Best Fishing Nets For Lake Erie
You fish Lake Erie like a captain who’s earned his stripes on Western Basin wrecks and fall pattern swings. I’ve spent decades chasing walleye as the boats tilt with the season, and I know a net that can keep up makes or breaks a day. This roundup cuts through the noise and shows you which nets survive cold water, land big eyes and perch, and ride the trolling, jigging, or ice-fishing grind. For tournament days or long lake sessions, you’ll get real-world notes on length, material, and setup that actually matter.
⚡ Quick Answer: Best Lake Erie Fishing
Best for Family Use: RESTCLOUD Fishing Landing Net with Telescoping Pole Handle, Fishing net Freshwater for Kids Men Women, Extend to 40-63 Inches
$9.99 — Check price on Amazon →
Table of Contents
- Main Points
- Our Top Picks
- RESTCLOUD Fishing Landing Net with Telescoping Pole Handle, Fishing net Freshwater for Kids Men Women, Extend to 40-63 Inches
- KastKing Pontus Fishing Net, Foldable & Lightweight Landing Net with Built in Length Scale, Strength Aluminum Handle, Fishing Gear and Gift for Men
- PLUSINNO Floating Fishing Net for Steelhead, Salmon, Fly, Kayak, Catfish, Bass, Trout Fishing, Rubber Coated Foldable Landing Net with Fixed or Telescoping Pole Handle, Fishing Gear and Gifts for Men
- ZENFUN 2 Pack Fishing Net with Telescopic Pole Handle, Fish Landing Net with Sturdy Collapsible Handle, Folding Nylon Mesh Landing Net for Saltwater and Freshwater, Extend to 51 in(Black, White)
- RESTCLOUD Fishing Landing Net with Telescoping Pole Handle, Fishing net Freshwater for Kids Men Women, Extend to 40-63 Inches
- High Strength Large Landing Net - Fishing Net with Long Telescoping Handle and Soft Rubber Netting, Dip Net for Fishing, Ideal for Boat, Pier, River Angling
- Buying Guide
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Conclusion
Main Points
- Rubber-coated or knotless mesh minimizes slime transfer and net damage, crucial for quick, clean releases of walleye and perch in cold Erie water.
- Telescoping reach matters: 40–63 inches covers boat-side netting from the gunwale during fall trolling and jigging at depths commonly worked in Western and Central Basin patterns.
- Foldable or collapsible designs save cockpit space on tournament boats, letting you deploy fast when the bite is hot and stow quickly between rods.
- Durable aluminum handles and, where offered, built-in length scales speed keeper checks and reduce handling time during creel checks or livewell entries.
- Having a spare or two nets (two-pack options are common) keeps you covered on busy days or multi-rod spreads, so you don’t miss a chance when a big Erie fish comes tight.
Our Top Picks
More Details on Our Top Picks
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RESTCLOUD Fishing Landing Net with Telescoping Pole Handle, Fishing net Freshwater for Kids Men Women, Extend to 40-63 Inches
🏆 Best For: Best for Family Use
You want the Best for Family Fishing because this RESTCLOUD net blends reach, simplicity, and budget-friendly practicality for Lake Erie trips. The extendable 40-63 inch pole lets your youngest deckhand scoop fish without you stepping over the gunwale. In Western Basin fall perch patterns and early walleye touches, speed matters—this lightweight freshwater net keeps lines clear and the landing smooth on a busy boat.
Key features translate to real-world results: a sturdy telescoping aluminum shaft paired with a kid-friendly grip, and a freshwater nylon net that dries quickly. Extend it out to reach over the rail, grab a perch or small walleye, and lift cleanly onto deck without tangling lines. It folds compactly for storage behind a seat or under a console, a small but crucial advantage on tight Central Basin days.
Who should buy this? Families, beginners, and casual Lake Erie anglers who want dependable, extendable netting for day trips. Use it spring through fall when walleye chase weed edges and perch school along rocky humps; it’s perfect for teaching kids to net responsibly and stay involved. If you’re chasing trophy fish on a tournament circuit, this isn’t your primary tool, but it keeps the boat moving and the crew engaged after the catch.
Honest caveats: build quality aligns with the price, so expect lighter durability than premium nets. The opening can feel tight on larger fish, and the telescoping mechanism may loosen with heavy use. Still, for family trips on Lake Erie—especially Western and Central Basin outings in fall—the net delivers value without slowing you down.
