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Bottom line up front: The Frabill Power Stow Folding Net is the best all-around bass net under $25 for most anglers — it collapses flat, has a rubber-coated mesh that's easy on fish and hooks, and fits in a tackle bag without taking over your whole boat. If you want something bigger for tournament-weight bass, step up to the Ego S1 Sliding Handle Net (just under the $25 ceiling at some retailers). And if you're fishing from shore or bank-fishing with kids, the Plusinno Telescoping Landing Net gives you the reach without the price tag.
Now let's break them all down.
Why a Good Bass Net Matters More Than You Think
I've shaken off plenty of bass at the boat because I was trying to lip-grip a fish that was thrashing like it had somewhere to be. A net changes the equation. It's not just a convenience — it's the difference between a photo and a story about the one that got away.
Under $25, you're not shopping for a tournament-grade carbon-fiber net. But you're also not limited to the flimsy green nylon job that's been hanging in your garage since 1998. The budget landing net market has genuinely improved. Rubber-coated mesh is available at this price point now. Collapsible designs fold flat. Telescoping handles give shore anglers real reach.
The key is knowing what trade-offs you're making and which ones actually matter for how you fish. Let's dig into the specs.
Quick Comparison Table
Frabill Power Stow Folding Net
Ego S1 Sliding Handle Net
Plusinno Telescoping Landing Net
SF Landing Net Trout Bass Net
Magreel Folding Landing Net
The 5 Best Bass Nets Under $25
1. Frabill Power Stow Folding Net — Best Overall
Price: ~$22 | Handle: 24 in aluminum | Hoop: 15×17 in | Mesh: Rubber-coated nylon | Weight: 12 oz
Frabill has been making nets for decades, and the Power Stow is where their experience shows at a budget price. The frame folds at a hinge point in the middle of the hoop, which lets the whole net collapse flat — useful if you're fishing from a kayak where space is measured in inches, or if you want to clip it to a vest.
The rubber-coated mesh is the real differentiator here. It doesn't absorb water and slime the way bare nylon does, which means it dries faster between trips and smells less like a bait bucket after a summer of use. More importantly, rubber mesh is significantly easier on fish slime coats — if you're practicing catch-and-release, that matters. I've also noticed that rubber mesh snags treble hooks far less often than nylon, which saves you the five-minute detangling session while a bass you're about to release is getting exhausted in the water.
The 15×17-inch hoop is right-sized for average bass — your 2- to 4-pound largemouth and smallmouth fits comfortably. It won't handle a true hawg over 6 pounds without some maneuvering, but at this price and size, that's expected.
The aluminum handle is lightweight and has a decent grip texture. It doesn't extend, which limits its utility for bank fishing where you might need reach. This is a boat net or a kayak net first.
Pros:
- Rubber-coated mesh — hook-friendly and fish-friendly
- Folds flat for compact storage
- Proven brand with real quality control
- Dries fast, low odor retention
- Easy to clip to a D-ring or carabiner
Cons:
- Fixed handle limits reach for bank anglers
- 15×17 hoop may be snug on larger bass
- The fold hinge can loosen over time with heavy use
Who it's for: Boat anglers, kayak bass fishermen, or anyone who wants a compact, hook-friendly net that folds flat and doesn't stink.
2. Ego S1 Sliding Handle Net — Best for Big Bass
Price: ~$24 | Handle: 24–36 in (slides to extend) | Hoop: 18×20 in | Mesh: Rubber | Weight: 14 oz
Ego makes some of the best nets in the game at higher price points — their carbon-frame nets run $80-plus — but the S1 Sliding Handle brings the brand's rubber mesh and quality assembly down under $25 if you catch it at the right retailer (it regularly dips to $23–24 on Amazon).
The sliding handle is a genuine feature, not a gimmick. It locks solidly at both the short (24 in) and extended (36 in) positions. You can fish it compact from a boat deck, then extend it when a fish is running deep under the hull or when you're working from a dock. The 18×20 hoop is meaningfully bigger than the Frabill — that extra three inches on each dimension makes a real difference when you're trying to scoop a bass that's still fighting.
