Picture this: you’ve battled a hefty walleye, felt its powerful tug, and finally see it thrashing near the boat. But then, disaster strikes! Your flimsy net can’t handle the weight, or the fish slips through the mesh. That heart-stopping moment is all too familiar for many anglers. Choosing the right walleye landing net isn’t just about having a tool; it’s about securing your prize and avoiding the frustration of a lost catch.
The market is flooded with nets, and it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Should you go for a long handle or a short one? What about the mesh size and material? These questions can make picking the perfect net feel like a chore. But don’t worry, we’re here to help. This blog post will cut through the confusion and give you the clear answers you need.
By the end of this guide, you’ll understand exactly what makes a great walleye landing net. We’ll cover the key features to look for, the common pitfalls to avoid, and how to pick a net that will serve you well for seasons to come. Get ready to land those walleye with confidence!
Our Top 5 Walleye Landing Net Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Walleye Landing Net Detailed Reviews
1. KastKing Brutus Fishing Net
Rating: 8.9/10
The KastKing Brutus Fishing Net is a fantastic tool for any angler. It’s built tough with strong aluminum and a comfortable handle, making it easy to land your catch. Plus, its fish-friendly mesh helps ensure a safe release.
What We Like:
- The net is made from strong 6063 Aluminum alloy, which is really durable and won’t bend easily.
- It’s lightweight and can hold fish up to 44lbs/20KG, which is impressive.
- The net folds in half and has a retracting handle, making it super easy to store and carry.
- You can choose between PVC-coated or soft silicone mesh. The silicone is great for catch and release because it’s gentle on fish.
- The bright orange EVA foam handle is easy to spot and provides a good, non-slip grip.
- There are different sizes and some models have an extra handle for longer reach.
- It comes with a storage bag to keep it protected.
What Could Be Improved:
- The model number description seems to list a weight limit of 33lbs/15KG for the largest size, which conflicts with the 44lbs/20KG stated elsewhere. This could cause confusion.
- While the PVC option is mentioned, more details on its specific benefits or drawbacks compared to silicone would be helpful.
Overall, the KastKing Brutus Fishing Net is a well-made and practical choice for anglers of all levels. It balances durability with user-friendly features for a great fishing experience.
2. High Strength Large Landing Net – Fishing Net with Long Telescoping Handle and Soft Rubber Netting
Rating: 9.5/10
This High Strength Large Landing Net is a game-changer for anglers. It’s built tough and designed to help you land your biggest catches with ease, whether you’re on a boat, pier, or riverbank. The long, telescoping handle and soft rubber netting make it super user-friendly.
What We Like:
- Superior Durability: Made from strong aluminum alloy, its thicker ring frame (0.52 inches) is 30% more robust than others, handling heavy fish without bending.
- Fish-Friendly Netting: The 19.5-inch deep, soft rubber mesh (1.2-inch size) protects your catch from harm and prevents annoying tangles and hook snags.
- Reliable Aluminum Connectors: Unlike plastic parts that can break, all connectors are made of aluminum alloy, ensuring dependable performance even under heavy strain.
- Lightweight and Easy to Handle: Weighing only 1.85 pounds, it’s comfortable to use for extended periods without fatigue. The handle extends from 45 to 60 inches and locks firmly.
- Convenient Portability: The 2-section retractable pole folds down to a compact 26.2 x 18 inches, making it easy to store in your car or gear bag.
What Could Be Improved:
- The maximum load capacity is 18 pounds when fully extended, which might be a limitation for extremely large catches at full extension.
This landing net offers an excellent balance of strength, user-friendliness, and portability. It’s a smart investment for any serious angler looking to improve their fishing experience.
3. Frabill Conservation Series Landing Net with Camlock Reinforced Handle
Rating: 8.7/10
The Frabill Conservation Series Landing Net is a reliable tool for anglers. It helps you land fish safely. This net is built tough and ready for many fishing trips. It’s ideal for catching a variety of fish like bass, walleye, and redfish.
What We Like:
- It’s saltwater safe, so you can use it in the ocean or freshwater.
- The Pow’R Lok Yoke System makes storage easy. The handle slides through for a compact fit.
- Corrosion-proof stainless steel hardware means it won’t rust, even in salty water.
- The Cam-Lock telescoping handle adjusts from 24 to 48 inches. This gives you good reach.
- MeshGuard Hoop protects the netting and the rim. This makes the net last longer.
- The matte black finish helps prevent “net shy” fish from seeing it.
- The net is 16 inches deep, which is great for holding your catch securely.