✅ Pros
- Lightweight and easy to handle
- Telescopes to 63 inches
- Budget-friendly family tool
❌ Cons
- Durability limited vs premium nets
- Small net opening for big walleye
- Key Ingredient: Aluminum telescoping shaft
- Scent Profile: Odor-free nylon net
- Best For: Best for Family Fishing
- Size / Volume: 40–63 in reach
- Special Feature: Quick-extend telescoping handle
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KastKing Pontus Fishing Net, Foldable & Lightweight Landing Net with Built in Length Scale, Strength Aluminum Handle, Fishing Gear and Gift for Men
🏆 Best For: Best for Precise Sizing
This net earns the "Best for Precise Sizing" tag because its built-in length scale gives you instant, accurate measurements for walleye and perch on the water—no rummaging for a ruler, and no guesswork during creel checks. In the Central Basin, fall patterns tighten up and length dictates keep/release decisions at the net; you’ll move faster, keep more fish alive, and still meet limits. The foldable aluminum handle stays stiff in cold water and tucks neatly in a tight boat locker after every grab.
Key features and real-world benefits: Foldable, lightweight frame means quick stowage between spots and fast deploys when a fish hits. The built-in inches scale lets you confirm a 15-inch walleye without pausing to measure later, which helps in tournaments and creel enforcement alike. The aluminum handle resists cold Erie days and won’t flex under pressure, so you stay in control. Netting that minimizes slime and handling damage keeps perch and walleye healthy for a clean release in rough Western Basin chop or calm fall flats.
Who should buy this and when: If you chase Lake Erie walleye and perch with fall patterns, this net is a smart addition. Tournament veterans will value the quick, verifiable sizing, and overnighters who log long days on the Western or Central Basin will appreciate the compact, easy-stow design. It’s also a solid upgrade for ice fishermen who want an on-ice measurement tool without bulky gear in the shack.
Honest drawbacks or caveats: Hoop size can limit landing very large fish. Scale markings may wear with heavy use and spray. The fold joints can loosen after repeated stowing in rough seas. Overall, this is not a big-muscled net, but it excels for walleye and perch on Erie and fits the boat, dock, or ice pack you run.
✅ Pros
- Built-in length scale for fast legal measurements
- Foldable, lightweight design stores easy on boat
- Durable aluminum handle survives cold Erie days
❌ Cons
- Hoop size limits larger walleye
- Scale marks wear with heavy use
- Best For: Best for Precise Sizing
- Material / Build: Aluminum handle, foldable frame
- Size / Length Scale: Built-in inches scale
- Use Case: Walleye, Perch, Ice fishing
- Durability: Cold-water tested, corrosion-resistant
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PLUSINNO Floating Fishing Net for Steelhead, Salmon, Fly, Kayak, Catfish, Bass, Trout Fishing, Rubber Coated Foldable Landing Net with Fixed or Telescoping Pole Handle, Fishing Gear and Gifts for Men
🏆 Best For: Best for Gentle Landing
Best for Gentle Landing earns this label because you get a floating, rubber-coated net that keeps fish calm during Lake Erie landings. In the Western Basin chop, it protects mouths and slime better than a bare mesh, which matters when you’re chasing walleye and perch in tight boat control. The floating frame stays right where you expect it, and the foldable, telescoping handle keeps reach comfortable from a mid-size cruiser or a bow-drowner rig as you steer toward the fish.
Key features and real-world benefits: the rubber-coated netting resists fouling and is easy on scales, so a quick, clean release is realistic on Erie’s cool water. It floats, so a dropped net won’t vanish into the swirl of a chop or slip under a deck cleat. The folding frame and adjustable length give you flexibility for jigging tight weedlines or steering a tight troll along the Central Basin ledges. It’s light enough for all-day use and, at $22.31, a smart hedge for tournament boats or long field days.
Who should buy this and when: if you run Western Basin charters or chase fall walleye and perch along weed edges in the Central Basin, this net is a practical, dependable tool for clean landings without slowing your bite. It serves as a solid backup on a tournament boat or as a spare in your crew bag for jigging and slow-trolling sessions in cool water. It also doubles as a usable option for ice fishing scenarios, though it isn’t a dedicated ice net.
