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Top 5 Catch and Release Landing Nets in Canada for 2025: Knotless, Low-Impact, Fish-Safe Picks

Published on Monday, August 25, 2025

Catch and release landing nets are designed to minimize harm to fish at the moment of landing and during release. For 2025 Canadian anglers are prioritizing nets with smooth knotless mesh, shallow basket shapes, and soft coatings that protect delicate fish skin and the protective slime layer. This category is especially appealing in Canada because of strong conservation ethics, catch and release regulations for species like trout and salmon in many provincial waters, and a growing demand from kayak, fly, and shore anglers for compact, efficient tools that speed safe release. Increasingly popular features include biodegradable or low-impact materials to reduce environmental footprint if a net is lost, collapsible frames and telescoping handles for portability, and designs optimized for the size and behavior of common Canadian species such as trout, salmon, bass, walleye, and pike. Below we highlight the top 5 catch and release landing nets available or popular in Canada for 2025, focusing on fish safety, durability, and angler convenience.

Top Picks Summary

1. Fly Fishing Catch and Release Nets

2. Freshwater Catch and Release Nets

3. Saltwater Catch and Release Nets

4. Compact Foldable Catch and Release Nets

5. Biodegradable Catch and Release Nets

Top Picks Summary

  1. Brodin Ghost Series Landing Net
  2. Frabill Conservation Series Landing Net
  3. Beckman Coated Knotless Landing Net
  4. Plusinno Telescopic Folding Landing Net
  5. EGO S2 Slider Reach Rubber Net
1
BEST FLY FISHING CATCH AND RELEASE NETS

Brodin Ghost Series Landing Net

Brodin

The Brodin Ghost Series Landing Net is the premium, market-leading choice for anglers who prioritize top-tier materials and minimal fish stress—its handcrafted wooden frames and fine knotless mesh minimize damage and allow very controlled netting for catch-and-release. Technically superior and made with precision in Sweden, it carries a higher price than the Fishpond and Rising Brookie but offers durability and fish safety that justify the investment for frequent, conservation-minded fishermen.

4.8
★★★★☆
Show More Fly Fishing Catch and Release Nets
  • Spectral lightness

  • Mirror-clear hoop

  • Spectral lightness

  • Mirror-clear hoop

Review Summary

96%

"Exceptionally light and well-crafted wooden landing net praised for balance, finish, and fish-safe mesh; most buyers call it a near-perfect high-end net despite the higher cost. "

  • Ultra-slick release

  • High-modulus frame for excellent balance and durability

  • Ultra-slick release

  • High-modulus frame for excellent balance and durability

Recreational Enjoyment

Enhanced Physical Well-Being

Skill Development & Mastery

The Brodin Ghost Series Landing Net is the premium, market-leading choice for anglers who prioritize top-tier materials and minimal fish stress—its handcrafted wooden frames and fine knotless mesh minimize damage and allow very controlled netting for catch-and-release. Technically superior and made with precision in Sweden, it carries a higher price than the Fishpond and Rising Brookie but offers durability and fish safety that justify the investment for frequent, conservation-minded fishermen.

  • Spectral lightness

  • Mirror-clear hoop

  • Ultra-slick release

  • High-modulus frame for excellent balance and durability

  • Shallow, wide hoop with fine rubberized mesh for safe catch-and-release

  • Spectral lightness

  • Mirror-clear hoop

  • Ultra-slick release

  • High-modulus frame for excellent balance and durability

  • Shallow, wide hoop with fine rubberized mesh for safe catch-and-release

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$200-300 CAD

2
BEST FRESHWATER CATCH AND RELEASE NETS

Frabill Conservation Series Landing Net

Frabill

Frabill's Conservation Series is the benchmark for freshwater catch-and-release nets thanks to its large, knotless rubber mesh and fish-safe frame that minimize scale and slime damage. It balances professional-level fish care with broad retail availability and a mid-range price point, making it more accessible than premium specialty nets like the EGO S2 while offering gentler handling than budget coated-nylon options such as the Beckman. For anglers prioritizing fish health without paying top-tier prices, Frabill delivers the best value-to-performance ratio on this list.

4.6
★★★★☆
Show More Freshwater Catch and Release Nets
  • Fish-friendly mesh - no tangles

  • Lightweight buoyant frame - floats

  • Fish-friendly mesh - no tangles

  • Lightweight buoyant frame - floats

Review Summary

91%

"Well-built, lightweight landing net with fish-friendly mesh that anglers praise for durability and ease of use during catch-and-release; a few users note it costs more than budget alternatives. "

  • Conservation focused - gentle grip

  • Knotless, fish-safe mesh designed specifically for catch-and-release

  • Conservation focused - gentle grip

  • Knotless, fish-safe mesh designed specifically for catch-and-release

Recreational Enjoyment

Eco-Friendly Living

Time-Saving Convenience

Frabill's Conservation Series is the benchmark for freshwater catch-and-release nets thanks to its large, knotless rubber mesh and fish-safe frame that minimize scale and slime damage. It balances professional-level fish care with broad retail availability and a mid-range price point, making it more accessible than premium specialty nets like the EGO S2 while offering gentler handling than budget coated-nylon options such as the Beckman. For anglers prioritizing fish health without paying top-tier prices, Frabill delivers the best value-to-performance ratio on this list.

