Last updated on September 2nd, 2025.
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When choosing a fishing net you should consider a number of factors.
A good fishing net isn’t just a convenience—it shows you really care about the fish and want to give it the best chance of swimming away strong, especially when it comes to more delicate species like trout or grayling. With the right net, you can land a fish quickly, unhook it safely, and either release it right back or take that quick hero shot without stressing the fish too much.
And let’s be honest—when you’ve got a personal-best fish on the line, especially with light tackle, having a net can make the difference between landing that trophy or watching it slip away at the last second.
Of course, not all nets are created equal. The best one for you depends on how and where you fish. Whether you’re wading a small stream, paddling in your kayak, chasing big game, or traveling light for a fishing trip abroad, the right net makes the whole experience smoother and more enjoyable. In this guide, we’ll break down the best fishing nets for every situation—big or small, budget or premium—so you’re prepared when the moment of truth comes.
Disclaimer: All products in this guide are independently researched by our team. We only recommend products we believe in and never get paid for the reviews. Learn more about our review process here.
In this guide we tell you what to look for in the best fly fishing net, show you our favorites and tell you what you need to know about landing nets. We’ll cover how to attach/carry a fishing net, the differences in materials and styles and in which situations it makes sense to carry a landing net.
Best Fly Fishing Nets of 2025 Quick Answer Guide
1. Best Overall: Fishpond Nomad Emerger
2. Best Newcomer: Simms Daymaker Landing Net
3. Best Short Handle: Aventik Carbon Fiber Landing Net
4. Most exclusive: Brodin Phantom Cutthroat Landing Net
5. Best Value for Money: SF Fly Fishing Soft Rubber
6. Best Aluminum: O‘Pros Driftless Dry Fly Net
7. Best Long Handle: Orvis Wide Mouth Boat Net
8. Best for Big Predators: Frabill Power Catch
9. Best Folding: Oddspro Folding
10. Best Depth: Frabill Wading Net
Best Overall
Fishpond Nomad Emerger
After several seasons on the water, the Fishpond Nomad Emerger (read our in-depth review here) has proven itself time and again. It’s lightweight enough to carry all day, tough enough to handle big trout, and even floats if you drop it—which, yes, has saved me more than once. The rubber bag is durable, easy to replace, and gentle on fish, while the oval shape makes netting larger trout straightforward.
I’ve never had any issues with grip on the handle, even when wet, and the size feels like the perfect all-rounder for trout rivers. Paired with a magnetic release, it rides comfortably on a pack or vest, always ready when I need it. After years of loyal use, I can honestly say it’s the best net I’ve ever fished with.
Specs: 32″ Length – 9.8″ W x 18.8″ L Head – Weight: .95lb. Comes with a bag.
Pros:
– Fantastic build quality
– Great design
– Replaceable rubber net
Cons:
– Can be obstructive for smaller people when tucked into the wading belt in the back of your waders
Best Newcomer
Simms Daymaker Landing Net
I had a chance to put the Simms Daymaker Landing Net (Read in-depth review here) through its paces, and honestly, Simms nailed it with their first net. I tried the medium version with the longer handle on the Gallatin, and while it took a little practice to get used to, the extra reach was a big help in deeper runs.
The shorter version, on the other hand, feels perfect for wading—light, compact, and easy to carry through brush without snagging. Both sizes are impressively lightweight thanks to the carbon composite frame, and they even float if you drop them, which is a lifesaver. The only things I’d nitpick are the basket depth—big fish have a chance of flipping out—and the medium’s handle being a bit chunky if you’ve got smaller hands. Still, overall, it’s a solid, dependable net that I’ve come to trust on the water.
My verdict: Simms entered the world of fly fishing nets the way you would expect them to. No matter which version of the Simms Daymaker you’re going for, you’ll be sure to purchase a quality landing net that will perform for years to come and is extremely light to carry around.
Specs: Length: 38″, Hoop Width: 13″, Hoop Length: 18″, Weight: 17 oz. (medium size) and Length: 23″, Hoop Width: 11″, Hoop Length: 15″ WEIGHT: 12 oz. (small size)
Pros:
– Excellent build quality
– Very lightweight
Cons:
– Handle is quite big around
– Basket could be a little deeper to prevent flopping out of big fish
Best Short Handle
Aventik Carbon Fiber Landing Net
The Aventik Carbon Fiber Net has become one of my favorite options when I want to keep things light and simple. Made from carbon fiber, it’s incredibly lightweight, and the included magnetic release and lanyard make it easy to clip onto a vest or pack so it’s always within reach.
The clear rubber “ghost net” is a nice touch for spooky trout, and I’ve found the shorter handle especially handy in tight quarters where you need to land and release fish quickly. Of course, that short handle means you don’t get the same reach as with something like the Fishpond Nomad Emerger, but if you’re fishing smaller streams or value minimal weight above all else, the Aventik is a reliable and very practical net to have at your side.