Honest drawbacks or caveats: hoop size is on the compact side, so very large walleye or hefty perch can feel tight. The rubber coating, while durable, wears with heavy use and cold storage, and it can take longer to dry in damp boat boxes—prompt air drying helps prevent mildew over a long season.
✅ Pros
- Gentle rubber coating protects fish.
- Floating design stays accessible.
- Foldable, compact storage.
❌ Cons
- Hoop size may be small for big walleye.
- Rubber wears with heavy use.
- Key Ingredient: Rubber-coated net
- Scent Profile: No odor; rinse after use
- Best For: Best for Gentle Landing
- Size / Volume: Foldable hoop; telescoping handle
- Special Feature: Floating design; quick-dry frame
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ZENFUN 2 Pack Fishing Net with Telescopic Pole Handle, Fish Landing Net with Sturdy Collapsible Handle, Folding Nylon Mesh Landing Net for Saltwater and Freshwater, Extend to 51 in(Black, White)
🏆 Best For: Best for Dual-Water Use
This net earns its Best for Dual-Water Use tag by bridging ice and open-water needs without swapping gear. The telescoping pole hits 51 inches, and the foldable nylon mesh stores compact on a crowded boat deck. In Western Basin trolling and Central Basin jigging, you’ll land walleye and perch without a splash over the gunnel, keeping fish calm and your boat slick for the next pass.
Real-world benefits start with the two-pack design and a sturdy, collapsible handle that survives Lake Erie’s cold soak. The extendable reach lets you net from rail height or over the bow, while the mesh is gentle on fish for quick releases. It sheds cold water fast, resists icing in late-season runs, and keeps your landing smooth during fall patterns across both basins.
Buy this if you bounce between ice weekends and open-water trips, especially during fall tournaments where you chase walleye and perch in variable conditions. Open-water days in the Western Basin demand reliable nets that won’t tangle, even when you’re cruising weed lines or rocky edges. It’s a practical backup for boats that want one tool to cover both water columns.
Drawbacks? The mesh opening isn’t oversized for trophies, and the frame isn’t built for rugged abuse in chop. It’s a budget option, not a heavy-duty pro net, so treat it as a versatile secondary that shines with clean, quick-net landings.
✅ Pros
- Telescopes to 51 inches
- Collapsible, compact for boat storage
- Dual-water use; open water and ice
❌ Cons
- Mesh opening a bit small for big walleyes
- Not as rugged as premium nets
- Key Ingredient: Telescoping pole and folding nylon mesh
- Scent Profile: None; net doesn't carry scent
- Best For: Best for Dual-Water Use
- Size / Volume: Extends to 51 inches; folds flat
- Special Feature: Quick-release mesh; compact design
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RESTCLOUD Fishing Landing Net with Telescoping Pole Handle, Fishing net Freshwater for Kids Men Women, Extend to 40-63 Inches
🏆 Best For: Best for Family Fishing
You want the Best for Family Fishing because this RESTCLOUD net blends reach, simplicity, and budget-friendly practicality for Lake Erie trips. The extendable 40-63 inch pole lets your youngest deckhand scoop fish without you stepping over the gunwale. In Western Basin fall perch patterns and early walleye touches, speed matters—this lightweight freshwater net keeps lines clear and the landing smooth on a busy boat.
Key features translate to real-world results: a sturdy telescoping aluminum shaft paired with a kid-friendly grip, and a freshwater nylon net that dries quickly. Extend it out to reach over the rail, grab a perch or small walleye, and lift cleanly onto deck without tangling lines. It folds compactly for storage behind a seat or under a console, a small but crucial advantage on tight Central Basin days.
Who should buy this? Families, beginners, and casual Lake Erie anglers who want dependable, extendable netting for day trips. Use it spring through fall when walleye chase weed edges and perch school along rocky humps; it’s perfect for teaching kids to net responsibly and stay involved. If you’re chasing trophy fish on a tournament circuit, this isn’t your primary tool, but it keeps the boat moving and the crew engaged after the catch.
Honest caveats: build quality aligns with the price, so expect lighter durability than premium nets. The opening can feel tight on larger fish, and the telescoping mechanism may loosen with heavy use. Still, for family trips on Lake Erie—especially Western and Central Basin outings in fall—the net delivers value without slowing you down.
