The fish is already in shallow water.
Your rod is held high, the leader is taut, and the final run ends just a few feet in front of you.
It's at this very moment that you find out if your landing net truly suits your fishing style.
Because a good landing net is much more than just an accessory when fly fishing. It helps to land a fish quickly, controllably, and as gently as possible – and that's especially crucial for Catch & Release.
A high-quality fly fishing net with a rubber or TPU mesh also reduces the risk of leaders, flies, or hooks unnecessarily snagging in the net.
And when everything is right, the decisive moment unfolds almost effortlessly:
Lead the fish.
Net in the water.
One pull.
The fish is safely in the net.
Why a fly fishing net with a rubber mesh is so practical
Traditional textile nets can work, but modern rubber or TPU nets offer several clear advantages for fly fishing.
They absorb hardly any water, dry faster, and are therefore more comfortable to carry even after many hours on the water.
However, handling the fish and fly is even more important.
A smooth, knotless rubber net reduces the risk of:
- small dry flies
- nymphs
- thin tippets
- barbs or streamer hooks
getting deeply entangled in the mesh.
This is a real advantage, especially for Euro Nymphing, dry fly fishing, or fishing with fine leaders.
For the fish, a smooth TPU or rubber net also means less mechanical stress than many coarse or knotted mesh materials.
However, this never replaces proper fish handling.
Even with a good catch-and-release net, remember to:
keep the fish in the water as much as possible,
use wet hands,
do not prolong the fight unnecessarily,
and release the fish back into the water as quickly as possible after the photo.
Not all rubber nets are created equal
When choosing a fly fishing net, it's not enough to just look for "Rubber" or "TPU" in the product description.
Also crucial are:
- mesh size
- material thickness
- net depth
- overall weight
- flexibility
- frame shape
A very deep, strong rubber net is excellent for larger fish.
However, it can be unnecessarily heavy and bulky on a small stream.
Therefore, the landing net should be chosen just like a fly rod:
suited to the water and the target fish.
What net size for trout and grayling?
For classic trout and grayling fishing on small to medium-sized rivers, a compact trout net is usually ideal.
A frame opening of approximately 40 × 30 cm is perfectly sufficient for many brown trout, grayling, and rainbow trout.
A compact frame has several advantages:
It doesn't get in the way when wading.
It is less likely to snag on branches.
It is lightweight.
And it can be quickly grasped with one hand.
Especially for small stream fishing, this is more important than maximum net size.
Fishpond Nomad Native – lightweight and built for mobile fly fishermen
A very good example of this concept is the Fishpond Nomad Native Net 2.0.
This net was deliberately developed for fly fishermen who want to be light and mobile.
The composite frame made of carbon and fiberglass is water- and weather-resistant and also floats. It also features a lightweight TPU net, which, according to the product description, is robust and can stretch significantly before tearing. MB CUSTOMRODS
With its compact format, the Fishpond Nomad Native is particularly suitable for:
- classic trout fishing
- small stream fishing
- light day trips
- mobile fly fishermen
- combination with a vest or hip pack
This is exactly where the strength of the Fishpond Nomad nets lies:
low weight, modern composite materials, and a very practical design. MB CUSTOMRODS
When a larger net becomes useful
Not every trout fits comfortably into a small stream net.
On larger rivers, lakes, or waters with strong rainbow trout and large brown trout, the frame should be chosen more generously.
A net that is too small often results in the fish swimming past the frame multiple times.
This prolongs the fight.
And that's exactly what you want to avoid.
For larger fish, the net should offer enough space for the fish to slide completely into the net on the first clean attempt.
Rising Lunker – when the fish gets really big
The Rising Lunker Landing Net is designed for exactly this application.
Rising explicitly describes the Lunker as a net for larger brown trout, rainbow trout, and other trophy fish. The larger frame is designed to quickly and safely hold strong fish. MB CUSTOMRODS
The modular concept is particularly interesting.
