Portable Fishing Landing Net Review: Compact, Telescopic, and Handy?

This review dives into the practicality and performance of a portable fishing landing net, focusing on its compact, telescopic design. We unpack the ease of assembly and the initial impressions of portability, key features for anglers prioritizing space and convenient storage. The telescopic mechanism, while initially requiring a short learning curve, ultimately allows for smooth extension and retraction, enhancing its one-handed operability, a crucial aspect for solo fishing expeditions.This review explores the net's reach and functionality, testing its capabilities in a controlled environment. We assess the overall length and its suitability for various fish sizes, emphasizing the balance between reach and compactness. Finally, we examine the build quality and ease of use, considering its potential as a durable and space-saving alternative to traditional landing nets, weighing its practicality against its price point.

Pros And Cons

12.50 Landing Net from eBay
  • Compact
  • Telescopic
  • Handy
  • Good for smaller fish
  • Good price
  • Difficult to engage/disengage handle (takes time to learn)

Read more: 5 Best Fishing Nets for Catching Trout

Unboxing and Initial Impressions

The unboxing experience was straightforward. The net arrived compact and easily assembled. The telescopic design immediately impressed me, suggesting portability and ease of storage. This is a major advantage for anglers with limited car space or those who prefer a compact setup.

Close-up of the packaging and the net being taken out
Close-up of the packaging and the net being taken out
The compact folded net
The compact folded net

Functionality and Telescopic Mechanism

The telescopic mechanism took a little getting used to; it took me about 10 minutes to figure out the locking and unlocking mechanism. Once understood, extending and retracting the net was fairly smooth. The handle is designed for one-handed operation, ideal for solo fishing trips.

Demonstration of the telescopic pole extending
Demonstration of the telescopic pole extending
The presenter struggling with the handle
The presenter struggling with the handle

Size and Reach Test

The net's overall length when fully extended is approximately 1.75 meters, with the pole itself measuring about 1.4 meters. I tested the reach in a pool (1.6 meters deep), and it performed well, successfully reaching the bottom without issues. The length is suitable for various fish sizes.

The net's full extension being shown
The net's full extension being shown
The net being used in a pool test
The net being used in a pool test

One-Handed Use and Final Verdict

The net's design allows for comfortable one-handed operation, a must for anglers fishing solo. While I haven't yet used it to land a fish, the build quality and testing suggest it's a practical and durable option, especially given its price. It's a great space-saving alternative to larger, fixed landing nets.

One-handed operation demonstration
One-handed operation demonstration
The presenter holding the net
The presenter holding the net