Best Landing Nets Australia for Real Fishing

The fish is finally at the surface, it has made one last run along the rocks, and your mate is reaching for a net with a bent hoop and a handle too short to be useful. That is when a landing net stops being an afterthought. The best landing nets Australian anglers use are sized for the fish, built for the conditions and ready before the bite starts.

A good net gets fish under control without turning the last metre of the fight into chaos. It also protects your catch if you plan to release it, saves damaged leaders and keeps hands away from sharp hooks, teeth and spines. Whether you fish an estuary, launch the tinny, work a kayak or chase larger fish from the beach, choosing the right landing net makes a real difference.

Best landing nets Australian anglers should look for

There is no one net that does every job perfectly. A compact folding net is handy around jetties and kayaks, but it will not suit a big mulloway beside the boat. A large deep net handles larger fish well, but it can be awkward to store in a small tinny or carry down a steep rock ledge.

Start with the fish you catch most often, then consider where you stand when landing them. For bream, whiting, flathead and squid around estuaries, a light net with a modest hoop and fine mesh is usually the sensible choice. For snapper, barra, kingfish, cod or school sharks, step up to a larger, deeper hoop and a stronger handle. If you regularly fish from high platforms, handle length becomes just as important as hoop size.

The right net is the one you can deploy quickly, reach the water with and lift safely once the fish is in it. Bigger is not automatically better if it stays in the shed because it is too bulky for the way you fish.

Hoop size and net depth matter more than most anglers think

The hoop is the frame that gives you a clear target when the fish is at the surface. A wider hoop gives you more room for error and is useful when a fish is rolling beside the boat. It also suits broad-bodied fish such as flathead and snapper. The trade-off is more drag through the water and more space needed for storage.

A smaller hoop is easier to handle one-handed and is a smart fit for lure fishing creeks, casting from a kayak or walking the banks of a freshwater dam. It is also less likely to catch on rod holders, anchor rope and loose gear in the boat.

Net depth is often overlooked. A shallow net may scoop a fish, but it gives that fish every chance to jump straight back out as you lift. A deeper bag settles the catch lower in the mesh and gives you more control. For lively fish or species with plenty of length, a deeper net is worth having.

As a rough guide, the hoop needs to comfortably accommodate the fish's body, not just its head. Trying to force a good fish into a net that is too small usually ends with a broken frame, a tangled lure or a lost catch at the side of the boat.

Fixed handles versus telescopic handles

A fixed-handle net is simple and generally stronger. It is a good choice when you have room in the boat, fish from low banks or want a dependable net for general work. Fewer moving parts means fewer things to rattle loose, jam with sand or corrode after a season in the salt.

Telescopic handles are practical when storage is tight. They suit kayaks, small boats, utes and anglers who walk a fair distance to their spot. The key is to check the locking system and avoid using a light telescopic net as a crane. Extend it, support the fish's weight where possible, and lift steadily rather than trying to swing a heavy catch over the gunwale.

For rock fishing or elevated jetties, a long-handled net can help, but it still has limits. If the drop is significant, a purpose-built drop net or a gaffing setup for legal retained fish may be safer than trying to lift a heavy fish on a long pole. Always put footing, swell and safe access ahead of landing one fish.

Choose mesh for the fish and the way you release them

Mesh is where a cheap net can become frustrating. Traditional knotted mesh is tough and economical, but it can catch trebles, tangle braid and remove slime from fish. It is often fine for bait fishing where hard use matters most, although it takes more time to free hooks after a hot session.

Rubber-coated or knotless mesh is a better option for lure anglers and catch-and-release fishing. Hooks are easier to remove, fish are handled more gently, and the net is less likely to hold odour after a day on the water. Rubber mesh can be heavier than basic nylon, particularly in larger nets, but the convenience is hard to beat when trebles are involved.

Fine mesh is useful for squid, small baitfish and smaller estuary species. It prevents a catch from slipping through, yet it creates more water resistance. Larger mesh drains quickly and suits bigger fish, but can be unsuitable for small species. Match the mesh to the job rather than expecting one bag to cover squid, bream and large pelagics equally well.

If you use a landing net for squid, keep it separate from a net used around spiky fish and dirty bait where possible. A clean, fine-mesh squid net makes handling easier and helps avoid unnecessary damage to the catch.

Strength is in the frame, joints and handle

A net only needs to fail once to ruin your day. Look closely at the yoke where the handle joins the hoop, as this takes plenty of load when a fish rolls or you lift over a boat side. A solid aluminium frame is a dependable all-round option, while lightweight materials make sense for long walks and kayak fishing.

Pay attention to the grip as well. A bare metal handle can become slippery with sunscreen, squid ink, fish slime and spray. A comfortable non-slip grip gives you better control when there is a fish thrashing at your feet.

Saltwater anglers should rinse the entire net in fresh water after each trip. Open telescopic sections, flush sand from joints and leave the net to dry before storage. Do not throw it wet into the boat locker and forget about it. Corrosion, mould and seized locks are usually the result.

Match the net to where you fish

A boat net should be easy to reach without creating clutter. Keep it secured where it will not slide around in rough water, but do not bury it under tackle boxes. When a fish is alongside, the netter needs a clear path and the angler should guide the fish head-first over the hoop. Chasing a fish from behind with the net usually spooks it into another run.

For shore fishing, portability counts. A folding landing net is handy around urban jetties, canals and estuaries, especially when you are carrying rods, a tackle bag and a few essentials. Choose a folding mechanism that locks firmly when open. A loose frame is the last thing you need when a decent flathead appears at the rocks.

Kayak anglers should keep the net compact, light and within easy reach. An oversized long-handle net can be hard to manage in a confined cockpit. A short-handled, rubber-mesh net is often the practical choice for lure fishing, while a leash can prevent it disappearing over the side.

Freshwater fishers chasing trout, redfin, yellowbelly or Murray cod need a net that suits their target species. A small rubber-mesh net works well for trout and redfin, while cod demand a strong, generously sized hoop and deep bag. Do not try to land a serious cod in a trout net just because it is what is in the back of the ute.

A few landing net mistakes worth avoiding

Do not lift a fish by the net handle alone if it is near the upper end of the net's capacity. Support the hoop or bag with your free hand once the fish is secure. This reduces strain on the frame and gives the fish less chance to burst through the mesh.

Avoid netting a fish too early. Let it tire, keep steady pressure on the line and bring it within range under control. A rushed scoop often puts the net in the line, tangles the leader or gives the fish one final opportunity to throw the hook.

For release fishing, wet your hands and net before handling the catch, keep the fish in the water where practical, and remove hooks with pliers rather than wrestling with them in the mesh. A better landing net makes this quicker for both angler and fish.

A landing net is basic gear, but it earns its place every time a good fish reaches the edge. Pick one that suits your regular fishing, look after it after saltwater sessions and keep it where you can grab it fast. Mongrel Fishing Tackle stocks practical gear for anglers who would rather spend their time catching fish than replacing tackle that was never up to the job.