Specs: 18″ x 13″ x 12″
Pros:
– Compact dimensions
– Very lightweight
Cons:
– Handle is rather short
Most Exclusive
Brodin Eco Clear
The Brodin Eco Clear (Read our in-depth review here) is the net I always reach for when I want a touch of classic style without giving up functionality. Its wooden frame feels timeless, and the eco-clear rubber bag is nearly invisible in the water, which makes a real difference when netting spooky trout.
I’ve used the version sized for fish up to about 20″, and it’s been perfect for most trout rivers I fish. The longer oval shape has become my favorite—it’s versatile, easy to handle, and tucks neatly between my hip pack and waders without snagging in the brush on the way to the river. With the built-in clip, it hangs comfortably on a vest or jacket, always ready when I need it. For me, the Brodin Eco Clear strikes the perfect balance of beauty, practicality, and fish-friendly design—a net that feels as good to use as it looks.
Pros:
– Fantastic build quality
– Comes with a clip
– Net is replaceable
Cons:
– Not the right choice if you are hunting trophy trout because of the size of the rubber net
Best Value for Money
SF Fly Fishing Soft Rubber Trout
The SF Fly Fishing Soft Rubber is another great choice for fly fishermen. It has a rubber net just like the Fishpond Nomad Emerger. However, the frame is made of wood. This gives this one a much more classic look. The handle is a bit shorter than the Nomad one and the rubber is not as deep. These factors make the SF Fly Fishing Soft Rubber a great choice for smaller streams and creeks.
A great feature of the SF Fly Fishing is the fact that it comes with a magnetic release. This makes it easy to attach it to the back of your wading jacket or fly fishing vest. The wooden handle feels good in your hands and since it’s made of wood, the SF Fly Fishing Soft Rubber floats as well.
Specs: 16.1″ x 9.4″ x 8.3″ – comes with a Magnetic Release
Pros:
– Solid built quality
– Comes with magnetic release
– Wooden handle feels good in your hand
Cons:
– Rubber net is quite shallow
– Only advisable for smaller streams and creeks
Best Aluminum
O’Pros Driftless Dry Fly
The O’Pros Driftless Dry Fly Net (read in depth review here) is a sturdy landing net that convinced us with its fresh style and color options. You can basically create your custom fly fishing net by picking your favorite handle design, frame color and rubber bag color. You can also decide whether you want the depth of your net to be 12″ (which is certainly enough for most trout or bass fishing) or even 16″ (which is a good idea if you can expect big trout at your river for example).
Especially the sturdiness of the rubber convinced us on the O’Pros Driftless Dry Fly. It’s also incredibly lightweight plus it comes with a lifetime warranty which is great if you put your tackle to the test. If you want a modern, stylish looking one, go for the O’Pros Driftless Dry Fly.
Specs: aluminum hoop (19″ x 14″), depth: 12″ or 16″
Pros:
– Very sturdy
– Different net depths to choose from
– Lifetime warranty
Cons:
– Can be a little obstructive when casting due to its wider shape
Best Long Handle
Orvis Wide Mouth Guide Net
The Orvis Wide Mouth Guide Net is built for anglers who spend serious time on the water, especially from a boat or steeper riverbanks. It’s not the cheapest option at close to $200, but the build quality is outstanding and it feels like a tool that will last for years. The boat version has become a favorite among guides worldwide, while the hand version is perfect if you want something more compact to tuck into your wading belt without sacrificing strength. I’ve found the wide hoop really helps when netting bigger fish quickly, and the carbon fiber frame keeps the weight down while making the net buoyant in case you drop it. It’s definitely a premium choice, but if you’re after reliability and versatility in all kinds of fishing situations, the Orvis Wide Mouth is one of the best nets you can carry.
Overall Length – 37.5 | Overall Width – 12.75” | Hoop Length – 17.5″ | Bag Depth – 10.5” (also available as a hand net with shorter handle). Available in green and black.
Pros:
– Multiple options to choose from
– Great landing net for a boat
– Lightweight, yet very sturdy
Cons:
– We found the composite material to not be very scratch resistant
– Depth of the net could be deeper (10.5″ only) to prevent big fish from flipping out
Best for Big Predators
Frabill Power Catch
The Frabill Power Catch is our #1 choice for a big fly fishing net. And when we say big we mean it. This one comes in a 26″ x 30″ standard version with a 48″ handle and 38″ net depth. If that is not big enough for the fish you are targeting there is a 48″ depth version as well. The Frabill Power Catch is the ideal tool if you are after big pike or musky or even saltwater species like salmon or small halibut.
