The walleye, with its ghostly eyes, spiny dorsal fin, and mouth full of sharp teeth, is one of the most prized freshwater game fish. Bringing one to the boat is a thrill, but the final, critical moment of that battle is landing it. A missed scoop, a tangled lure, or a broken net can turn a trophy catch into a heartbreaking story of “the one that got away.”
A quality
This is your ultimate guide. We will break down the critical features to look for and review the top-rated walleye nets that will help you turn every bite into a fish in the cooler.
The Anatomy of a Great Walleye Net: Key Features to Look For
1. The Handle: Length and Material
The handle is all about reach.
- Handle Length: For most walleye
fishing from a boat, you want a long handle. A telescoping handle (also called an extendable handle) that can reach from 6 to 8 feet is ideal. This allows you to net a fish without having to lean dangerously far over the side of the boat. - Material: Look for a handle made from a strong but lightweight material like aluminum or fiberglass. An octagonal or hexagonal shape is often easier to grip than a round one.
2. The Hoop: Size and Shape
The hoop needs to be big enough to accommodate a trophy walleye but not so big that it’s clumsy to handle.
- Size: A hoop size of around 20 by 24 inches is a great all-around choice for walleye.
- Shape: A “teardrop” or “U” shape is common and effective.
3. The Netting: The Most Important Feature for the Fish (and You)
The material of the net bag itself is critical.
- Material: The best nets use a knotless, rubber-coated mesh.
- Knotless: A knotless design is smooth and gentle on the fish’s slime coat, eyes, and fins. This is essential for practicing catch and release.
- Rubberized Coating: This is a non-negotiable feature. A rubberized coating prevents your lure’s hooks from getting tangled in the mesh. Trying to remove a thrashing walleye and a treble hook from a tangled nylon net is a frustrating and dangerous nightmare. This feature drastically reduces hook snags.
- Net Depth: Look for a deep net bag. A generous net depth (24-30 inches) ensures that once the walleye is in the net, it can’t easily jump or flop out.
- Flat Bottom: A flat bottom on the net bag allows the fish to lie flat and calmly, which is better for the fish and makes hook removal much easier.
4. Storage and Ease of Use
A big net can be a pain to store on a boat.
- Folding/Telescoping Design: The best nets for storage feature both a telescoping handle and a folding hoop. This allows a large, long-handled net to become surprisingly net compact for easy storage in a boat locker.
- Floats: Some nets are designed so that the net floats if you accidentally drop it overboard. This is a fantastic feature that can save you from losing an expensive net.
The 5 Best Fishing Nets for Walleye
1. Frabill Conservation Series Landing Net
Best Overall Net
Frabill produces some of the most high-quality
Frabill Conservation Series Landing Net with Camlock Reinforced Handle, 20 X 23-Inch, Premium Landing Net, Multi (9510)
$89.99
Frabill 20” x 23” Conservation Series Landing Net
16-inch deep
Net material is mesh
2. EGO Genesis S1
Best Budget Net
For anglers on a budget, the EGO Genesis S1 offers incredible value. It features a strong aluminum frame and a two-year warranty. Its game-changing asset is its ability to float. It also has a removable handle, allowing you to swap out different net heads or handles for added versatility.
Ego S1 Genesis Floating Fishing Net, Fishermen s Tool, Salt & Freshwater, Non-Slip Grip, Compact Storage, Lightweight, 30+ Attachments, Warranty
$88.99
3. StowMaster Tournament Series Precision Landing Net (Mr. Walleye)
Best for Storage and Ergonomics
For anglers with smaller boats where space is at a premium, the StowMaster net is a marvel of engineering. This net features a two-stage telescoping handle and a folding hoop, allowing it to collapse into a very compact size. Despite its portability, it’s incredibly strong, with an aluminum alloy frame and a deep, knotless, coated net bag. This combination of ease of use and compact storage makes it a top choice.
StowMaster TBS80NG Tournament Series Precision Landing Net, Gold/Black
$153.00
4. EGO Kryptek Genesis
The Floating Camo Net
This net from EGO combines high-quality construction with a stylish Kryptek camouflage pattern. Like the S1, it floats, so you don’t have to worry about losing it overboard. It has a deep, flat-bottomed bag with a 30-pound capacity and a removable handle. While its standard handle length is shorter, its other features make it a great choice.
5. Ranger Nets Knotless Flat Bottom Landing Net
Best Flat-Bottomed Net
The Ranger Nets flat-bottomed net is another excellent choice for landing sizable walleye. Its rubberized coating is perfect for catch and release, and the truly flat bottom prevents even the biggest fish from flopping out. The knotless design prevents lure tangles, and the octagonal telescoping handle provides a secure grip and excellent reach.
Ranger Nets Knotless Flat Bottom Rubber Coated Net with Telescopic Octagon Handle, 25×25-Inch, Black
$119.99
Conclusion
A proper net is a critical tool for any serious walleye angler. It ensures that your hard-earned catch makes the safe transition from the water to the boat. By selecting a net with a long, extendable handle, a large hoop, and, most importantly, a deep, knotless, rubber-coated net bag, you will increase your landing percentage and reduce frustration. A great net protects both your trophy catch and your expensive lures, making it a wise and essential investment.
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