A good landing net makes a significant difference to kayak fishing. From a kayak, you are sitting low to the water with limited reach and no room to manoeuvre around a fish. A compact, foldable net that can be stored on the deck and deployed quickly is essential for landing fish cleanly without losing them at the last moment.
We’ve reviewed 6 of the best kayak fishing nets covering floating, folding, and telescoping options across a range of budgets.
1. PLUSINNO Floating Fishing Net – Best Overall
The PLUSINNO Floating Fishing Net is our top pick for the best kayak fishing net. It is one of the most popular fishing nets available on Amazon and the floating design means it will not sink if dropped overboard.
The rubber coated mesh is fish-friendly and tangle-free, making catch and release quick and easy. The foldable frame collapses compactly for deck storage and the telescoping handle extends for extra reach when landing larger fish. Available in multiple sizes to suit different fish species and fishing styles.
What We Liked
- Floating design prevents loss overboard
- Rubber coated tangle-free mesh
- Foldable and compact for deck storage
- Multiple sizes available
What We Didn’t Like
- Higher price point than budget alternatives
2. YakAttack Leverage Landing Net – Best Premium
The YakAttack Leverage Landing Net is the premium choice for serious kayak anglers. It is specifically designed for kayak fishing with a unique forearm grip that provides exceptional control when landing fish from a seated position. The full rubber netting is fish-friendly and hook-free.
The collapsible design folds down to fit in a rod holder or gear tube, keeping it accessible on the deck without taking up space. It is also compatible with YakAttack track mount systems for kayaks fitted with accessory tracks. A significant investment but the most purpose-built kayak fishing net on this list.
What We Liked
- Specifically designed for kayak fishing
- Unique forearm grip for seated control
- Collapsible rod holder storage
- Track mount compatible
- Full rubber hook-free netting
What We Didn’t Like
- Premium price point
- Overkill for casual anglers
3. ForEverlast Generation 2 Floating Fishing Net – Best Floating Net
The ForEverlast Generation 2 is the best floating net on this list. The non-snag design and floating capability make it particularly practical for kayak fishing where dropping your net overboard is a genuine risk. It is suited to wade fishing, fly fishing, and kayak fishing in freshwater and saltwater.
The tethering cord keeps the net attached to your PFD or kayak so it cannot be lost overboard. The lightweight construction makes it easy to handle for extended sessions, and the generous hoop size handles most freshwater species comfortably.
What We Liked
- Floating design with tethering cord
- Non-snag construction
- Suits freshwater and saltwater
- Lightweight and easy to handle
- Good hoop size for most species
What We Didn’t Like
- Handle could be longer for kayak use
4. PLUSINNO Foldable Collapsible Net — Best Budget
The PLUSINNO Foldable Collapsible Net is the most affordable option on this list and a practical starting point for beginner kayak anglers. The telescoping pole handle extends for extra reach and collapses compactly for storage. The knotless nylon mesh is fish-friendly and resists tangling.
The EVA skid-resistant handhold provides a comfortable grip in wet conditions, and the belt clip allows easy carrying. At around USD$25 (AUD$35) it is the best value fishing net on this list.
What We Liked
- Most affordable option
- Telescoping handle for extra reach
- Knotless nylon mesh
- EVA skid-resistant grip
- Belt clip for easy carrying
What We Didn’t Like
- Not suitable for larger fish species
- Nylon mesh less fish-friendly than rubber alternatives
5. KastKing Pontus Fishing Net — Best Mid-Range
The KastKing Pontus is the best mid-range option on this list. KastKing is a well-regarded fishing brand and the Pontus reflects their attention to practical fishing features. The built-in length scale on the handle allows you to measure fish without a separate tool, which is a genuinely useful feature for catch and release fishing.
The foldable aluminum handle is lightweight and corrosion resistant, and the fish-friendly mesh allows safe catch and release. The compact folded size fits easily on a kayak deck.
What We Liked
- Built-in fish length scale
- Foldable aluminum handle
- Lightweight and corrosion resistant
- Fish-friendly mesh
- Trusted fishing brand
What We Didn’t Like
- Higher price than basic folding nets
6. YVLEEN Folding Fishing Net – Best Compact
The YVLEEN Folding Fishing Net is the most compact option on this list and a practical choice for kayak anglers who want a lightweight net that stores easily on a small deck. The aluminium telescopic pole handle is corrosion-resistant and extends to 39 inches (99 cm) for extra reach when needed.
