Landing Net Heads

Landing Net Heads

The landing net is an essential piece of equipment for anglers, consisting of two main elements, typically detachable from one another: the handle and the landing net head. Thus, the landing net head can be purchased separately from the handle, allowing the angler to choose the shape and type of head as well as the optimal length of the handle. This enables anglers to create customized combinations suitable for the size of the targeted fish, fishing spots, and other specific characteristics.

There are many types of landing net heads available on the market, but for simplicity, we will categorize them into heads intended for carp fishing and heads intended for other species.

Landing net heads for carp fishing are significantly larger, due to the size carp can reach compared to most freshwater fish we target when fishing. These landing net heads can have openings of up to 130 cm (while most heads for other species are much smaller, rarely reaching an opening of 80 cm). The shape of landing net heads designed for carp fishing is most often triangular, consisting of arms, a system known as a locking or spreader block, and, of course, the net. The latter typically has a significant depth to accommodate larger carp specimens. The vast majority of landing net heads designed for carp fishing can be easily detached from the handle and even from the locking system, allowing for safe transport of fish to the landing mat or weigh bag.

Landing net heads for other species usually have a round or oval shape, given by a specific frame, most often made from a metallic material. This frame is typically fixed to the locking system and cannot be removed without specific tools. Stationary landing net heads screw onto the landing net handle, are much lighter, and therefore easier to maneuver through the water.

Foldable landing net heads are also available on the market for increased ergonomics during transport.

Features to consider when purchasing a landing net head for carp fishing.

Size of the landing net head - This refers to the length of the net arms or the diameter of the landing net head in the case of round models.

Type of landing net material - There are various types of netting that can equip carp landing net heads available on the market, but the most recommended are softmesh types, made from a soft, non-abrasive “fish-friendly” mesh.

Weight of the landing net head – Ideally, landing net heads should have as low a weight as possible without compromising durability. Modern materials allow for the creation of such lightweight landing net heads; however, these materials usually come at a higher price.