Frame, handle, and other components are interchangeable or expandable. The frame is made of 6000 series aluminum, the handles are hard anodized, and the net has a rubberized mesh. MB CUSTOMRODS
For fly fishermen who frequently fish larger rivers, such a net offers noticeably more reserve.
This is particularly pleasant for:
- large brown trout
- strong rainbow trout
- larger grayling
- deep water
- stronger currents
The advantage of Rising thus clearly lies in robustness, modularity, and functionality for larger fish.
Rising Brookie – more compact for classic trout fishing
If you like this robust approach but don't need a large Lunker net, MB-Customrods also offers the more compact Rising Brookie Nets.
The Rising nets in the MB-Customrods Shop thus range from the compact Brookie to the significantly larger Lunker. MB CUSTOMRODS
This allows the Rising system to be specifically adapted to water size and average fish size.
Net depth – often more important than you think
It's not just the frame opening that matters.
The depth of the rubber net also significantly changes the handling.
A shallower net has less volume and weight.
This is pleasant for smaller fish and narrow streams.
A deeper net, on the other hand, offers more security for strong fish.
Once a large trout is in the net, it usually remains much calmer there than in an extremely shallow net.
Especially if the fish still has energy, additional net depth can prevent it from flipping back over the frame.
Choosing the right mesh size
For a rubber net, the mesh size should also match the intended use.
Very fine meshes can protect small flies and delicate fins well.
However, they often create more water resistance.
Slightly larger TPU or rubber meshes can be moved through the water faster and are particularly pleasant for larger nets.
For many trout and grayling waters, a medium mesh size is a good compromise.
Transparent or black rubber nets?
Even the net color is more than just aesthetics.
Clear or transparent nets appear very unobtrusive in the water and are subtle in photos.
Black or darker nets, on the other hand, create a stronger contrast.
Both variants can function excellently.
More important than the color remains the material.
A soft, fish-friendly, and knotless net should always take precedence.
Frame material: wood, carbon, fiberglass, or aluminum?
There are also different philosophies regarding the frame.
Wood
Wooden frames have a classic look and go excellently with bamboo and fiberglass fly rods.
They feel warm and have a lot of character.
However, they require a bit more maintenance.
Carbon and Fiberglass Composite
Modern composite frames can be extremely lightweight and weather-resistant at the same time.
The Fishpond Nomad Native, for example, uses a carbon/fiberglass composite construction that is water- and weather-resistant and also floats. MB CUSTOMRODS
This is ideal for fly fishermen who cover a lot of ground.
Aluminum
Aluminum offers high robustness and can be constructed to be relatively lightweight at the same time.
Rising, for example, uses a frame made of 6000 series aluminum for the Lunker. MB CUSTOMRODS
This is a very interesting solution, especially for frequently used utility nets.
Hex Fly Co. – wood feel meets robust construction
Hex Fly Co. takes a completely different approach with the REACH NET.
Hex combines a classic hardwood handle with a flexible, very robust spring steel frame.
This gives the net the natural feel of a wooden handle, but is also said to be significantly more resistant to shocks and hard use. MB CUSTOMRODS
The REACH NET also features a fish-friendly rubber net and was specifically designed for fly fishermen who want a little more reach when wading. MB CUSTOMRODS
This is particularly beneficial for those who frequently wade deeper or prefer not to net a fish directly in front of their feet.
The Hex Fly Co. REACH is therefore particularly interesting for:
- larger rivers
- deeper wading
- mobile fly fishermen
- robust daily use
- fly fishermen who like the look of wood but want high durability
SOLO or REACH – two Hex-Fly-Co. concepts
In addition to the REACH, MB-Customrods also carries the Hex Fly Co. SOLO NET.
Both models can be found in the MB-Customrods net selection. MB CUSTOMRODS
The main difference lies in their application:
The SOLO is more compact for classic wading.
The REACH offers additional reach.
Thus, Hex Fly Co. follows a sensible principle:
Not one net for everything – but the right format for your style of fishing.
