Best Panfish Nets Under 25

April 03, 2026

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Our Top Pick Right Now

If you want the single best panfish net under $25 without overthinking it, grab the Frabill Power Stow 3770. The 20"x23" rubber-coated hoop is roomy enough for the crappie slabs you actually want to keep, the magnetic fold closure is genuinely useful instead of gimmicky, and the whole thing collapses small enough to clip onto a kayak D-ring. At around $21.99, it covers nearly every panfish scenario better than anything else in this price bracket. That said, there are six other nets in this guide that beat it for specific situations — so keep reading.

Why Your Landing Net Actually Matters for Panfish

Panfish anglers tend to treat landing nets as an afterthought. You're fishing light line, small hooks, small fish — how complicated can netting them be? Turns out, more complicated than you'd think.

Panfish like bluegill and crappie have delicate gill plates and thin skin that tears easily when dragged over a rough nylon mesh or knotted cord net. If you're catch-and-release fishing, a damaged fish is a dead fish that swims away slowly. If you're keeping fish, a torn-up panfish is harder to clean and not much fun to handle. Fish-friendly rubber or knotless rubber-coated mesh makes a real difference here — it protects the slime coat that keeps fish healthy and dramatically reduces fin damage.

Beyond fish care, hoop size is something most budget guides skip over completely. Crappie commonly run 10–15 inches in length and need a wider, deeper hoop to scoop cleanly. Bluegill are smaller and rounder, so a tighter mesh and slightly smaller hoop actually works better because the fish can't tumble around inside and throw the hook. If you fish a mixed bag — crappie, bluegill, yellow perch, small bass — you want something in the 15–20 inch range as a universal compromise.

Handle type is the third variable. Telescoping handles are genuinely useful from a kayak or on a steep bank where your reach matters. Fixed handles are lighter, stiffer, and more responsive — better for dock fishing where you're pulling fish straight up. Folding hoops collapse for storage but add a hinge point that can fail over time. None of these options is universally better. The right one depends on where and how you fish.

The Full Comparison Table

|---|---|---|---|---|---|

| Frabill Power Stow 3770 | 20"x23" | 24" telescoping | Rubber knotless | 0.8 lbs | ~$21.99 |

| Plusinno Telescopic | 15"x12" | 24"–39" telescoping | Rubber knotless | 0.6 lbs | ~$17.99 |

| Ranger 117P | 9"x11" | 12" fixed hardwood | Fine nylon | 0.4 lbs | ~$15.99 |

| EGO S2 Slider Micro | 10"x13" | 18"–24" telescoping | Clear rubber | 0.5 lbs | ~$23.99 |

| Magreel Telescopic | 13"x15" | 12"–36" telescoping | Rubber knotless | 0.55 lbs | ~$17.99 |

Our Top Picks

Frabill Power Stow 3770 — Best Overall Panfish Net Under $25

The Frabill Power Stow has been a staple in the budget landing net category for years, and the 3770 model earns its reputation. The hoop measures 20"x23", which puts it on the larger end of this price range and means you can confidently net a 14-inch crappie without having to chase it around. The rubber-coated knotless mesh is genuinely fish-safe — it won't snag fins or strip slime the way cheap nylon cord does.

The standout feature is the fold-flat design with a magnetic release closure. When you fold the hoop, it snaps shut and stays that way until you pop it open, which takes about half a second. For kayak anglers especially, this is the difference between a net that clips neatly to a D-ring and one that's constantly flopping around in your lap. The 24-inch handle telescopes down to 15 inches for storage, which is genuinely useful.

Pros: Large hoop handles crappie and bigger panfish; fish-safe rubber mesh; magnetic fold closure is reliable and fast; collapses for compact storage; well under $25

Cons: At 0.8 lbs it's the heaviest net in this group; the rubber mesh is slightly deeper than you need for bluegill; telescoping mechanism feels slightly loose when fully extended

Best for: Kayak anglers, bank fishermen targeting crappie and mixed panfish bags, anyone who wants one net that handles most scenarios

Price: ~$21.99 | [Check Price on Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001D1AXQ0?tag=fishingtribun-20)

Plusinno Telescopic Landing Net — Best for Shore and Stream Fishing

The Plusinno is the net that shows up first on Amazon searches for a reason. It's genuinely well-built for the price, and the telescoping handle that extends from 24 inches all the way to 39 inches is the key selling point. When you're on a steep bank, a dock with a high rail, or working moving water from a rocky shore, that extra reach keeps you from leaning out over the water and risking a swim.

The hoop is 15"x12", which is right-sized for bluegill and small crappie but will feel cramped if you're regularly landing 13–14 inch slab crappie. The rubber-coated knotless mesh is fish-friendly and does a good job of releasing hooks cleanly. At 0.6 lbs, it's light enough to hold one-handed while you manage a fish on a light ultralight rod.

