Best Fishing Nets For Walleye of 2025

Fishing for walleye can be exciting, but landing them safely is just as important as catching them. A good fishing net helps you bring your walleye out of the water without hurting the fish or losing your catch. With so many nets on the market, choosing the right one can feel confusing. Factors like size, material, handle length, and durability all play a role in finding the best net for your needs. Whether you fish from a boat, shore, or dock, having a reliable net makes the process easier and more enjoyable. This guide will help you find the best fishing nets for walleye.

1. KastKing Brutus Folding Landing Net with Boat Hook

• Material: High-quality 6063 Aluminum alloy frame for durability and strength
• Handle: Non-slip bright orange TPR handle with built-in boat hook, pull strength up to 220 lbs
• Net Options: Choice of nylon covered PVC or clear silicone, fish-friendly for catch-and-release
• Extension: Telescoping handle extends up to 75 inches, comes with storage bag and molded butt cap

The KastKing Brutus Folding Landing Net is designed to meet the needs of serious anglers who require a strong, versatile, and portable net. Its high-quality 6063 aluminum alloy frame ensures exceptional durability while resisting bending and cracking, giving you reliable performance on every fishing trip. The bright orange TPR handle is ergonomically designed for a secure grip and easy visibility, while the built-in boat hook adds extra functionality for docking, retrieving objects, or clearing obstacles. This makes it ideal for anglers fishing from boats or shorelines who want a multi-functional tool.

Another standout feature is its foldable and retractable design. The U-shaped hoop combined with a push-down release button allows the net frame to fold in half for compact storage and easy transportation. The KastKing Brutus also comes with two net options: nylon-covered PVC or soft silicone, which is gentle on fish for safe catch-and-release. Whether you are targeting walleye, bass, or other species, this net provides convenience, reliability, and fish-friendly performance for all types of fishing adventures.

• Pros: Durable frame, foldable for storage, fish-friendly net, versatile built-in boat hook
• Cons: Slightly heavier than single-use nets, may be bulkier for smaller anglers

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2. PLUSINNO Floating Fishing Net

• Net Size: 15.8″ x 11.8″ hoop, 11.8″ depth, 16.7″ handle for comfortable leverage
• Floating Design: Foam-padded hoop ensures buoyancy, prevents loss if dropped overboard
• Material: Lightweight aluminum handle with rubber-coated net for fish-friendly landings
• Portability: Foldable design, compact, easy for transport and storage

The PLUSINNO Floating Fishing Net is perfect for anglers who want a lightweight, compact net without sacrificing durability. Its foam-padded hoop allows it to float if accidentally dropped, giving peace of mind for wade fishermen or those fishing from small boats. The 16.7-inch handle provides excellent leverage for landing walleye, steelhead, salmon, and other medium-sized species, while the foldable design makes it easy to store or carry during trips. The net’s durable aluminum handle is strong yet light, making it easy to maneuver even during long fishing sessions.

Additionally, the net’s rubber-coated mesh is designed to be gentle on fish, making it ideal for catch-and-release. Its compact design and versatile functionality make it suitable for use in rivers, ponds, streams, and even saltwater environments. PLUSINNO’s floating fishing net combines practicality, portability, and fish-friendly construction, offering a reliable tool for any angler who wants convenience without compromising on performance.

• Pros: Floats if dropped, lightweight, foldable for storage, fish-friendly net
• Cons: Small hoop may not suit larger fish, limited handle extension

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3. Frabill Conservation Series Landing Net

• Hoop Size: 20″ x 23″ provides ample space for medium-sized fish
• Handle: Cam-Lock telescoping handle adjusts from 24″ to 48″ for versatility
• Material: Corrosion-proof stainless steel hardware and saltwater-safe frame
• Net Depth: 16″ deep mesh with MeshGuard hoop for durability and fish protection

The Frabill Conservation Series Landing Net is trusted by anglers since 1938 for its reliability and performance. Designed for walleye, bass, and other species, this net combines a corrosion-resistant frame with a telescoping Cam-Lock handle for adjustable reach. The MeshGuard hoop secures the netting and extends its lifespan while the matte black finish keeps “net-shy” fish calm during landing. Its thoughtful design ensures both the angler and fish benefit from a secure, controlled landing experience.

This landing net’s telescoping handle allows it to adapt to various fishing conditions, whether you’re bank fishing or using a boat. Its sturdy construction handles heavy fish while providing a compact storage solution. The combination of durable materials and functional design makes the Frabill Conservation Series an excellent choice for anglers looking for a dependable and fish-friendly landing net that can withstand years of use.

