When you start getting into fishing, you think about fishing rods, reels, lures, etc. But rarely do people think about fishing nets. It is usually an afterthought because, in 90% of the cases, people just grab the net that’s hanging off the wall at their local fishing store and move on with the trip.
While there’s nothing wrong with that, you want to make sure that the nets you are using are specific to the species of the fish that you are planning to catch.
I know, all nets look the same, so why should anyone bother to get a different net for different species of fish?
That’s what I will be covering in this article. So you can know exactly what kind of net you should be using for bass. But not just for bass, you will know which net to use for any kind of fish that you catch.
So without any further ado, let’s just jump right into it.
What Should You Be Looking For In a Net?
Yes, all nets look the same. But….
Your Target Species
It all depends on what kind of fish you are planning to catch. In this article, we are going to be focusing on the best bass fishing net. But most people are into all kinds of fish. I’m one of those people who want to learn how to catch almost every species of fish out there.
Whether that is northern pike, walleye, etc.
For bass, you need a net that has a smaller hoop and a shallow net. Because bass by nature is smaller fish compared to walleye and catfish.
Netting
There are different types of nets that are available.
Knotted and knotless, coated nylon, rubber, non-coated nylon, you name it, they’ve got it.
So here’s the difference between each of them.
Coated nylon and rubber – these are the most fish-friendly nets out there. They are smooth and do not scrape the scales of your fish or remove their protective slime.
If you are going to catch and release the fish, then coated nylon and rubber nets are the best. You want to avoid your fish suffering unnecessarily.
Non-coated nylon and knotted nets – these are the more abrasive nets out there. You should get these nets if you are planning to keep the fish. Because these scrape their scales and also remove their protective slime, you should only choose this net if you are planning to cook the fish.
In general, though, you should always go for a mesh-treated net. Sure, they are a tad bit expensive than the non-mesh-treated nets, but treated nets always deliver better performance.
You get fewer tangles because of the rubberized materials and their rigid property compared to a non-treated mesh.
Another thing you should think about is the mesh holes. Like I mentioned above, there are different nets for different species. You just have to know which species you are going to fish for that day and get that net.
For example, if you are planning to fish bass and walleye, then you will need a heavy mesh with holes that are about an inch in size. These are smaller holes in comparison. If you are planning to catch larger fish, then you should go for a net that has larger holes, about 1.5 to 2-inch holes is what I recommend.
The larger mesh does make your job easier because, with the larger holes, there is less water resistance. So you can move the net through the water easily compared to a net with smaller holes.
Net Handle
Net handles depend on what you prefer. Most fish net handles are made from wood, fiberglass, aluminum, or composite. Obviously aluminum and fiberglass are stronger so most people go for that. And they also have a minimalist look and feel to it, and minimalism is all the craze these days.
If you are old-school, then you might prefer a well-crafted wood handle. But you need to make sure that you have an eye for it. If you choose the right wood handle, it will have an incredible natural look and will also be lightweight and strong. Almost as strong as aluminum and fiberglass.
Once you decide which handle you want to go with, you should also decide the length of that handle.
Small handles are great because you don’t have to worry about them not fitting in your car. The problem is, you will have to get the fish to come close to the boat to be able to net it.
On the other hand, longer handles work very well in deep waters when the waves are high or when you are in a deep V hull boat. It all depends on what kind of situation you will find yourself in.
If you want to keep your options open, then you should go for a telescoping handle. These handles have grown in popularity recently because you can retract them for better storage but you can also expand them if you want to fish in deeper waters.
But even with telescoping handles, they come in various lengths. So you will have to decide what length is the longest you can go.
Hoop Size
The hoop size depends on the type of fish you are planning to catch.
For bass, a hoop that is 19 to 23 inches in length is perfect. Depth should be 16 inches deep.
Anything less than 19 inches and you will find yourself with a net that is better for smaller fish, like a panfish.
If you are a multi-species angler like me, then you might only need one net and you’ll be fine.
But if you like to go for larger fish every now and then, then you might need to buy 2 different nets. For larger fish like northern pike, you will need a net that is larger than what you would use to catch bass.
Best Bass Nets For Fishing Alone
- Frabill | Trusted By Anglers Since 1938
- Hoop Size: 20" x 24" | Sliding Handle Length: 36" | Netting Material: Poly | Mesh: 1" | Net Depth: 21"
- Folding design collapses into manageable size for easy stowing
If you are going to be fishing alone, then the Frabill Power Stow Net is the best net for you. You can easily control it and it also has a telescoping handle. So you can extend it from 30 inches to 48 inches. But you have to make sure that you are locking in your telescoping handles correctly.
I have heard a lot of people say that their telescoping handles collapsed when they were trying to catch a fish.
The Frabill Power Stow Net comes with a coated micro mesh flat bottom net. This is the perfect net for someone like me.
Sometimes I like to go on fishing trips and just catch and release. I don’t plan on bringing any fish back with me. So the coated mesh helps keep the fish not get injured, while I can have my fun. And when I do decide to bring some fish back, I can do that without having the fish go through so much pain of knotted mesh and whatnot.
Another great net you can go for is the Ranger Nets telescopic handle net. This one is very similar to the Frabill Power net but it weighs more. 2 ½ pounds compared to 2 pounds. And it also has a shorter retraceable handle. 29 inch X 45 inch.
Premium Bass Fishing Nets
- THE ONE THAT GOT AWAY - Never again miss out on the one that got away. The EGO S2 is the most versatile fishing net on the market
- MORE THAN A NET: The innovative modular platform allows you to remove the net and use interchangeable attachments. 30+ Attachments
- QUALITY MEETS VERSATILITY - Comes with revolutionary S2 Slider technology, with a simple push or pull you control the length of the net. Never...