What Could Be Improved:
- The hoop size is 20″ x 23″. Some larger fish might need a slightly bigger net.
This Frabill net is a solid choice for most anglers. It offers good features for its price and will help you bring in your catch with confidence.
4. Long Fishing Net
Rating: 9.2/10
This Long Fishing Net is a game-changer for anglers seeking a reliable and versatile tool. Its clever design makes it easy to handle and transport, while its robust construction ensures it can handle your biggest catches. Whether you’re fishing from a boat, a dock, or the riverbank, this net offers the reach and strength you need.
What We Like:
- The strong aluminum alloy build means this net won’t bend or break, even with heavy fish.
- It’s surprisingly light at only 2.1 pounds, which makes it comfortable to use for long periods.
- The telescoping handle extends from 56 to 75 inches, giving you plenty of reach.
- The non-slip foam grip stays secure, even when wet.
- It folds up compactly, making it super easy to carry and store.
- The rubber-coated netting is gentle on fish, making catch-and-release easier and safer for them.
- This netting is also tough, resists hooks, and cleans up nicely.
- The wide hoop frame gives you a good area to scoop up fish quickly.
What Could Be Improved:
- While strong, the aluminum alloy might show minor scuffs over time with heavy use.
- The compact folding size, while convenient, means the hoop itself is not a single solid piece when deployed.
This landing net is a fantastic choice for any angler who values both performance and portability. It’s built to last and designed with the fish’s well-being in mind.
5. Uxwuy Large Fishing Net Saltwater Rubber Fishing Net Kayak Fishing Landing Net with Telescoping Handle Freshwater Fish Nets with Long Handle Extends 90-120inch
Rating: 8.6/10
Anglers, get ready for your next big catch with the Uxwuy Large Fishing Net! This versatile net is designed for both saltwater and freshwater adventures, making it a must-have for any fishing trip. Its sturdy construction and smart features help you land your fish safely and easily, whether you’re on a boat, kayak, or the shore.
What We Like:
- Large Catch Capacity: This net is big! It extends from 90 to 120 inches, and the net itself is a generous size, perfect for landing those trophy fish like walleyes, steelhead, catfish, and bass.
- Fish-Friendly Design: The rubber-coated net is gentle on your catch. It holds fish securely without harming them and is great for catch-and-release fishing. Plus, it helps prevent tangles and hook snags.
- Telescoping Handle for Easy Storage and Reach: The telescoping handle extends to give you plenty of reach, which is super handy for boat and kayak fishing. When you’re done, it collapses down for easy storage in your car or fishing bag.
- Built for Saltwater Durability: Made with strong aluminum alloy and thick materials, this net is built to last in saltwater. It’s stable and resilient, ready for tough fishing conditions.
- Portable and Comfortable: It comes with a carrying bag, making it easy to take anywhere. The anti-slip handle feels good in your hand and makes it safe to use.
What Could Be Improved:
- Net Hole Size: While the 0.6-inch holes catch various sizes, very small fish might slip through.
- Weight when Extended: For some users, the full 120-inch extension might feel a bit heavy when a large fish is in the net.
This Uxwuy fishing net offers excellent reach, durability, and fish-friendly features for a wide range of fishing situations. It’s a solid choice for anglers looking for a reliable and adaptable landing net.
Choosing the Right Walleye Landing Net
Landing a big walleye is a thrilling moment. A good landing net makes that moment even better. It helps you safely bring your catch into the boat. This guide will help you pick the best walleye landing net for your fishing trips.
Key Features to Look For
When you shop for a walleye net, keep these important features in mind.
- Net Size: You need a net that’s big enough for walleye. Look for a hoop that is at least 18 inches by 22 inches. A larger net makes it easier to scoop up the fish. It also gives the fish more room to move inside the net. This helps prevent them from getting tangled.
- Net Depth: A deep net is crucial. It stops the walleye from flopping out of the net once it’s in. Aim for a net that is at least 24 inches deep.
- Handle Length: The handle length depends on where you fish. If you fish from a boat, a shorter handle (around 3-5 feet) is usually fine. If you fish from shore or a kayak, you might need a longer handle (6-10 feet) to reach the fish.
- Handle Grip: A comfortable grip makes the net easier to hold, especially when wet. Look for rubber or foam grips. They give you a good hold, even with wet hands.
- Net Material: The material of the net itself is important. We’ll talk more about this next.
Important Materials
The materials used in a walleye net affect its durability and how it treats the fish.
- Hoop Material: Most hoops are made from aluminum or strong plastic. Aluminum is lightweight and strong. Plastic hoops are often more affordable. Both can work well.