• Pros: Durable and corrosion-resistant, adjustable handle, fish-friendly design, trusted brand
• Cons: Slightly heavier than some foldable nets, no additional multifunction features

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4. KastKing Brutus Fishing Net

• Material: 6063 Aluminum alloy frame, supports up to 44 lbs/20 kg
• Handle: Bright orange EVA foam handle, non-slip and visible in low light
• Net Options: Fish-friendly silicone or nylon-covered PVC mesh
• Foldable Design: U-shaped hoop with push-down switch and retractable frame for easy storage

The KastKing Brutus Fishing Net combines strength, portability, and fish-friendly design for anglers who need a reliable landing net. Its high-quality aluminum alloy frame provides excellent durability and supports fish weighing up to 44 lbs. The bright orange EVA foam handle is comfortable, secure, and highly visible, allowing you to quickly locate your net in any fishing environment. The soft silicone or nylon-covered PVC mesh ensures safe catch-and-release landings, minimizing stress or injury to the fish.

Designed for convenience, the KastKing Brutus features a foldable hoop and retractable handle that make it easy to store or transport. Whether you are fishing from a boat, dock, or riverbank, this net is lightweight yet strong, making landing walleye and other medium-sized fish effortless. Available in multiple sizes, it adapts to various fishing styles and offers a combination of functionality, durability, and fish protection.

• Pros: Lightweight yet strong, foldable design, fish-friendly net, bright ergonomic handle
• Cons: Slightly complex mechanism, larger size may be cumbersome for small boats

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5. BLISSWILL Large Fishing Net

• Material: Tangle-free nylon mesh coated for durability and fish protection
• Frame: E-glass hoop with reinforced aluminum telescopic pole
• Load Capacity: Can hold up to 20 kg/44 lbs of fish
• Portability: Collapsible design, easy to carry and store

The BLISSWILL Large Fishing Net is designed for anglers seeking a lightweight, durable, and fish-friendly net. Its tangle-free nylon mesh is soft yet strong, ensuring safe landings for catch-and-release fishing. The reinforced E-glass hoop provides elasticity and impact resistance while the telescopic aluminum pole offers strength and corrosion resistance for both freshwater and saltwater environments. The skid-resistant handle adds comfort and control during use.

This foldable net is convenient for storage and transport, collapsing into a compact size without sacrificing functionality. With a large hoop and strong load capacity, it is ideal for landing walleye and other medium-sized species. Its thoughtful design and durable materials make it a reliable choice for anglers of all experience levels, whether fishing from shore, boat, or kayak.

• Pros: Durable and fish-friendly, foldable and portable, strong load capacity, corrosion-resistant
• Cons: Hoop may be large for some users, slight learning curve to fold

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6. KastKing Titanet Fishing Net

• Material: 6063 Aluminum alloy handle with high-strength engineered tube profile
• Net: Knotless PVC-coated nylon, tangle-free and fish-friendly
• Handle: Ergonomic elastomer grip with high-visibility orange color
• Extras: Foldable head, storage bag, elastic lanyard with carabiner

The KastKing Titanet Fishing Net is built for anglers who want durability, convenience, and fish-friendly design. Its 6063 aluminum alloy handle provides exceptional strength, while the knotless, PVC-coated nylon net ensures minimal stress on fish during release. The foldable head and included storage bag make it easy to transport and store, ideal for kayak, wading, or boat fishing. The high-visibility handle makes the net easy to locate even in busy or low-light environments.

Additional features, such as the elastic lanyard with a carabiner, allow anglers to attach the net securely to gear or kayaks, preventing accidental loss. Its lightweight yet robust design is perfect for medium-sized species, including walleye, making it a reliable choice for anglers who want versatility, portability, and protection for both fish and user.

• Pros: Durable, fish-friendly, foldable and portable, versatile attachment options
• Cons: Slightly heavier than ultra-compact nets, limited handle extension

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7. High Strength Large Landing Net

• Material: High-strength aluminum alloy frame with 0.52″ thick ring for added durability
• Net: Soft rubber mesh, 19.5″ deep with 1.2″ mesh size, prevents tangles and hook snags
• Handle: Telescoping design from 45″ to 60″ with internal rotation locking
• Portability: Collapsible 2-section pole, compact storage size 26.2″ x 18″

The High Strength Large Landing Net is engineered for anglers who demand strength, reliability, and portability. Its thick aluminum frame provides enhanced stability, capable of handling heavy fish with ease. The soft rubber mesh is designed to prevent tangling and minimize harm to fish, making it perfect for catch-and-release fishing. Its 19.5″ depth secures fish effectively during landing, ensuring a smooth and efficient process.

