but giving you easy access.
What to Look for in a Good Net
TYPE OF MESH
Fishing net mesh typically comes in 2 types: Nylon and rubber coated. Nylon nets are rough and not very fish friendly while rubber coated nets are very safe for the scales and natural oils on the surface of the fish, increasing their survival rates.
Finding a net that is knot-free is also great to look for because it eliminates snagged hooks that are so common with older style nets.
SIZE OF HOOP
The opening of the net is very important. If it is too small it can be very easy to lose a fish while you are trying to get it in the net. At the same time, a net that is too big more easily interferes with the rest of your equipment on board your kayak.
PORTABILITY
The typical kayak fisherman has a lot of gear. All of it needs to be as portable as possible, this holds true with your fishing net. Having telescopic handles or being collapsible really helps when trying to stow your net on your kayak or having to carry it along with the rest of your equipment back to your car.
TYPE OF HANDLE
Both the length of your handle and how strong it is are both important factors when choosing a net. It may need to handle the strain of catching a big fish, or maybe just a 3lb trout. Whatever it is, make sure the handle feels up to the task.
Some handles are easier to manage one handed, like the Yakattack Leveraged Landing Net. If that’s how you see yourself landing fish, you may way want to lean in that direction.
How to Clean Your Net
Fishing nets are designed to be pretty durable, but sometimes you just have to clean out something funky.
The rubber nets can often just be sprayed off with water and then wiped down. The nylon nets take a little more work. Nylon nets tend to absorb the bacteria, leading to smelly, moldy nets.
It is a good idea to dunk these nets into a bath of hot water. This helps kill the bacteria and loosen any dirt and debris. After giving your net a good soak, take a small brush to get rid of anything else that didn’t come off. Hang your net up to dry and it’ll be ready for your next trip.
Is It Safe to Use a Net When You are Kayak Fishing?
I’ve been asked this question and I always ask if it’s safe to NOT use a net when you are kayak fishing.
I guess it could get tangled up in gear or potentially capsize you if you end up reaching out too far, but I think way worse can happen if you don’t have one.
What comes to mind first is getting jabbed by hooks when trying to retrieve a fish by hand. Or how about a nasty slap in the face from a 30lb fish, gyrating frantically on the deck of your boat. No thanks, I’ll take the net.