5 Best New Fishing Nets For Kayak Fishing for One-Handed Landing

You’re in the zone. The kayak is positioned perfectly along the weed line, your cast was spot-on, and now a heavy bass is towing you around on the end of your line. You’ve got the rod held high with one hand, your paddle tucked under your leg, and the fish is starting to tire. Now comes the moment of truth: landing it.

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Why One-Handed Nets Are a Kayak Angling Must

Fishing from a kayak is a game of constant multitasking in a confined, often unstable space. One hand is always occupied—holding the rod, bracing with the paddle, or steering a pedal drive. Trying to unfold and wield a standard two-handed net in this scenario is a recipe for chaos.

A purpose-built, one-handed net isn’t a luxury; it’s a fundamental piece of gear for kayak anglers. It allows you to maintain control over your rod and the fish while efficiently scooping your catch from the water. This single tool prevents lost fish, broken lines, and frustrating tangles right beside the boat.

More importantly, it’s a safety issue. Leaning awkwardly to manage a clumsy net can easily lead to a capsize, turning a triumphant moment into a dangerous one. A good one-handed net lets you land fish smoothly and securely, keeping your center of gravity low and your focus where it needs to be.

YakAttack Leverage Net: The Ultimate One-Hand Grab

Imagine reaching out with a net that feels like a natural extension of your arm. That’s the experience of the YakAttack Leverage Net. Its revolutionary design includes a forearm brace that supports the entire weight and length of the net, giving you incredible reach and control with zero wrist strain.

This net was born for the kayak. It’s designed to live in a flush mount rod holder or tube, ready for an instant, single-motion deployment. You grab the handle, and the net is in position. No fumbling, no unfolding.

The deep, rubberized mesh bag is perfect for securing larger fish like bass or walleye without harming their protective slime coat. While it sits at a premium price point, for the serious kayak angler who values seamless, efficient operation above all else, the Leverage Net is in a class of its own.

Frabill Power Stow: Compact and Tangle-Free

Deck space on a kayak is prime real estate. A big, clunky net is always in the way, snagging lines and getting tangled in other gear. The Frabill Power Stow series directly solves this problem with its brilliant folding design.

With a simple flick of the wrist, the hoop deploys and locks into place. When you’re done, the handle slides down and the hoop folds in half, creating a compact package you can easily stash in a tankwell or behind your seat. This is a game-changer for anglers in smaller kayaks or those who just demand a clean, snag-free deck.

The knotless, tangle-free micromesh is gentle on fish and a lifesaver when dealing with lures armed with treble hooks. The Power Stow strikes an excellent balance between portability, quick deployment, and solid performance, making it a favorite for anglers who need their gear to disappear when not in use.

EGO S1 Genesis: Modular Design and Buoyancy

Dropping something overboard is an inevitable part of kayak fishing. When it’s your net, in the heat of the moment, it can be a costly mistake. The EGO S1 Genesis system solves this with one critical feature: it floats.

This provides incredible peace of mind. If you fumble the net while wrangling a fish, it will simply bob on the surface waiting for you to retrieve it. But the S1 Genesis is more than just buoyant; it’s a modular system. The handle can be paired with various hoop sizes and shapes, allowing you to customize your net for anything from panfish to pike.

The lightweight design and comfortable grip make it easy to manage with one hand. For the angler who values versatility and insurance against lost gear, the EGO S1 system offers a smart, adaptable solution that can grow with your fishing pursuits.

Bubba Carbon Fiber Net: Lightweight Pro Performance

For the angler who counts every ounce and demands top-tier performance, the Bubba Carbon Fiber Net is the answer. Paddling or pedaling all day is tiring, and reducing the weight of your gear makes a real difference. This net is astonishingly light, which translates to less fatigue and quicker handling.

Despite its light weight, the carbon fiber shaft is incredibly rigid, giving you precise control when making a swipe at a thrashing fish. There’s no flex or wobble. It also features Bubba’s signature non-slip grip, which provides a secure hold even when your hands are wet and covered in fish slime—a critical feature in a kayak.

This is a premium, no-compromise tool. It doesn’t fold or have special ergonomic features, but it excels in its core mission: being a lightweight, strong, and reliable landing tool. It’s the choice for the performance-focused angler who wants a simple, high-quality net that feels perfect in hand.

KastKing Folding Net: Affordable and Fish-Friendly

You don’t need to spend a fortune to get a highly functional kayak fishing net. The KastKing Folding Net delivers all the essential features for a fraction of the price of the premium brands, making it a perfect choice for beginners or budget-conscious anglers.

It checks all the right boxes for kayak use. It folds down for compact storage, the handle is often telescopic for adjustable reach, and it uses a fish-safe, rubber-coated mesh to prevent hook snags and protect your catch. It’s a workhorse that gets the job done without any fuss.

Of course, there are trade-offs. The materials and folding mechanism may not feel as refined or durable as a high-end net. But for its intended purpose—helping weekend warriors and new kayak anglers land fish safely and effectively—its value is undeniable.

Net Materials: Rubber vs. Nylon for Fish Safety

When you’re choosing a net, the mesh material is one of the most important considerations, especially if you practice catch-and-release. The old-school knotted nylon nets you might see are cheap, but they are incredibly damaging to fish. They scrape off the fish’s protective slime coat, which is like its immune system, leaving it vulnerable to infection.

Nylon mesh is also a magnet for hook points. Getting a treble hook out of a nylon net can be a five-minute surgery that is stressful for both you and the fish. It’s a frustrating, outdated technology.

Modern rubber or rubber-coated mesh is the responsible choice. This material is smooth and gentle, preserving the fish’s slime coat and minimizing stress. Hooks don’t penetrate the rubber, so they pop right out, allowing for a quick release. For the health of the fishery and your own sanity, a rubberized net is a non-negotiable feature.

Proper Net Storage and Access on Your Kayak

The best net in the world is useless if you can’t get to it when you need it. The moment a big fish is at the side of the kayak is not the time to be digging through a hatch or fumbling with tangled bungee cords. Your net needs to be instantly accessible with one hand.

Think through your cockpit layout. Where can you place the net so you can grab it without making a sudden, destabilizing move?

• Flush Mount Rod Holders: These are perfect for nets with long, straight handles like the YakAttack.
• Tankwell Bungees: A great spot for a compact, folded net.
• Gear Track Mounts: Net holders that attach to your gear tracks offer ultimate custom placement.

Before you hit the water, practice. Sit in your kayak and go through the motions of grabbing your net while pretending to hold a bent rod. Your goal is to make deployment a matter of muscle memory. A well-placed net is not just about convenience; it’s a core part of a safe and effective kayak fishing system.

Ultimately, the perfect net is the one that fits your kayak, your budget, and your style of fishing. Don’t get paralyzed by the options. Pick a fish-friendly model you can afford, figure out the best place to keep it, and get out on the water. The real prize is the experience, and a good net just helps you bring more of those memories home.