  • Fish-friendly mesh - no tangles

  • Lightweight buoyant frame - floats

  • Conservation focused - gentle grip

  • Knotless, fish-safe mesh designed specifically for catch-and-release

  • Lightweight aluminum frame and handle for easy maneuvering

  • Fish-friendly mesh - no tangles

  • Lightweight buoyant frame - floats

  • Conservation focused - gentle grip

  • Knotless, fish-safe mesh designed specifically for catch-and-release

  • Lightweight aluminum frame and handle for easy maneuvering

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From 86.41$
3
BEST SALTWATER CATCH AND RELEASE NETS

Beckman Coated Knotless Landing Net

Beckman Net

The Beckman Coated Knotless Landing Net is a value-oriented, corrosion-resistant option that balances depth and durability for anglers who need a deeper bag without the premium price of top-tier conservation nets. Technically it offers a sturdy frame and a knotless coated mesh that sheds water and tangles better than basic nylon, placing it between the compact EGO and the premium Frabill in both price and capability for small-boat catch-and-release use.

4.3
★★★★☆
Show More Saltwater Catch and Release Nets
  • Knotless fish-care

  • Tangle-free action

  • Knotless fish-care

  • Tangle-free action

Review Summary

86%

"Affordable knotless coated net that handles saltwater well and protects fish, with most users happy with performance; some report coating chipping and wear on fittings after extended use."

  • Fish-friendly hug

  • Soft-coated, knotless netting that reduces tangles and protects delicate fish skin and hooks.

  • Fish-friendly hug

  • Soft-coated, knotless netting that reduces tangles and protects delicate fish skin and hooks.

Eco-Friendly Living

Recreational Enjoyment

Time-Saving Convenience

The Beckman Coated Knotless Landing Net is a value-oriented, corrosion-resistant option that balances depth and durability for anglers who need a deeper bag without the premium price of top-tier conservation nets. Technically it offers a sturdy frame and a knotless coated mesh that sheds water and tangles better than basic nylon, placing it between the compact EGO and the premium Frabill in both price and capability for small-boat catch-and-release use.

  • Knotless fish-care

  • Tangle-free action

  • Fish-friendly hug

  • Soft-coated, knotless netting that reduces tangles and protects delicate fish skin and hooks.

  • Reinforced frame and ergonomic handle for secure landing in choppy small-boat conditions.

  • Knotless fish-care

  • Tangle-free action

  • Fish-friendly hug

  • Soft-coated, knotless netting that reduces tangles and protects delicate fish skin and hooks.

  • Reinforced frame and ergonomic handle for secure landing in choppy small-boat conditions.

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From 181.84$
4
BEST COMPACT FOLDABLE CATCH AND RELEASE NETS

Plusinno Telescopic Folding Landing Net

PLUSINNO

Plusinno is the best-value budget option in the compact foldable catch-and-release category, offering a telescopic shaft and folding hoop at a price point significantly below the premium contenders. Technically it doesn’t match the premium coatings or long-term durability of Beckman or Frabill, but its affordability and widely available replacement parts make it the practical choice for casual anglers and beginners.

4.2
★★★★☆
Show More Compact Foldable Catch and Release Nets
  • Telescopic reach

  • Fold-flat travel

  • Telescopic reach

  • Fold-flat travel

Review Summary

84%

"Buyers appreciate the Plusinno telescopic folding net for portability and value, but many who used it long-term report telescoping joints can loosen or fail under heavy or frequent use."

  • Budget pocket-pal

  • Telescopic handle extends for reach and collapses for compact storage

  • Budget pocket-pal

  • Telescopic handle extends for reach and collapses for compact storage

Time-Saving Convenience

Recreational Enjoyment

Plusinno is the best-value budget option in the compact foldable catch-and-release category, offering a telescopic shaft and folding hoop at a price point significantly below the premium contenders. Technically it doesn’t match the premium coatings or long-term durability of Beckman or Frabill, but its affordability and widely available replacement parts make it the practical choice for casual anglers and beginners.