One note: the telescoping lock mechanism on some units can slip when wet. Give the handle an extra twist to lock it before you need it.

Pros: Extended reach up to 39 inches; rubber knotless mesh is fish-friendly; lightweight at 0.6 lbs; very affordable under $18; widely available

Cons: Hoop size is limited for larger crappie; telescoping lock can slip when wet; smaller hoop depth means deeper fish can push back out

Best for: Stream anglers, beginners, bank fishermen on elevated banks, youth anglers

Price: ~$17.99 | [Check Price on Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07RQJG3PP?tag=fishingtribun-20)

Wakeman Folding Net M470014 — Best Budget Pick for Versatility

The Wakeman is the net you buy when you want something functional and inexpensive without caring too much about premium features. The 18-inch round hoop is a good universal size for panfish — large enough for crappie, not so big it feels unwieldy. The fixed 24-inch aluminum handle keeps things simple; there's no telescoping mechanism to fail, no hinges to wear out except the fold on the hoop itself.

The knotless nylon mesh is not rubber-coated like the Frabill or Plusinno, which means it's slightly harder on fish if you're pure catch-and-release. But for anglers who are keeping a stringer of bluegill for a fish fry, that distinction matters a lot less. The folding hoop is the key portability feature — fold it flat, tuck it in a bag, done.

Build quality is exactly what you'd expect at $14.99. It's not going to last a decade of heavy use, but it'll handle a couple seasons of weekend panfishing without drama.

Pros: 18-inch round hoop is a practical all-around size; fixed handle means no moving parts to fail; folds flat for storage; very affordable at under $15; knotless mesh won't snag fins

Cons: Nylon mesh (not rubber-coated) is slightly harsher on fish; fixed handle limits reach; build quality is basic; hoop fold hinge will wear with heavy use

Best for: Budget buyers, anglers keeping fish for the table, casual weekend panfishermen

Price: ~$14.99 | [Check Price on Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01MZ2ZNRA?tag=fishingtribun-20)

Ranger 117P — Best for Ultralight and Dock Fishing

Ranger Nets is a small American manufacturer that doesn't get enough attention in the budget net conversation. The 117P is a compact, traditionally-styled net with a 9"x11" hoop and a 12-inch fixed hardwood handle. It's handmade in the USA, which is a genuine differentiator in a market flooded with offshore production.

This is a specialist net. The small hoop is purpose-sized for bluegill and perch on ultralight tackle — it doesn't have the depth or width to handle a 13-inch crappie cleanly. But for dock fishing where you're pulling fish straight up from the water, or for ultralight anglers who want a net that clips to a vest or belt loop, it's exactly right. The hardwood handle feels noticeably better in hand than any aluminum equivalent. The fine nylon knotless mesh is tight enough that small fish don't slip through or get tangled.

At 0.4 lbs, it's the second lightest net in this group and practically disappears in a tackle bag.

Pros: Handmade in the USA; premium hardwood handle feels great; ultra-compact for ultralight and dock setups; fine nylon mesh won't tangle small fish; very lightweight

Cons: Small hoop limits use to bluegill and perch sized fish; 12-inch fixed handle offers no reach advantage; nylon mesh not rubber-coated; limited availability outside of specialty retailers

Best for: Dock fishing, ultralight setups, crappie and bluegill specialists who want a quality American-made product

Price: ~$15.99 | [Check Price on Ranger Nets](https://www.rangernets.com?tag=fishingtribun-20)

EGO S2 Slider Micro — Best for Catch-and-Release Panfishing

At $23.99, the EGO S2 Slider Micro sits at the top of this price range, but it earns its premium with a feature that genuinely matters for catch-and-release fishing: clear rubber mesh. The transparency lets you see the fish clearly while it's still in the net, which makes hook removal faster and less stressful for both angler and fish. The knotless rubber construction is about as fish-safe as you'll find in any net at any price.

The 10"x13" hoop is on the smaller side, sized perfectly for bluegill and perch up to about 10 inches. The handle telescopes from 18 to 24 inches, giving reasonable reach without the full extension of the Plusinno. The aluminum frame is solid and the overall fit-and-finish is noticeably better than most nets in this price bracket — EGO makes nets across a wide price range and that manufacturing consistency shows even at the entry level.

If you're tournament-style catch-and-release panfishing, or if you want to photograph your bluegill and release them healthy, this is the one.

Pros: Clear rubber mesh makes hook removal easy and reduces fish stress; excellent build quality for the price; fish-safe rubber construction; lightweight at 0.5 lbs; extending handle adds reach

Cons: Hoop size is limited — won't handle larger crappie; near top of budget range at $23.99; shorter maximum extension than Plusinno or Magreel

Best for: Catch-and-release panfish anglers, kayak anglers, photography-minded fishermen, anyone prioritizing fish health above all

Price: ~$23.99 | [Check Price on Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07MGZC2NH?tag=fishingtribun-20)

South Bend FNET-12 — Best Ultrabudget Option

The South Bend FNET-12 is the net you buy for the kids, for a guest rod setup, or when you want a backup net that lives permanently in the bottom of a tackle bag without worrying about it. At $10.99, it's the least expensive net in this group by a meaningful margin. The 12-inch round hoop and 12-inch folding aluminum handle are basic but functional, and the clip attachment lets you hang it from a belt loop or bag strap.