If you still don’t think the Power Catch version is big enough then there is the Frabill 8450 Power Catch Big Kahuna (pictured above). It comes with hoop sizes of 32″ x 41″ and even 40″ x 44″. The Frabill don’t come cheap. But when you target these big fish whether in freshwater or in saltwater you shouldn’t compromise on quality. There is nothing worse than losing the fish of a lifetime because of a poorly made product.
Specs: 26″ x 30″ wide – 38″ depth (48″ depth option)
Pros:
– Comes in a wide variety of sizes to hold even the biggest fish
– Sturdy build quality
Cons:
– Dark net can spook fish when the water is really clear
Best Folding
ODDSPRO Folding
The Oddspro Folding is a great choice if you want a landing net with compact dimensions. Made from carbon fiber and fiberglass, the Oddspro features a handle that can be folded and hence makes it easier to store it. Due to its dimensions the Oddspro Folding is an excellent choice if your main target species is trout and grayling. Its net is a bit deeper than the SF Fly for example and can hence hold bigger fish. The OddsPro features a rubber coating nylon mesh that does not harm the fishes’ mucus. I think value for money wise there’s not a lot nets out there that will beat the OddsPro.
Specs: 11.5″ x 15.5″ x 10″ hoop size. Handle length: 8.5″
Pros:
– Affordable
– Compact and easy to carry and store
Cons:
– Hooks get stuck more easily it the nylon net than in the bigger mesh sizes of the rubber ones
Best Depth
Frabill Wading Net
The Frabill Wading Net rounds off or review of the best landing nets. This one is a straight forward landing net that ticks all the boxes of a quality product. It is a great choice if you are looking for a handy net that can cope with big fish. Its net depth of 30″ makes sure that even big trout stay where they are supposed to.
The Frabill features an aluminum loop and a rubber coated handle to ensure a safe grip no matter the conditions. The short length of the handle ensures you can safely using with one hand (which is crucial if you are fishing on your own and don’t have a buddy to net your catch).
Specs: 17″ x 19″ hoop size. 30″ depth. Handle length: 8″.
Pros:
– Simple aluminum landing net that does what it’s supposed to well.
– Good choice for sea trout as well.
Cons:
– Consider exchanging the leash to something a little more sturdy
How To Choose The Right Fly Fishing Net
When it comes to picking the right fishing net, I’ve learned it really depends on how and where you fish. The net I grab for small stream trout is completely different from the one I use when chasing big muskie on open water. Think about the species you’re after and match your hoop and bag size accordingly—not just width, but also depth. I’ve come to really appreciate flat-bottom bags, since they make unhooking fish and handling them in the water so much easier.
Net material is another big one. I’ve tried everything from nylon to rubber, and while nylon is cheap, it tangles with hooks constantly and is rougher on fish. Rubber or rubber-coated mesh protects their slime layer far better and saves a lot of frustration when hooks inevitably find the net.
Handle length can also make or break your day. Wading and kayak fishing call for a shorter handle that won’t snag, while bank or boat fishing usually requires something mid-length. On bigger boats, or if you’re trolling for salmon, a long or even extendable handle makes landing fish so much smoother—I can’t tell you how many close calls a longer handle has saved me from.
Finally, don’t skimp on construction. I’ve broken enough cheap nets to know it’s worth investing in a solid frame—carbon or aluminum usually lasts the longest. If you want something that will serve you for years, spend the money once. Of course, there’s nothing wrong with grabbing a budget net for a quick trip if you’ve left your good one in the garage—we’ve all been there. In the end, no single net covers every situation, which is why most anglers I know (myself included) end up with a small collection. The important part is making sure the right net is on your checklist before you head out, because when that big fish finally comes to hand, you’ll be glad you thought it through.
Comparison Table
| Product | Overall Size | Hoop Size | Net Depth | Weight | Frame material | Handle material | Floating | Price in $ |
| Fishpond Nomad Emerger | 32″ | 9.8″ W x 18.8″ | 12″ | .95lb | Carbon fiber | Carbon fiber | Yes | 159.95 |
| Simms Daymaker Landing Net (medium) | 38″ | 13″ x 18″ | 14″ | 17 oz | Carbon fiber | Carbon fiber | Yes | 199.95 |
| Aventik Carbon Fiber Landing Net | 26″ | 18″ x 12″ | 12″ | Carbon fiber | Carbon fiber | Yes | 64.99 | |
| Brodin Phantom | 30″ | 20″ x 9″ | 14″ | 10 oz | Hardwood | Hardwood | No | 159.00 |
| SF Fly Fishing Soft Rubber | 24.4″ | 16.1″ x 9.4″ | 10″ | Hardwood | Hardwood | Yes | 35.00 | |
| O‘Pros Driftless Dry Fly Net | 30″ | 19″ x 14″ | 12″/16″ | 1 lb | Carbon fiber | Carbon fiber | Yes | 114.99 |
| Orvis Wide Mouth Guide | 37.5″ | 12.75″ x 17.5″ | 10.5″ | 0.63lb | Composite material | Composite material | Yes | 198.00 |
| Frabill Power Catch | 48″ | 26″ x 30″ | 38″ (48″) | Aluminum | Aluminum/Rubber | No | 133.00 | |
| Oddspro Folding | 24.6″ | 11.5″ x 15.5″ | 10″ | 11.2 oz | Plastic | Plastic | No | 27.99 |
| Frabill Wading Net | 27″ | 17″ x 19″ | 30″ | Aluminum | Aluminum/rubber | No | 23.99 |
What is important in a good fly fishing net?
