I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve watched a decent fish slip away at the net. Sometimes it’s because I’ve rushed it, sometimes the hook just falls out at the worst moment, but more often than not, it’s down to using the wrong net or no net at all. After thirty-odd years fishing rivers and stillwaters across the UK, I’ve learned that having a proper landing net isn’t just about landing more fish. It’s about handling them properly and getting them back in the water safely.
Gear Used in This Article
The trouble with nets is that many anglers treat them as an afterthought. You spend hundreds on a rod, plenty more on reels and lines, then grab whatever cheap net happens to be on sale. I did exactly that for years until a particularly nice brown trout from the Usk taught me otherwise. The knotted netting caught in its gills, I fumbled about trying to free it, and the fish suffered far more stress than necessary. That was the moment I realised a good net is as important as any other bit of kit.
For UK fly fishing, you want something that balances practicality with fish care. The net needs to be big enough to handle a decent trout or grayling without cramming them in, but not so massive that you’re constantly catching it on trees and bushes. I’ve found that a net with a hoop around 16 to 20 inches works well for most UK situations. Anything smaller and you’re playing net gymnastics with a two-pound fish. Much larger and you’ll hate carrying it all day.
The mesh material matters enormously. Those old-fashioned knotted nets should be banned if you ask me. They strip slime, catch in gills, and damage fins. Rubber mesh or soft knotless netting is the only way forward. Rubber mesh is particularly good because it doesn’t tangle hooks, it’s easy to clean, and it causes minimal harm to fish. When you’re practising catch and release, which most of us are these days, this stuff makes a real difference to fish survival.
Handle length is another consideration. On small streams where you’re tucked into tight spaces, a short handle works best. I use a net with about a 12-inch handle for most river work. It stays out of the way when I’m walking and doesn’t snag every branch. For stillwater fishing or larger rivers where you might be wading deeper, a telescopic handle gives you that extra reach without being cumbersome the rest of the time.
The attachment method deserves thought too. Magnetic releases are brilliant when they work, but I’ve had mixed experiences with them. A simple strong clip or even a loop of cord does the job reliably. What matters is that you can release and deploy the net single-handed while keeping your rod in the other hand. Practice this at home because fumbling about while a fish thrashes at your feet is no fun.
If you’re looking for a solid option that won’t break the bank, this landing net (https://amzn.to/4dbkzUH) covers most bases for UK fly fishing. The key is finding something you’ll actually use rather than leaving it in the car because it’s awkward to carry.
Price varies wildly, and yes, you can spend a fortune on wooden-framed works of art. They’re lovely to look at but not necessary. A decent net that protects fish and helps you land them reliably costs between thirty and sixty quid. Spend less and you’re often getting poor materials. Spend more and you’re into diminishing returns unless you really value aesthetics.
Here’s something practical for your next session. Before you even make your first cast, deploy your net and position it properly. Too many fish are lost because the net is still clipped to your back when the moment comes. Have it hanging at your side or lying ready within arm’s reach. When that fish is ready to net, lead it head-first into the mesh in one smooth movement, lifting gently once the fish is over the frame. No stabbing, no chasing. The fish practically nets itself when you do it right.