✅ Pros
- Lightweight and easy to handle
- Telescopes to 63 inches
- Budget-friendly family tool
❌ Cons
- Durability limited vs premium nets
- Small net opening for big walleye
- Key Ingredient: Aluminum telescoping shaft
- Scent Profile: Odor-free nylon net
- Best For: Best for Family Fishing
- Size / Volume: 40–63 in reach
- Special Feature: Quick-extend telescoping handle
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High Strength Large Landing Net - Fishing Net with Long Telescoping Handle and Soft Rubber Netting, Dip Net for Fishing, Ideal for Boat, Pier, River Angling
🏆 Best For: Best for Large Fish
This net earns the “Best for Large Fish” position because the long telescoping handle lets you reach over a gunwale or pier railing to lift big walleye without dragging the fish across spray. In Western Basin fall runs, those bruisers want a quick, clean lift, and this net keeps your deck dry and your hands safe. The soft rubber netting protects slime and gill covers, so your catch looks good on the scale and for release. It’s built for boat, pier, or river angling around Lake Erie and handles the demand of serious trips and derby reps with steady reliability.
Key features translate to real-world benefits. The extendable shaft locks solidly, so you stay balanced as you bring a fish aboard. The rubber netting keeps slime on the net rather than the fish, making live releases and photos easier after a long trolling pass or jigging sequence. A sturdy aluminum frame resists fatigue after back-to-back landings, and the large hoop helps you scoop a fast-moving walleye in chop without snagging. When you’re done, it rinses clean and stores compact, ready for the next run.
Who should buy this? Any Lake Erie angler chasing big fish from Western Basin to the Central Basin, especially captains and tournament crews who need quick, controlled landings. In fall patterns, when fish school up and fight hard, you’ll appreciate the reach and control this net provides. It shines for trolling setups and jigging from a boat or pier, and it’s handy on perch trips that require a gentle touch to avoid gut-hooking.
One caveat: the opening isn’t oversized for trophy trophies, so plan your netting angle accordingly. The long handle adds bulk, so store it properly to avoid snagging lines or rod tips on busy mornings. Otherwise, it’s a solid, reliable tool that pays for itself in fewer fights lost to splash and more clean grabs from the deck.
✅ Pros
- Long telescoping handle reaches over gunwale
- Soft rubber netting reduces slime loss
- Durable aluminum frame; quick deployment
❌ Cons
- Opening not huge for trophies
- Requires careful stow to avoid snagging gear
- Key Ingredient: Long telescoping handle, soft rubber netting
- Scent Profile: Neutral rubber, no odor
- Best For: Best for Large Fish
- Size / Volume: Telescopes to reach over gunwale
- Special Feature: Protective rubber mesh; easy release
Factors to Consider
Frequently Asked Questions
What size hoop is best for Lake Erie walleye and perch?
Most days call for a 24-inch hoop with a 36-inch bag. If you expect bigger walleye on deeper Central Basin structure, consider a 28-inch hoop with a 40–44 inch bag.
Rubber nets vs nylon nets in cold water?
Rubber micro-mesh nets stay flexible in cold water and are gentler on fish, reducing handling stress. They also shed slime more easily, which helps on long tournament days.
Do I need a floating net?
Floating nets help you recover a dropped net in chop. On Erie’s bigger days, it’s worth it to avoid losing a valuable tool over the rail.
How long should the handle be for a typical Erie boat?
A 7–9 foot handle fits most mid-size boats. If you run a larger party boat or fish high rails, a 9–12 foot option can save your back during long nets.
Are there nets that work for ice fishing and open water?
Yes, but you’ll want a separate ice scoop for ice fishing and a longer boat net for open water. A sturdy rubber-mesh net can cover both seasons if you’re comfortable switching heads or keeping two nets handy.
How should I care for my net to last through Lake Erie seasons?
Rinse after every trip, dry completely, and store loose in a bag. Inspect the hoop and mesh for wear and replace damaged sections before they fail mid-ride.
Do nets come with a protective sleeve or bag?
Many nets include a protective sleeve or carry bag. If yours doesn’t, it’s worth picking one up to shield the mesh from UV and rail scuffs on long runs.
Conclusion
Bottom line: start with a 24-inch hoop, 36-inch depth, rubber-mesh net and an 8–9 ft extendable handle for Lake Erie’s Western and Central Basin days. It handles fall pattern jigging, trolling, and perch work without slowing you down. I’d pick that setup as your go-to starting point and tailor only if a specific season or boat demands otherwise.
