Walk into any fly shop and you'll find dozens of landing nets hanging on the wall.
Wooden nets. Aluminum nets. Rubber bags. Clear bags. Long handles. Short handles. Magnetic releases. Lanyards.
To someone new to fly fishing, they all look like they're designed to do the same job.
In reality, the right landing net can make landing fish easier, protect the fish you're releasing, and even keep you safer while wading.
Here's what to consider before buying your next net.
Rubber Nets vs. Nylon Nets
If you practice catch-and-release, this decision is easy.
Choose a rubber net.
Rubber bags are gentler on a trout's protective slime coating, reducing stress and improving its chances of survival after release. They also don't snag hooks nearly as often as traditional knotted nylon nets.
Nylon nets certainly have their place, especially for keeping fish intended for harvest, but for most fly anglers, rubber has become the modern standard. If you're upgrading from a nylon net, our Stone Creek Rubber "Ghost" Net is a popular starting point.
Clear Rubber or Black Rubber?
This surprises many anglers.
Many premium nets now use clear rubber instead of black.
The theory is that clear rubber is less visible underwater, helping reduce stress as the fish enters the net. Whether that makes a measurable difference is still debated, but clear rubber has become popular because it also looks cleaner and photographs exceptionally well.
The practical performance is nearly identical.
Choose the one you prefer. The Ghost Net uses clear "ghost" netting, while our classic Wooden Landing Nets come with traditional black rubber.
Wood, Aluminum, or Composite?
Wooden Nets
Wooden nets are classics for a reason.
They're lightweight, float naturally if dropped, and simply look beautiful in photographs.
High-quality laminated hardwood nets can last decades with minimal maintenance.
They're a favorite among trout anglers who appreciate traditional craftsmanship. Our Stone Creek Wooden Landing Nets are available in both teardrop and catch-and-release shapes for under $35.
Aluminum Nets
Aluminum nets are built for abuse.
They're durable, weather-resistant, and often less expensive than handcrafted wooden nets.
Many guides prefer aluminum because they spend hundreds of days each year on the water. The Stone Creek Aluminum Teardrop Net is a solid, lightweight option built exactly for that kind of use.
Composite Nets
Composite materials offer a nice middle ground.
They're lightweight, extremely durable, and unaffected by moisture.
Many modern manufacturers now offer premium composite frames designed specifically for anglers who want maximum performance with minimal maintenance.
Handle Length Matters
Think about how you fish.
Small Streams
A short-handled net is compact, lightweight, and easy to carry on your back while navigating tight brush. The compact Catch & Release Wooden Landing Net is a good example of a small-stream-friendly build.
Rivers
Medium-length handles provide a little more reach without becoming cumbersome.
Drift Boats and Float Tubes
Long-handled nets shine when you need extra reach around a boat or while landing fish from a seated position. Our 51" Guide/Boat Net is purpose-built for this — long handle, big hoop, and clear ghost netting.
Net Shape
Not every net opening is the same.
Teardrop-shaped nets remain the favorite for trout because they're easy to maneuver and secure fish quickly.
Wider hoops work well for bass, pike, and larger species where fish size becomes the priority.
Deep bags also help control energetic fish while you remove the hook.
Features Worth Considering
Modern fly fishing nets can include:
- Magnetic net releases — and premium options like the Loon Magnetic Net Release
- Retractable tethers to keep your net secure and always within reach
- Built-in measuring scales
- Handle lanyards
- Floating foam inserts
- Replaceable rubber bags that extend the life of your favorite net
None of these features catch more fish, but many make your time on the water more enjoyable.
So Which Net Should You Buy?
For most trout anglers, it's hard to go wrong with:
- A wooden or composite frame
- A clear or black rubber bag
- A teardrop shape
- A medium-depth basket
- A magnetic net release
The Stone Creek Rubber Ghost Net paired with a magnetic release checks every one of those boxes and will handle nearly every trout you'll encounter while protecting the fish for a healthy release.
Final Thoughts
The best landing net isn't necessarily the most expensive one.
It's the one that matches the way you fish.
Whether you're crawling through rhododendron-lined mountain streams, floating western rivers, or hiking to remote alpine lakes, choosing the right net makes landing fish easier and treating them with care even easier.
It's one of those pieces of gear you may only buy once, so it's worth taking the time to choose wisely.
Browse our full fishing nets collection to compare frames, bags, and accessories side by side.
Join the Conversation
What's hanging from the back of your vest? Do you prefer classic wood, lightweight aluminum, or modern composite? Share a photo of your favorite landing net and tell us why you chose it in the Lotz Outdoors Community Forum.