The water-repellent non-absorbent mesh coating prevents waterlogging and odour buildup, which is a useful feature for a net stored on a kayak deck between sessions. At around USD$32 (AUD$44) it represents good value for a reliable mid-budget net.
What We Liked
- Most compact folded size
- Aluminum corrosion-resistant handle
- Water-repellent mesh coating
- Lightweight at under 500g (17.6 ounces)
- Belt clip for easy carrying
What We Didn’t Like
- Best suited to small and medium sized fish
Why Use a Dedicated Kayak Fishing Net?
Landing fish from a kayak is harder than from a boat or bank. You are sitting low with limited reach, and leaning too far to one side to grab a fish risks capsizing. A compact kayak fishing net lets you land fish cleanly from a seated position without compromising your balance.
A net also reduces handling time, which is important for catch and release fishing. Fish handled briefly in a rubber mesh net and returned to the water quickly have significantly better survival rates than fish handled by hand for extended periods.
Types of Kayak Fishing Nets
Folding nets are the most practical for kayak fishing. The hoop folds flat for compact storage on the deck and opens quickly when needed. Most folding nets have telescoping handles for extra reach.
Floating nets are designed to float if dropped overboard. This is a useful safety feature for kayak fishing where losing equipment overboard is a genuine risk. Most floating nets are made from foam-core frames or buoyant materials.
Telescoping nets have handles that extend to varying lengths for reaching fish at different distances. They are more versatile than fixed-handle nets but can be bulkier when extended.
Fly fishing nets are smaller nets with wooden or composite frames designed for delicate catch and release. They work well for trout and smaller freshwater species but may be too small for larger kayak fishing targets.
What To Look For in a Kayak Fishing Net
Size
Match the net size to the fish you are targeting. A 30cm to 45cm (12 to 18 inch) hoop suits most freshwater species. For larger fish like salmon or large bass, look for a hoop of 45cm (18 inches) or more.
Handle length
From a seated kayak position, a handle of at least 60cm (24 inches) gives you enough reach to land most fish without leaning dangerously. Telescoping handles that extend to 90cm (36 inches) or more are the most versatile.
Mesh material
Rubber coated mesh is the most fish-friendly option. It does not strip slime from the fish, resists tangling with hooks, and is easier to clean than bare nylon. Knotless nylon is a reasonable budget alternative. Avoid knotted nylon mesh which can damage fish scales and fins.
Floating capability
For kayak fishing, a net that floats is a significant practical advantage. If you drop it overboard, you can retrieve it rather than losing it entirely.
Storage
A net that folds flat or collapses into a compact size is essential for kayak use where deck space is limited. Look for nets with belt clips or rod holder compatibility so they stay accessible without taking up space.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What size fishing net do I need for a kayak?
For most freshwater fishing from a kayak, a hoop size of 30cm to 45cm (12 to 18 inches) is suitable. For larger species including salmon and large bass, look for a hoop of at least 45cm (18 inches). The handle should be at least 60cm (24 inches) long to give you enough reach from a seated position.
What is the best mesh material for a kayak fishing net?
Rubber coated mesh is the best choice. It is gentle on fish, does not tangle with hooks, and resists absorbing water and odour. Knotless nylon is a good budget alternative. Knotted nylon mesh should be avoided as it can damage fish.
Where do I store a net on a kayak?
The most practical position is on the deck within arm’s reach of your seat, secured under a bungee cord or clipped to a D-ring. Some kayak anglers store the net in a rod holder when folded. The key is keeping it accessible so you can deploy it quickly when a fish is on.
Do I need a floating net for kayak fishing?
A floating net is not essential but is a practical advantage. Dropping equipment overboard from a kayak is easy to do, and a net that floats can be retrieved rather than lost. If you fish in current or open water, a floating net is worth the small additional cost.
Is a rubber mesh net better than nylon for catch and release?
Yes. Rubber mesh is significantly more fish-friendly than nylon. It does not remove the protective slime coat from the fish, which is important for fish health after release. It also resists tangling with hooks, which speeds up the release process.
Final Thoughts
For most kayak anglers, the PLUSINNO Floating Fishing Net is the best all-round choice — highly reviewed, floating, fish-friendly, and available in multiple sizes. For serious kayak fishing, the YakAttack Leverage Landing Net is the most purpose-built option on the list. For budget buyers, the PLUSINNO Foldable Collapsible Net or YVLEEN Folding Net provide reliable performance at an accessible price.
For more on kayak fishing gear, read our guides on best fish finders for kayak fishing and 11 reasons why kayak fishing is so popular.