If you’re willing to invest in a high-quality fishing net, consider the EGO S2 Slider Landing Net. This premium net features a unique handle system that allows you to extend and retract the handle with a simple twist. The handle can extend from 29 inches to 60 inches, making it suitable for a wide range of fishing situations.
The EGO S2 Slider Landing Net is available with a variety of netting options, including rubber mesh, PVC-coated mesh, and nylon mesh. The rubber mesh option is particularly popular among catch-and-release anglers, as it is less likely to harm the fish.
Another high-end option is the Beckman Coated Net. This net features a coated nylon mesh, which is gentler on fish and more resistant to hook snags. The sturdy aluminum handle is available in various lengths, and the hoop size is suitable for bass fishing.
Customizable Fishing Nets
- Carbon fiber and fiberglass construction
- Buoyant design
- Clear rubber net
For anglers who want a personalized touch, some manufacturers offer customizable fishing nets. These nets allow you to choose specific netting materials, handle lengths, and hoop sizes to suit your needs. Custom nets can be an excellent option if you have unique requirements or want a net that stands out from the crowd.
One example of a customizable fishing net is the Fishpond Nomad Native Net. This net is handcrafted from a combination of carbon fiber and fiberglass, making it both lightweight and durable. The Fishpond Nomad Native Net is available in various netting materials, including clear rubber and black rubber, and comes with a built-in ruler for measuring your catch.
Specialty Bass Fishing Nets
- EASY STORAGE: Hinged design allows the handle to fold alongside the net for compact and easy stowage which makes the Leverage Landing Net the...
- ACCURACY: The forearm grip means you don't need a giant hoop to net your next big fish and makes the Leverage Landing Net an essential piece of...
- DIMENSIONS: 12" X 20" Hoop; 56'' Overall Length.
Some fishing nets are designed specifically for certain fishing situations or techniques. For example, kayak anglers may prefer a net with a compact handle and a wide hoop, while fly fishermen might opt for a net with a long handle and a shallow hoop.
The YakAttack Leverage Landing Net is an excellent choice for kayak anglers. It features a unique forearm grip that provides additional leverage, making it easier to net fish from a seated position. The net is available with a rubber-coated nylon mesh that is gentle on fish and resistant to snags.
Fly fishermen may consider the Fishpond Nomad Emerger Net, which is designed with a long handle for easy reach when fishing from the bank or wading in the water. The net is made from a lightweight carbon fiber and fiberglass composite material, and it features a clear rubber netting that is gentle on fish.
Which Bass Fishing Net Should You Buy If You Are On a Budget?
- 1-1/8-inch octagonal telescopic black anodized aluminum handle
- Octagonal handle, guarantees perfect alignment of the locking snap-button
- Sturdy 1/2-inch diameter hoop ring
Well, if you are on a strict budget of let’s say $50, then you wouldn’t go wrong with the Ranger 400 Series Pear-D Landing Net. This one has a 36-inch handle, a 22 x 20-inch hoop, and a 30-inch net depth. It is perfect for multi-species fishing and obviously, it is perfect for catching bass.
The downside is that the net does not have any coating, so you might not get as good a performance out of this one as the coated ones. Also, the fish you catch may get abrasion from this net. Another thing to note is that this one does not come with a retractable handle. The 36-inch handle is a fixed handle.
All in all, this is a great net for someone on a budget or if you are just starting out and getting your feet wet (no pun intended ?).
Fishing Net Accessories
Accessories can enhance your fishing experience and make it easier to use and maintain your net. Some popular fishing net accessories include:
1. Net Floats
Net floats are designed to keep your net afloat if you accidentally drop it in the water. They attach to the handle and provide added buoyancy, ensuring your net doesn’t sink to the bottom.
2. Net Holders
Net holders are devices that attach to your belt or fishing vest, allowing you to secure your net when it’s not in use. They are particularly useful for fly fishermen who need to free up their hands for casting and line management.
3. Net Lights
Net lights are small, waterproof LED lights that attach to your net, providing illumination when fishing in low light conditions. They can be especially useful for anglers who enjoy night fishing or early morning trips.
4. Replacement Net Bags
Replacement net bags allow you to replace worn or damaged netting without purchasing a completely new fishing net. They are available in various materials and mesh sizes, making it easy to find the right replacement for your specific net. Regularly inspect your net for wear and tear, and replace the netting as needed to maintain optimal performance and fish safety.
5. Magnetic Net Releases
Magnetic net releases are handy accessories that attach to your fishing vest or belt and secure your net via a strong magnet. This allows for quick and easy access to your net when needed, and secure storage when not in use. Magnetic net releases are especially popular among fly fishermen, as they keep the net conveniently within reach.
Additional Tips for Using a Fishing Net
Proper technique is crucial when using a fishing net to ensure the safety of both the fish and the angler. Here are some additional tips to help you use your fishing net effectively:
1. Timing
Timing is critical when netting a fish. Avoid attempting to net the fish too early, as this can cause the fish to panic and potentially break your line or damage your gear. Wait until the fish is tired and swimming close to the surface before attempting to net it.
2. Positioning
When netting a fish, position the net downstream or downwind of the fish, allowing the fish to swim into the net. This reduces the likelihood of the fish escaping and minimizes stress on the fish.
3. Scooping
As the fish swims into the net, quickly scoop it up with a firm, upward motion. Be sure to keep the net in the water while securing the fish to minimize stress and potential injury.
4. Handling
Once the fish is in the net, gently cradle the fish with wet hands to minimize damage to its slime coat. If you plan to release the fish, remove the hook as quickly and gently as possible before returning the fish to the water.
I hope this article helped you with deciding which net you wanted to buy.