The rubber mesh here is slightly stiffer than the Frabill's coating — it feels more like a proper rubber net versus a nylon net with a rubber dip. That translates to better hook release when a crankbait or spinnerbait inevitably gets wrapped up in it.
My only gripe: at 14 oz, it's the heaviest net on this list, and when it's extended to 36 inches, it feels a little whippy. The handle flex isn't a deal-breaker but it's noticeable.
Pros:
- Largest hoop on this list — handles big largemouth comfortably
- Sliding handle adapts from boat to dock use
- Ego's rubber mesh quality at a budget price
- Solid brand reputation and better-than-average QC
- Hook-friendly, fish-safe mesh
Cons:
- At full extension, handle flexes noticeably
- Slightly heavier than folding alternatives
- Doesn't collapse as flat as the Frabill for storage
Who it's for: Anglers targeting bigger bass — 4 pounds and up — or anyone who needs one net that works from a boat, dock, or low bank.
3. Plusinno Telescoping Landing Net — Best for Shore Fishing
Price: ~$18 | Handle: 23–43 in (telescopes) | Hoop: 13×18 in | Mesh: Rubber-coated | Weight: 10 oz
If you're fishing from shore, the bank, or a high dock, reach is everything. The Plusinno Telescoping Net gives you 43 inches of handle when fully extended — that's over three and a half feet to bridge the gap between your boots and the water's surface. For pond anglers and bank fishermen who've been doing the awkward half-squat lean-and-grab, this net is a genuine upgrade.
The telescoping mechanism is simple and solid. It collapses to 23 inches, which is small enough to walk with or toss in a backpack. The aluminum shaft is lightweight at 10 oz total, which matters when you're holding it extended at arm's length over the water.
The rubber-coated mesh is bass-appropriate, though the 13×18 hoop is on the smaller side. It'll handle your average 1-to-3 pound bass without drama, but a big fish is going to require patience and a good approach angle. The handle's reach compensates somewhat — you can get underneath a fish from a better position when you have the extension working for you.
This net is also popular with kayakers who want the telescoping length for low-angle netting when they can't lean over the side safely.
Pros:
- 43-inch extended handle — most reach on this list
- Collapses to 23 inches for backpack-friendly transport
- Rubber-coated mesh is fish and hook safe
- Lightest net on the list at 10 oz
- Good value at ~$18
Cons:
- 13×18 hoop is smallest on the list — not ideal for big bass
- Telescoping locks aren't as secure as a fixed handle under hard use
- Not designed to fold flat like the Frabill
Who it's for: Shore anglers, pond hoppers, hikers who fish, and kayakers who need extended reach without carrying a full-size net.
4. SF Landing Net Trout Bass Net — Best Budget Pick
Price: ~$15 | Handle: 21 in wooden | Hoop: 13×15 in | Mesh: Rubber mesh | Weight: 9 oz
The SF Net doesn't look like a bass net — it looks like a trout net — and that's mostly what it is. But it earns a spot on this list because at $15, it's a legitimately well-made net that works perfectly well for bass under 3 pounds, and there are plenty of situations — finesse fishing, small ponds, dock fishing for average-size largemouth — where that's exactly what you need.
The wooden handle is a pleasant surprise at this price. It feels better in hand than aluminum, doesn't get slippery when wet, and has a cork grip on the end that gives you a positive hold even with wet gloves. The rubber mesh is soft and flexible — more so than any other net here — which is excellent for catch-and-release and doesn't tangle hooks.
The 13×15 hoop limits you to smaller fish. An average-size largemouth (12–15 inches) lands fine. A tournament fish will be a challenge. But if you're primarily fishing a finesse rig for spotted bass or targeting smaller water where a 2-pound bass is a great fish, this net punches above its price tag.
Pros:
- Best rubber mesh quality per dollar on this list
- Wooden handle feels premium, non-slip when wet
- Excellent for catch-and-release — very gentle on fish
- Hook-friendly mesh — virtually no tangle
- At $15, it's nearly an impulse buy
Cons:
- Hoop is too small for serious bass fishing above 3 pounds
- Fixed short handle — no reach
- No folding or storage convenience features
Who it's for: Finesse bass anglers, catch-and-release focused fishermen, light tackle enthusiasts, or anyone who wants a quality net for smaller water and doesn't need the extra hoop real estate.
