A fish can be at the boat, beside the jetty or in the wash and still be lost in seconds. That is where a good landing net earns its place. This guide fish landing nets down to the details that matter: a hoop large enough for your target, mesh that will not wreck fish or tangle hooks, and a handle that reaches without becoming a burden.

A landing net is not just an insurance policy for a good fish. It makes catch-and-release easier, reduces the chance of a hook shaking free, and stops you from trying to lift a fish by leader or line. Choose it around where and how you fish, rather than simply grabbing the biggest net on the rack.

Start with the fish you actually chase

The right net for bream in an Adelaide marina is very different from the right net for snapper from a boat or mulloway off the beach. Start with the usual fish you expect to land, then allow enough room for the occasional better-than-average catch.

For whiting, bream, trout, flathead and squid, a compact net with a modest hoop is easy to manage and store. It should still have enough depth that a fish cannot bounce straight back out while you deal with a lure or hook. A small, lightweight model also makes sense when walking a creek, rock wall or jetty.

For snapper, salmon, kingfish and solid reef fish, step up to a wider, deeper hoop. Trying to force a broad fish into a narrow net often ends with the fish hitting the frame, rolling at the surface and throwing the hooks. If your fishing includes larger southern bluefin tuna, big kingfish or serious land-based species, a heavy-duty large landing net may be the sensible option. In some situations, particularly on a high beach or rough rocks, a gaff or other purpose-built landing method may be more practical, but it is not the choice for releasing fish in good condition.

As a useful rule, buy a hoop that is comfortably wider than the fish's body and a bag deep enough to contain its length. Guessing small rarely saves space when the fish of the day finally arrives.

Guide to fish landing nets: mesh is a major decision

Mesh is where many anglers compromise, then regret it on the water. Traditional knotted nylon mesh is strong and common, but it can hold odour, absorb water, snag trebles and remove slime from fish. It has a place for tough, no-fuss work, particularly where fish care is not the first concern, but it needs proper rinsing after saltwater use.

Rubber-coated and knotless mesh are better all-round choices for many Australian anglers. They are gentler on scales and slime coats, easier to rinse clean and far less likely to turn a lure with trebles into a frustrating tangle. That matters when you are casting hardbodies for bream, throwing metals at salmon or working soft plastics around structure.

Fine mesh suits small fish and can be useful when landing species with delicate fins. The trade-off is more water resistance. A large fine-mesh net can feel like dragging a bucket through the water, especially in current. Larger open mesh moves through the water more freely and is useful for bigger fish, although small hooks and lure points can still find their way into it.

If catch-and-release is part of your fishing, use a fish-friendly mesh and keep the fish wet. Wetting the net before landing a fish is a small habit that can make a genuine difference to fish condition.

Choose a hoop shape that suits your fishing platform

Round hoops are strong and straightforward. They work well when someone can lead the fish towards the net cleanly, such as from a boat or low pontoon. Oval and teardrop-shaped hoops provide more length and are often easier for a fish to swim into head-first.

A wider front edge is particularly handy for shore-based fishing, where the fish may be moving with surge or waves. It gives the netter a larger target without having to make a desperate scoop. For kayak anglers, a compact hoop is usually the better call. A giant net takes up valuable room and can become awkward when a fish runs beneath the craft.

Look closely at the frame material too. Aluminium is light and corrosion-resistant, making it a dependable choice around saltwater. Heavier frames can be very tough but soon become tiring when you are holding a net out over a gunwale. The rim and spreader block should feel firm, with no loose movement where the handle meets the hoop.

Handle length: reach without losing control

Handle length should be matched to the height between you and the water. From a low tinny, kayak or shallow bank, a short handle gives better control. It is quick to use one-handed and less likely to catch on rods, rocket launchers or tackle bags.

From a high jetty, rock ledge or larger boat, a telescopic handle can be the difference between landing the fish and watching it swim away. Measure the real reach you need, allowing for the fact that you will not want to lean over a slippery edge while trying to net a fish. Longer handles are useful, but they flex more under load, particularly on cheaper models.

Telescopic and folding nets are excellent where storage is tight. They suit kayaks, smaller boats, 4WD setups and anglers walking a fair distance to the water. Check the locking mechanism before buying. It needs to be easy to operate with wet hands and secure enough that it will not collapse when a fish is in the bag.

Match the net to your technique

Lure anglers need a net that deals with hooks quickly. Rubber mesh is worth prioritising when using treble-hooked hardbodies, vibes and surface lures. Carry long-nose pliers or a hook remover as well, because even the best mesh cannot prevent every tangle.

Boat anglers should consider where the net will sit when not in use. A net that is difficult to grab one-handed during a hot bite is not much help. Store it where it will not snag leader, catch on the deck or become a trip hazard. A lanyard can prevent an expensive loss overboard, provided it does not create another entanglement risk.

Surf fishers need reach and strength more than compact storage. A longer handle and broad hoop help when landing fish in the shore break, but timing remains critical. Use the receding wave to guide the fish towards you, then lift with the frame supported. Do not rely on a lightweight folding net for heavy fish in pounding water.

For squid, use a purpose-built squid net where possible. Its fine, shallow mesh is designed to scoop without damaging the squid or allowing it to slip through. Keeping one ready beside the boat also prevents ink, tangles and last-second chaos when a good squid reaches the surface.

Use the net properly once the fish is close

The angler fighting the fish should lead it into the net. The person with the net should keep the hoop in the water, slightly ahead of the fish, rather than chasing it around with frantic scoops. Once the fish's head enters, lift smoothly and support the weight of the net from underneath if the fish is substantial.

Never try to net a fish tail-first unless there is no other choice. A fish can kick hard and shoot straight out. Keep steady pressure until the fish is fully contained, then avoid lifting a heavy catch with all its weight hanging from the end of an extended handle. Bring the net close, support the bag and protect both the gear and the fish.

Check local size, bag and species rules before your trip, and measure fish quickly with a wet measuring mat or board. If a fish is going back, remove hooks with wet hands or suitable tools, minimise time out of the water and release it calmly once it has recovered.

Look after your landing net

Saltwater is hard on every piece of fishing gear, including nets. Rinse the frame, handle locks and mesh with fresh water after each saltwater session. Let it dry before putting it away, especially if it has picked up bait, weed or fish slime.

Inspect the net bag for holes, worn stitching and damaged mesh before a planned trip. A small tear is easy to repair or replace early. Ignoring it until a good snapper or kingfish is halfway over the hoop is an avoidable mistake.

A landing net should make the final moment of the fight calmer, not more complicated. Choose one that suits your usual platform and target species, keep it ready to grab, and it will quickly become one of the most relied-on pieces of gear in your kit. If you are unsure between sizes, bring your target species and fishing style to the team at Reel ’N’ Deal Tackle and choose the net you will actually carry and use.