- Handle Material: Handles are usually made from aluminum, fiberglass, or carbon fiber. Aluminum is common and budget-friendly. Fiberglass is strong and a bit more flexible. Carbon fiber is the lightest and strongest but also the most expensive.
- Netting Material: This is a big one.
- Nylon: This is a very common and affordable option. It’s strong and dries quickly. However, nylon can snag fish fins and scales. This can harm the fish.
- Rubber (or Coated Mesh): Rubber nets are becoming very popular. They are gentle on fish. They don’t snag fins or scales. They also reduce odor. Rubber nets can be a bit heavier than nylon nets.
- Knotless Mesh: This type of netting uses a weaving method that avoids knots. This also helps protect the fish’s delicate skin and fins. It’s a good choice for catch-and-release fishing.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Several things make a walleye net great or not so great.
- Build Quality: A well-built net feels sturdy. The handle should be securely attached to the hoop. The netting should be strong and evenly spaced. Poor construction means the net might break when you need it most.
- Weight: A lighter net is easier to maneuver, especially when you have a fighting fish on the line. However, very lightweight nets might not be as strong. Finding a balance is key.
- Durability: A good net lasts for many fishing seasons. Look for strong materials and solid construction. A net that rusts easily or has netting that tears quickly will not last long.
- Fish-Friendliness: Nets made with rubber or knotless mesh are better for the fish. They help ensure the fish stays healthy if you plan to release it. This is important for conservation.
User Experience and Use Cases
How you use your net matters.
- Boat Fishing: For boat anglers, a net with a medium-length handle is usually best. You need to be able to reach over the side of the boat. A net that floats can be a lifesaver if it accidentally goes overboard.
- Shore Fishing: If you fish from the bank, you’ll need a longer handle. This lets you reach out to the fish without having to step into the water.
- Kayak Fishing: Kayakers need a net that’s easy to handle in a small space. A shorter handle might be better. Some kayak anglers like nets that can be easily attached to their kayak so they don’t lose them.
- Catch-and-Release: If you practice catch-and-release, a rubber or knotless mesh net is a must. It protects the fish’s slime coat and fins, helping it survive after release.
Frequently Asked Questions about Walleye Landing Nets
Q: What is the most important feature of a walleye landing net?
A: The most important feature is a hoop size that is big enough for walleye, usually at least 18 inches by 22 inches. A deep net (at least 24 inches) is also very important to keep the fish from escaping.
Q: Should I choose a rubber net or a nylon net?
A: Rubber nets are better for the fish because they don’t snag fins or scales. They also help reduce odor. Nylon nets are cheaper and dry faster, but they can be harder on the fish.
Q: How long should the handle of my walleye net be?
A: The handle length depends on where you fish. For boats, 3-5 feet is often good. For shore or kayak fishing, you might need 6-10 feet.
Q: Does the material of the handle matter?
A: Yes, the handle material affects weight and strength. Aluminum is common and affordable. Fiberglass is strong. Carbon fiber is the lightest and strongest but costs more.
Q: What does “knotless mesh” mean?
A: Knotless mesh means the netting is woven without knots. This makes the net smoother and gentler on the fish’s skin and fins.
Q: How do I know if a net is good quality?
A: A good quality net feels sturdy. The handle is attached well to the hoop. The netting is strong and doesn’t have loose threads. It should feel like it will last a long time.
Q: Can I use a net designed for other fish for walleye?
A: It’s best to use a net specifically designed for walleye. Walleye are long and can be strong fighters. A net that is too small or not deep enough might not work well.
Q: What if my net gets wet? Will it be slippery?
A: Some nets have slippery handles when wet. Look for nets with rubber or foam grips. These grips help you hold onto the net even when your hands are wet.
Q: Is there a difference between a net for catch-and-release and one for keeping fish?
A: Yes. For catch-and-release, a rubber or knotless mesh net is best to protect the fish. For keeping fish, a nylon net can work, but it’s still good to be gentle.
Q: How should I clean and store my walleye landing net?
A: Rinse your net with fresh water after each use to remove salt, dirt, and slime. Hang it up to dry completely before storing it. Store it in a place where it won’t get damaged.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.
Hi, I’m Hector Quintanilla, the creator of helmetslab.com.. As a passionate enthusiast and experienced expert in helmets, I’ve dedicated this platform to sharing my insights, knowledge, and hands-on experiences. Whether you’re seeking the best helmet for safety, comfort, or performance, my goal is to guide you with detailed reviews, tips, and advice. Ride safe, and let’s explore the world of helmets together!