5. Magreel Folding Landing Net — Best for Bank Anglers on a Budget
Price: ~$19 | Handle: 31 in aluminum | Hoop: 15×19 in | Mesh: Nylon | Weight: 13 oz
The Magreel is a workhorse net that gives you a longer fixed handle (31 inches) than anything else at this price point, combined with a folding frame. That combination is unique here — every other folding net on this list has a shorter handle, and every other long-handle net doesn't fold.
For bank anglers who need some reach but also want to be able to collapse the net for carrying or storage, the Magreel solves that problem at $19.
The trade-off is the mesh. This is a nylon net, not rubber-coated. Nylon is the old standard — it works, it's durable, but it's harder on fish slime, absorbs water and odor more readily, and tangles treble hooks more aggressively. If you're strictly targeting fish to keep, that's not an issue. If you're doing catch-and-release or fishing a lot of crankbaits and spinnerbaits, expect to spend some time untangling.
The 15×19 hoop is a good size for average to above-average bass. The folding frame is solid — it clicks into open position firmly and doesn't collapse mid-use. The 31-inch handle gives meaningful reach without feeling unbalanced.
Pros:
- Longest fixed handle on this list at 31 inches
- Folds for transport despite the longer handle
- Good hoop size for average bass
- Solid frame construction — doesn't collapse accidentally
- Good reach for low bank or dock situations
Cons:
- Nylon mesh — harder on fish, tangles hooks, absorbs odor
- Heavier than folding-only alternatives at 13 oz
- Nylon will degrade faster than rubber mesh alternatives
Who it's for: Bank anglers who need reach and the ability to fold the net for walking or storage, and who primarily fish to keep rather than release.
What to Look for in a Bass Net Under $25
Mesh Type First
If you're spending money in this category, prioritize rubber-coated or rubber mesh over bare nylon. It's better for the fish, better for your hooks, and better for your nose after a few trips. At this price range, rubber mesh is available — don't settle for nylon if catch-and-release matters to you.
Hoop Size for Your Target Fish
Average largemouth in most lakes run 12–16 inches. A 15×17-inch hoop handles them cleanly. If you're targeting bigger water where 5-pound bass are realistic, push toward the 18×20-inch hoop territory. Don't carry a trout net to a tournament.
Handle Style Matches How You Fish
Fixed short handle = boat or kayak. Telescoping = shore or backpack fishing. Sliding/extending = do-everything versatility. There's no wrong answer — just know which situation you're buying for.
Weight and Storage
This matters more than people think, especially for kayak anglers. A net you don't carry is a net that doesn't save your fish. Under 12 oz is comfortable for all-day carry. Make sure it has a clip or cord loop so you can attach it to your rig.
Accessories Worth Adding
- Boga Grip (~$30–60): If you're doing a lot of catch-and-release on big bass, a gripper tool complements a net well — use the net to secure the fish, then the gripper for safe lip control.
- Net Float (~$8–12): A small foam float attached to your net handle means you don't lose it if it goes overboard. Worth every penny.
- Carabiner Clip (~$5–8): Attach your net to a boat D-ring or vest loop so it's always accessible when a fish shows up unexpectedly.
- Fish-Safe Hook Remover (~$10–15): Pairs well with a rubber mesh net — get the fish in, get the hook out clean, get the fish back in the water.
FAQ: Best Bass Nets Under $25
Q: Is rubber mesh really worth it over nylon at this price point?
Yes, and here's the specific reason: nylon mesh has tiny fibers that strip the protective slime coat off bass during netting. That slime coat is the fish's immune system — damage it and the fish is more susceptible to disease and stress after release. Rubber mesh, even the cheaper rubber-coated versions, is dramatically smoother and causes far less slime coat abrasion. For under $25, you can get rubber mesh (Frabill, Ego, Plusinno, SF Net all offer it at this price). There's no longer a reason to accept nylon if you're releasing fish.
Q: What hoop size do I actually need for bass fishing?
For average bass — 1 to 4 pounds, roughly 12 to 18 inches — a