Imagine finally hooking that trophy walleye after hours of patient waiting, only to have it slip through your fingers at the boat. It’s a heart-wrenching moment every angler dreads. Choosing the right fishing net isn’t just about scooping up fish; it’s the critical final step in securing your hard-earned catch, especially with the sleek, powerful nature of walleye.
The market bombards you with choices: rubberized, knotless, deep bags, or shallow frames. How do you sort through the jargon? A poor net choice can damage the fish, leading to lost opportunities or even harming the fish you plan to release. You need a net that is strong, gentle on the walleye’s slime coat, and easy to handle when the action heats up.
This guide cuts through the confusion. We will break down exactly what makes a net perfect for landing walleye safely and efficiently. By the end of this post, you will know the essential features to look for, ensuring that next big bite ends up securely in your boat, not back in the water.
Top Fishing Net For Walleye Recommendations
No products found.
The Ultimate Buying Guide: Landing Your Next Walleye Net
Catching a big walleye is exciting! But you need the right net to bring that trophy fish safely into your boat. A good net protects your catch and makes landing easier. This guide helps you choose the best fishing net specifically for walleye.
Key Features to Look For
When buying a net for walleye, size and design matter most. Walleye can grow quite large. You need a net that can handle their weight and length.
- Net Size (Yoke/Opening): Look for a net with a wide opening, usually 18 inches or wider. This gives you plenty of room to scoop the fish without fighting it in the water.
- Depth of Bag: A deeper bag (12-15 inches) keeps the fish secure once it’s netted. Shallow nets let fish flop out easily.
- Handle Length: If you fish from a high boat or a kayak, you need a longer handle (24-36 inches). If you wade, a shorter, sturdy handle works well.
- Hoop Shape: Most effective walleye nets have a slightly deeper, rounded, or “teardrop” shape. This shape cradles the fish nicely.
Important Materials: Netting and Frame
The materials determine how long your net lasts and how gentle it is on the fish.
Netting Material
The material inside the frame is crucial. You have two main choices:
- Knotless Rubber or Coated Mesh: This is the best choice today. It protects the fish’s slime coat, which keeps it healthy if you plan to release it (catch and release). It also resists tangling with hooks.
- Nylon or Standard Mesh: These are often cheaper but can damage the fish’s protective slime layer. Hooks snag easily in traditional nylon.
Frame and Handle Material
The frame must be strong to hold a heavy, fighting walleye.
- Aluminum: This material is lightweight and resists rust well. It offers a good balance of strength and portability.
- Fiberglass: This material is very strong and often used for the handle. It handles stress without breaking. Avoid cheap plastic frames; they snap easily under pressure.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Quality varies greatly between nets. Pay attention to these details.
Quality Boosters
- Rubber Coating: A full rubber coating on the net bag prevents odors and makes cleaning simple.
- Telescoping Handle: A handle that collapses makes storage easy, especially on smaller boats.
- Detachable Head: Some high-end nets let you swap the head for different fishing situations.
Quality Reducers
- Sharp Edges: Check the yoke (the metal frame). If the joints are rough, they can cut your hands or snag your line.
- Weak Connection Point: The spot where the handle meets the yoke must be solid metal. Plastic joints fail quickly.
User Experience and Use Cases
Think about where and how you fish. This affects your ideal net.
Shore and Wading Anglers: You need a net you can carry easily. A shorter handle (under 20 inches) is usually fine. Prioritize lightweight aluminum frames.
Boat Anglers: Boat anglers often need to reach over the side or down into the water. A longer, sometimes telescoping, handle is essential. Landing a large walleye often requires one hand on the rod and the other on the net handle.
Catch and Release Focus: If you always release your fish, knotless or rubberized nets are mandatory. They minimize harm to the walleye.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Walleye Nets
Q: What is the best net size for average walleye?
A: You should aim for a net opening of at least 18 inches wide. This gives you enough clearance to scoop the fish quickly without damaging its fins.
Q: Should I choose a wooden or metal frame?
A: Metal frames, especially aluminum, are generally better for walleye nets. They are stronger and resist water damage better than wood over time.
Q: Why are rubber nets recommended over nylon nets?
A: Rubber nets are gentler on the walleye’s protective slime layer. Also, fish hooks rarely get permanently tangled in rubber, making de-hooking much faster and safer for both you and the fish.
Q: How long should the handle be?
A: The ideal length depends on your boat. For smaller boats or kayaks, 24 inches works. For larger boats with high gunwales (sides), look for 30 to 36 inches.
Q: What is a ‘scoop’ net versus a ‘landing’ net?
A: Landing nets usually have a deeper bag and are designed to hold the fish securely once netted. Scoop nets are often shallower and used more for quickly netting smaller fish or bait.
Q: Is a folding net good for walleye?
A: Yes, folding or telescoping nets are excellent for storage. Just make sure the folding mechanism is very strong. A weak hinge is a common failure point.
Q: How do I clean a fishing net?
A: Rinse your net with fresh water after every trip, especially if you fish in saltwater occasionally. If you use a rubber net, you can wipe it down with a mild soap solution if it gets muddy.
Q: Does the color of the net matter?
A: The color of the mesh does not affect the walleye’s behavior much. However, dark green or black mesh is often preferred because it helps you see the fish better against the dark water.
Q: What is the most important feature for catch and release?
A: The most important feature is the knotless or rubberized mesh. This material minimizes stress and abrasion on the fish, increasing its survival chances.
Q: Can I use a bass net for walleye?
A: You can, but bass nets are often too small. Walleye are longer than many bass. Using a net that is too small forces you to lift the fish awkwardly, increasing the risk of the fish falling out or getting injured.