Fishing can be one of them most exciting, yet calm, activities you can think of. It is a great way to cool off after a long week at work, or to take some time away from the busy city life. Of course, going fishing requires some preparation in order to have an enjoyable experience – bringing the right gear and accessories can make a world of difference. Needless to say, the most exciting part of fishing is the feeling of catching and landing your fish. Doing this part right can be tricky, but with the right technique and gear you can certainly make it look like child’s play.

One of the essential tools you need to land fish successfully is a fishing net. Of course, taking just any fishing net might not work – you need to opt for the best fishing nets to have on board. They are usable in different scenarios, and they can have different features depending on your needs. The best fishing nets will give you comfort, convenience, and will enhance your odds of catching fish securely. This might come as a bit of a shock for many of you, as fishing nets are not really the thing we think of when talking about fishing gear that generates awe. Although they seem very similar, there are some key details you need to be aware of. 

Below, we will go over some of the best fishing nets to have on board, as well as talk more about their application, advantages, and what you need to look out for. Keep in mind that there are dozens of types of nets to choose from, but we will only cover the essentials that every angler needs – a dip net and a landing net.

Is a Dip Net the Best Fishing Net to Have on Board?

This one is absolutely mandatory if you are working with live bait, but it can come in handy in any other situation as well. The dip net, also known as a hand net or a scoop net, is a must-have piece of equipment on your fishing boat. It is incredibly convenient to use when you want to get bait out of your live well – doing this barehanded will be very difficult.

While pretty much dip net is useful for this purpose, there are some things you might want to take into consideration:

• It should be a floating one, so you can recover it easily if it falls out of the boat.
• Make sure to select a net with suitable sized holes, so that your live bait will not fall out. If you frequently work with different-sized live bait, then you might need to invest in more than one dip net.
• Pay special attention to the joint between the handle and the hoop. It is the weak point of any net – you should go with a model that seems sturdy in this specific section.

A floating dip net for bait is a must-have, and it should be easy to make a choice that suits your needs. Landing nets, on the other hand, can be a bit trickier to select. 

Landing Nets are a Boat Angler’s Best Friend

The other vital piece of equipment you need is a landing net. It is the tool you will use to get fish out of the water securely. Needless to say, comfort and security are your top priority. Making the right purchase ensures that you will not stumble around when trying to use the landing net, and also minimizes the odds of accidentally letting the captured fish escape.

The first thing to check is the net’s convenience. Ideally, you should go for one with a telescopic handle that can be extended according to your needs. Being able to fold your net makes it much more convenient and easy to store it. The ‘handle’ of these nets is very easy to operate through 1-2 or two small buttons.

Just like dip nets, you should make sure to check the size of the basket itself, as well as the size of the holes – you do not want to be stuck with large-sized holes when you are going after smaller fish. A property that many people tend to overlook is the material used to create the net. While most pieces on the market are nylon-made, these might not be the best choice if you are looking to keep the caught fish free of harm. A rubber-coated mesh greatly reduces the chances of accidentally hurting the fish you caught.

Now that the mechanism and the net is out of the question, it is time to take a look at the handle. It is once again recommended to go for a landing net that can float – makes it much easier to recover when it inevitably slips out of your hands. Most handles are made out of aluminum since it is resistant to corrosion, and is also very lightweight. However, you may also find some variants with a wooden handle at your local fishing shop. 

Last but not least, you should make sure to see if the basket is detachable or not. Some models have an easily replaceable net, so you will not need to buy an entirely new product in case the net tears. 

Anything Else to Know About the Best Fishing Nets to Have on Board?

As you can see, choosing the fishing nets to keep on your boat may need some more research than you thought. While just about any net is likely to get the job done, making the right choice can help you save a lot of space, energy, and effort. For example, folding nets are a must-have if your boat is small or if you are bringing a lot of accessories/supplies – the Stowmaster Folding Landing Net, for example, is a great choice if you want to reduce clutter. 

Longevity and durability are other things that can be less of an issue if you make the right purchase. A well-built landing net that has been reinforced in the right section can last you for many years, with minimum maintenance.