How to use a landing net
Set the net in the water and let the fish come to it, so landing is one calm lift instead of a chase.
Last reviewed 26 September 2026 · Editorial policy
What this skill is for
Most lost fish are lost at the last metre. A net held still in the water turns that final moment into a lift; a net waved at a frightened fish turns it into a sprint.
What you need
- A net with a bag deep enough for the species
- Knotless or rubber-coated mesh for scaly fish
- Clean, odour-free mesh
Step by step
- 01
Choose the right net
The bag has to swallow the whole fish with room to spare, and the mesh should be soft and knotless for fish with delicate slime and scales. A small or knotted mesh is a fast way to injure a fish you intend to return.
- 02
Sink it and hold it still
Stand the net in the water with the mouth open and the handle angled downstream or to the side, and keep it there. Let the current or your line pressure bring the fish over it.
- 03
Lead the head in
A fish swims forward; a tail-first fish thrashes. Tired it enough and angle the net so the fish's head enters first.
- 04
Lift when it's all in
Don't hoist while the tail is still out. Wait until the whole fish is settled in the bag, then lift it level and keep it in or at the surface of the water.
- 05
Rinse the net as you go
A net that has held bait, groundbait or weeds carries scent and grit. Rinse it between fish and let it dry between sessions.
Where it goes wrong
- Chasing the fish with the hoop — it always outruns the net.
- Lifting before the fish is fully in the bag.
- Using a small, knotted mesh on a big scaly fish.
- Storing a net damp in a bag, where it grows mould and smells.
Related guides
Common questions
What do I need for use a landing net?
A net with a bag deep enough for the species, Knotless or rubber-coated mesh for scaly fish, Clean, odour-free mesh. Nothing specialist beyond that — if a step needs something extra it is listed in the guide itself.
What is the most common mistake with use a landing net?
Chasing the fish with the hoop — it always outruns the net.
How do I know use a landing net is done correctly?
The fish settles in the mesh without thrashing and comes out with its slime and scales intact.