  • Telescopic reach

  • Fold-flat travel

  • Budget pocket-pal

  • Telescopic handle extends for reach and collapses for compact storage

  • Lightweight alloy frame with foldable hoop for easy transport

  • Telescopic reach

  • Fold-flat travel

  • Budget pocket-pal

  • Telescopic handle extends for reach and collapses for compact storage

  • Lightweight alloy frame with foldable hoop for easy transport

Order Now
From 32.97$
5
BEST BIODEGRADABLE CATCH AND RELEASE NETS

EGO S2 Slider Reach Rubber Net

Ego

The EGO S2 Slider Reach Rubber Net stands out for its telescoping reach system and rubberized, low-friction biodegradable rubber blend mesh that minimizes scale and slime damage during quick releases. Technically focused buyers will value its superior reach and modular head for boat or bank use—features that make it a more versatile mid-price alternative to Frabill's simpler conservation model and a more affordable, easier-to-manage option than premium carbon-fiber offerings.

4.2
★★★★☆
Show More Biodegradable Catch and Release Nets
  • Sticky rubber head — no-slip

  • Telescoping reach — long arm

  • Sticky rubber head — no-slip

  • Telescoping reach — long arm

Review Summary

84%

"Owners like the EGO S2's rubberized, fish-friendly bag and the sliding reach feature for quick scoops, though a portion of reviewers report the slider mechanism feels less robust after heavy use and the bag can be shallow for big fish."

  • Robust handle — tackle-grip

  • Knotless rubber mesh that reduces hooks tangling and protects fish mucus layers.

  • Robust handle — tackle-grip

  • Knotless rubber mesh that reduces hooks tangling and protects fish mucus layers.

Recreational Enjoyment

Time-Saving Convenience

The EGO S2 Slider Reach Rubber Net stands out for its telescoping reach system and rubberized, low-friction biodegradable rubber blend mesh that minimizes scale and slime damage during quick releases. Technically focused buyers will value its superior reach and modular head for boat or bank use—features that make it a more versatile mid-price alternative to Frabill's simpler conservation model and a more affordable, easier-to-manage option than premium carbon-fiber offerings.

  • Sticky rubber head — no-slip

  • Telescoping reach — long arm

  • Robust handle — tackle-grip

  • Knotless rubber mesh that reduces hooks tangling and protects fish mucus layers.

  • Telescoping/slider reach handle provides extra reach for bank and boat angling.

  • Sticky rubber head — no-slip

  • Telescoping reach — long arm

  • Robust handle — tackle-grip

  • Knotless rubber mesh that reduces hooks tangling and protects fish mucus layers.

  • Telescoping/slider reach handle provides extra reach for bank and boat angling.

Order Now
From 195.52$

Explore More
  • Fly Fishing Catch and Release Nets
  • Freshwater Catch and Release Nets
  • Saltwater Catch and Release Nets
  • Compact Foldable Catch and Release Nets
  • Biodegradable Catch and Release Nets

The Science Behind Fish-Safe Nets

Research and fisheries guidance consistently support using nets and handling practices that reduce physical injury and stress to fish. The critical goals are to protect the skin and slime layer, prevent scale loss and fin damage, reduce hooking injuries during netting, and minimize air exposure and handling time. Fish-safe net design elements such as knotless rubber or soft silicone mesh, shallow baskets, and smooth frames have measurable benefits in reducing post-release injury and improving survival. Fisheries agencies and peer-reviewed studies emphasize that tool choice combined with quick, gentle handling produces the best outcomes for released fish.

Knotless rubber or soft synthetic meshes reduce abrasions and scale loss compared with traditional knotted nylon, lowering infection risk and improving recovery.

Shallow basket shapes and wide hoop openings allow easier hook removal and shorter handling times, which reduce stress from air exposure.

Smooth coatings and soft rims help prevent fin tearing and reduce entanglement of hooks and lures, speeding safe release.

Shorter fight and handling durations, along with wet hands or wet nets, support the integrity of the protective slime layer that defends against pathogens.

Biodegradable or low-impact materials reduce long-term environmental harm if a net is lost, aligning with stewardship priorities in Canadian fisheries.

Fisheries agencies, including Fisheries and Oceans Canada guidance and international best practices, recommend fish-friendly gear and minimal handling as part of responsible catch-and-release programs.

Choosing the right catch and release landing net in Canada means balancing fish safety, durability, and convenience. The top 5 options we profile for 2025 focus on knotless mesh, shallow baskets, soft coatings, and compact designs that help you land and release fish quickly and safely. We hope you found what you were looking for. Use the search or filters to refine by species, handle length, hoop size, material, or price to find the perfect net for your angling style.

Discover More
  • Fly Fishing Catch and Release Nets
  • Freshwater Catch and Release Nets
  • Saltwater Catch and Release Nets
  • Compact Foldable Catch and Release Nets
  • Biodegradable Catch and Release Nets

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