A good fly fishing net should have a solid built quality no matter where you use it. There is nothing worse than losing a big fish because your landing net is too small or poorly built and breaks when it counts.
Conclusion: Best Fly Fishing Net
As you can see there is wide range of products on the market. To find the right one you really have to ask yourself where you are going to put it to use mostly. Only then can you decide what fly fishing net you should get: a classic trout one, a folding landing net, a long handle one, etc.
A high quality fish landing net is a good investment no matter what kind of fly fishing you practice.
Author Bio:
Leonard Schoenberger is a fly fisherman with decades of experience in the field. Since he was a kid he had a passion for fly fishing and turned that into founding the magazine The Wading List. He’s written articles for publications such as Forbes, produced a radio program for the BBC and interned at CNN in Paris.
Frequently Asked Questions: Best Fly Fishing Nets
What is a fly fishing net, and why is it essential for anglers?
A fly fishing net is a specialized net used by anglers to land and safely handle fish after they’ve been hooked. It helps prevent injury to both the fish and the angler, and it’s a valuable tool for catch-and-release practices.
What should I look for when choosing the best fly fishing net?
When selecting a fly fishing net, consider these factors:
Net Material: Look for durable, fish-friendly materials that won’t harm the fish’s protective slime layer.
Net Size: Choose a net with an appropriate size and depth for the fish you’ll be targeting.
Handle Length: Opt for a handle length that allows you to comfortably reach the water without overreaching.
Netting Style: Consider rubberized or knotless netting to minimize tangling and damage to fish fins.
Portability: Choose a net that is easy to transport and store, especially if you’ll be hiking to fishing locations.
Are there different types of fly fishing nets available?
Yes, there are several types of fly fishing nets:
Landing Nets: Used to scoop fish out of the water during catch-and-release.
Folding Nets: Feature collapsible frames for easy storage and transportation.
Boat Nets: Designed for use on boats and larger bodies of water.
Is there an optimal net size for different fish species?
The optimal net size varies depending on the fish species. For small trout and panfish, a net with a smaller hoop size is sufficient. Larger fish like salmon or pike will require a larger net to accommodate their size.
Can I use any fishing net for fly fishing, or do I need a specific type?
While you can use a general fishing net for fly fishing, it’s recommended to use a net specifically designed for fly fishing. Regular fishing nets might have larger gaps in the netting, which can lead to tangling and damage to the fish’s delicate fins.
What’s the benefit of using a rubberized netting material?
Rubberized netting is fish-friendly, as it doesn’t remove the fish’s protective slime layer or cause tangling. It’s less likely to harm the fish and is often considered a more ethical choice for catch-and-release fishing.
Can I attach a fly fishing net to my fishing vest or pack?
Many fly fishing nets come with attachment options, such as D-rings or magnets, allowing you to secure the net to your fishing vest or pack for easy access while wading.
How should I properly clean and maintain my fly fishing net?
To maintain your fly fishing net:
Rinse the net with freshwater after each use to remove debris and prevent odors.
Store the net in a cool, dry place to prevent mold or mildew growth.
Inspect the net for any damage and repair or replace parts as needed.
Are there nets suitable for saltwater fly fishing?
Yes, some fly fishing nets are designed for saltwater use, featuring materials that resist corrosion from saltwater exposure.
Can I use a fly fishing net for other types of fishing?
While fly fishing nets are designed with fly anglers in mind, they can also be used for other fishing styles, especially if catch-and-release is practiced. Just ensure the net is appropriate for the species you’re targeting and the fishing environment.
Our Expertise
Why you should trust us: For this review we’ve put all kinds of fly fishing nets to the test ranging from wooden landing nets, to modern one made from carbon fiber, folding landing nets and landing nets for big predators. Our goal is always the same: tell you the honest truth about each product so you can make a solid purchase decision. We can do that because we never get paid for reviews and are proud of our editorial independence.
Read more of our guides:
The Ultimate Guide to Fly Fishing Vests
Ultimate Guide to Streamer Boxes
Guide to the Best Fly Fishing Sunglasses
Disclaimer: Some of the links in this article are affiliate links. If you click on one of them and end up purchasing a product we earn a small commission at no extra cost for you. We only recommend products we believe in ourselves.