Which handle for which application?
The handle length is often underestimated when buying a net.
However, it significantly influences handling.
Short handle
Ideal for:
- small streams
- densely vegetated waters
- light equipment
- carrying on the back
Medium handle
Ideal for:
- classic rivers
- wading
- Euro Nymphing
- larger trout
Longer handle
Ideal for:
- deep wading
- larger rivers
- boat
- higher banks
- larger fish
This is where the advantage of the Hex Fly Co. REACH lies, for example.
A little extra reach can make all the difference in the crucial moment.
Nets for Euro Nymphing and ESN
For Euro Nymphing or ESN, a slightly longer net can be particularly pleasant.
A long nymphing rod is often held high with one hand.
At the same time, the leader and fish need to be controlled.
The fish is often very close to the fly fisherman.
A net with a little more reach allows you to land the fish without having to reach unnecessarily far or crouch down deeply.
Nevertheless, the net should remain light enough to be carried comfortably for several hours.
Net holders and magnetic systems
The best net is of little help if it's not accessible at the crucial moment.
Therefore, the attachment is also part of the fly fishing accessories that should be sensibly coordinated.
A magnetic net holder allows the net to be quickly detached from the back or wading belt.
Hex Fly Co., for example, offers a magnetic Net Holster landing net holder.
The strong magnet holds the net to your body, while an additional paracord leash prevents it from being lost. The holster can be attached to a wading belt or backpack, among other places. MB CUSTOMRODS
Especially for active wading, such a system is significantly more comfortable than constantly having to reach for the net.
Which net suits which type of fly fishing?
As a rough guide:
| Application | Recommended |
|---|---|
| Small stream / Smallstream | compact, lightweight trout net |
| Dry fly / Grayling | light TPU net, compact frame |
| Euro Nymphing | slightly longer handle, low weight |
| Larger trout river | larger frame and medium net depth |
| Trophy trout | large frame, deep rubber net |
| Deep wading | longer handle |
| Heavy daily use | composite, aluminum, or steel construction |
The Fishpond Nomad Native, for example, is particularly lightweight and mobile, the Rising Lunker offers significantly more space for large fish, and the Hex Fly Co. REACH NET combines robust construction with additional reach. MB CUSTOMRODS
Care of a fly fishing net with a rubber mesh
A TPU or rubber net is uncomplicated.
However, even a good net is not completely maintenance-free.
After a normal day of fishing, clear fresh water is usually sufficient to remove:
sand,
plant debris,
slime
and dirt.
After saltwater use, the net should always be thoroughly rinsed with fresh water.
Then let it dry completely.
Do not place it wet in the trunk.
And do not store it permanently in a closed bag.
Regularly check frame and attachment
It's worth taking a quick look at:
- net attachment
- frame
- handle
- screws
- fittings
- magnet or carabiner
- safety leash
A small tear in the net is quickly repaired or the net replaced.
During the fight with a large fish, it's too late for that.
Buying a fly fishing net – points to consider
If you want to buy a fly fishing net, the brand alone should not be the deciding factor.
More important are:
- average fish size
- water type
- frame opening
- net depth
- rubber net or TPU net
- overall weight
- handle length
- transport and attachment
- freshwater or saltwater use
At MB-Customrods you will find nets and net accessories for fly fishing from Fishpond, Rising Fishing, and Hex Fly Co. – from compact trout nets to large wading nets for powerful fish. MB CUSTOMRODS
The right net makes the final moment calm
A good fly rod brings the fish under control.
A good leader holds.
A good drag works.
But the final seconds belong to the net.
The fish is in front of you in the current.
You lower the frame into the water.
One more short escape.
Then it glides in.
No rush.
No second attempt.
Just a calm moment before the hook is released and the fish disappears again.
This is precisely what a good fly fishing net should be designed for: a safe landing, gentle handling of the fish, and as little drama as possible in the most important moment of the fight.