The telescoping handle adjusts from 45″ to 60″ with internal rotation locking for added firmness. The collapsible design reduces the net to a compact 26.2″ x 18″ size for easy storage or transport. Weighing only 1.85 pounds, this net strikes the ideal balance between lightweight handling and robust strength, making it suitable for kayak fishing, wading, and shore fishing for walleye and other medium-sized species.

• Pros: Lightweight yet strong, telescopic handle, fish-friendly rubber mesh, compact storage
• Cons: Limited handle grip texture, larger hoop may be cumbersome for smaller anglers

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How to Choose Fishing Nets For Walleye?

Catching walleye is exciting, but landing them safely requires the right fishing net. Not all nets are the same, and picking the wrong one can make it harder to bring in your fish or even cause harm. A good walleye net protects the fish, helps you handle it easily, and lasts for many fishing trips. Factors like size, material, handle type, and convenience play a big role in selecting the best net. This guide will explain everything you need to know to choose the right fishing net for walleye, making your fishing trips safer and more enjoyable.

Why a Fishing Net Matters

Safe Landing

Walleye are slippery and have sharp teeth, which can make handling tricky. A fishing net gives you a safe way to lift the fish out of the water without injuring yourself or the fish.

Protecting the Fish

Using a net reduces stress and prevents damage to the fish’s fins and scales. This is especially important for catch-and-release fishing, ensuring the walleye survives after release.

Benefits of a Quality Net

Saves Time and Effort

A strong and reliable net makes catching and landing fish faster, reducing frustration and wasted effort.

Durability

High-quality nets last longer, even with regular use, making them a worthwhile investment for any angler.

Choosing the Right Size

Net Hoop Size

For walleye, a hoop size between 18 and 24 inches is ideal. Small hoops may make landing larger fish difficult, while very large hoops can be heavy and hard to control.

Net Depth

A deeper net, around 20 inches or more, helps keep walleye secure as they twist and flop. Shallow nets increase the risk of losing the fish.

Material Matters

Netting Material

• Nylon Nets: Strong and affordable but can damage fish scales and tangle easily.

• Rubber or Rubber-Coated Nets: Smooth, fish-friendly, easy to clean, and less likely to absorb odors. Best for catch-and-release fishing.

Frame Material

• Aluminum Frames: Lightweight, strong, and rust-resistant. Perfect for freshwater and occasional saltwater use.

• Wooden Frames: Sturdy and attractive, but heavier and may require maintenance.

• Plastic Frames: Lightweight and cheap, but less durable over time.

Handle Considerations

Fixed vs. Telescopic Handles

• Fixed Handles: Strong and simple, ideal for boat fishing or stable conditions.

• Telescopic Handles: Extendable for reaching distant fish, good for shore fishing, but slightly less rigid and requires maintenance.

Handle Length

• Long Handles (4–6 feet): Best for shore or bank fishing to reach far into the water.

• Short Handles (2–3 feet): Ideal for boat fishing in tight spaces.

Portability and Storage

Foldable or Collapsible Nets

Foldable nets are easy to store and transport, especially for anglers who travel to multiple fishing spots. While slightly less rigid, they are usually strong enough for walleye.

Lightweight Nets

Light nets are easier to carry during long fishing trips or hikes but must still feel sturdy when lifting a fish. Balance weight with strength for the best experience.

Extra Features to Consider

Net Shape

Oval or teardrop-shaped nets fit the body of the walleye better, making landing easier. Round nets are simple but may not hold larger fish as securely.

Buoyancy

Floating nets are helpful if dropped in water, especially when fishing from a boat or near deep water. They prevent the net from sinking and make retrieval easier.

Anti-Tangle Design

Many nets feature knotless or anti-tangle designs to prevent lines and lures from getting caught, making release faster and less stressful for the fish.

Maintenance Tips

Cleaning Your Net

Rinse your net with fresh water after every trip, especially if you fish in saltwater or muddy areas. Rubber nets are easiest to clean and don’t retain odors.

Proper Storage

Store nets in a dry, cool place to avoid mold, rust, or frame damage. Hang by the handle or lay flat to maintain shape. Proper care extends the life of your net.

Conclusion

Choosing the right fishing net for walleye improves safety, protects the fish, and makes fishing easier. Consider size, material, handle type, portability, and extra features when selecting a net. A quality net ensures a better experience whether you are fishing from shore, dock, or boat. By understanding these key factors, you can confidently select the best fishing net for walleye and enjoy more successful, stress-free fishing trips.