Managing expectations here is important. The nylon mesh is not rubber-coated. The aluminum frame is thin. The folding mechanism works but doesn't inspire confidence over years of use. For occasional panfishing, kids learning to net their first bluegill, or dock trips where you want something light and disposable, it does the job.

Pros: Lowest price in the group at under $11; folds completely flat; clip attachment is convenient; light at 0.35 lbs; fine for casual and beginner use

Cons: Nylon mesh is not fish-friendly rubber; thin frame feels fragile; limited hoop size; folding hinge is the weakest point structurally; not for regular or heavy use

Best for: Kids, casual dock anglers, backup net, beginners

Price: ~$10.99 | [Check Price on Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000EVUFYG?tag=fishingtribun-20)

Magreel Telescopic Landing Net — Best Reach-to-Price Ratio

The Magreel splits the difference between the Plusinno and the Frabill in an interesting way. The 13"x15" hoop is larger than the Plusinno's 15"x12" and the handle extends from 12 inches all the way to 36 inches — nearly a full yard of reach when you need it. That combination makes it legitimately versatile across bank, shore, dock, and kayak fishing.

The rubber-coated knotless mesh is fish-safe and the lightweight aluminum frame keeps overall weight to 0.55 lbs even when fully extended. Like the Plusinno, the locking mechanism deserves a firm twist before use to prevent slippage. The overall build quality is solid for $17.99, and the hoop size handles the majority of panfish you're likely to encounter.

What the Magreel doesn't have is the fold-flat convenience of the Frabill or the premium construction of the EGO. But for an angler who wants maximum handle reach and a mid-size hoop at a mid-range price, it hits the mark cleanly.

Pros: Wide extension range from 12 to 36 inches; larger hoop than Plusinno; rubber-coated knotless mesh; lightweight; solid price-to-feature ratio

Cons: Folding lock can slip when wet like most telescoping nets; no fold-flat hoop; mid-range hoop size won't satisfy anglers needing very small or very large; slightly less widely reviewed than Plusinno

Best for: Shore fishing, versatile panfish use, anglers who prioritize reach

Price: ~$17.99 | [Check Price on Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07T8KZQKH?tag=fishingtribun-20)

How to Pick the Right Panfish Net for Your Setup

The right net depends almost entirely on where you fish and what you're targeting. For crappie fishing specifically, go with a hoop no smaller than 15 inches across — crappie can run long and wide, and chasing one around in a small hoop while your hook is still in its mouth is not a situation you want. The Frabill Power Stow at 20"x23" is the gold standard here for this price range.

For bluegill and perch-focused fishing, smaller hoops in the 10–13 inch range actually work better. The fish don't have room to tumble around, hook removal is faster, and the lighter net makes all-day fishing more comfortable. The EGO S2 Slider Micro and the Ranger 117P are both excellent choices.

If you fish from a kayak, foldability is non-negotiable. The Frabill's magnetic fold-flat design is purpose-built for this. Telescoping handles help too, but a net that won't stay out of your way when you're paddling will drive you crazy fast.

For bank and shore fishing where reach matters, the Magreel's 36-inch maximum extension and the Plusinno's 39-inch reach are both meaningfully better than a fixed-handle option. When you're six feet above the waterline on a rocky bank, that extra handle length is the difference between landing the fish and losing it.

Accessories Worth Considering

A few additions make any panfish net work better. A carabiner clip lets you hang a folded net from a vest, tackle bag, or kayak rigging so it's always within reach. Retractable tether cords (around $5–8) clip your net to your boat or kayak and prevent it from going overboard when you inevitably lose your grip. A net float foam grip ($3–5) adds a small measure of buoyancy insurance on open water. None of these break the bank and all three solve real problems.

FAQ

What size net is best for crappie?

For crappie, you want a hoop that's at least 15 inches across in one dimension. Crappie commonly run 10–15 inches long and have wide, flat bodies. A hoop smaller than 15 inches will require you to chase the fish into position before scooping, which increases the risk of losing it or damaging its fins. The Frabill Power Stow at 20"x23" is the best option in this price range for crappie specifically.

Is rubber mesh really better than nylon for panfish?

Yes, meaningfully so if you practice catch-and-release. Rubber-coated knotless mesh won't strip the protective slime coat off fish the way knotted nylon does, and it won't snag fins or scales. If you're keeping fish for the table, the difference matters less, but rubber mesh also releases hooks more cleanly, which saves time. All other things being equal, choose rubber or rubber-coated mesh.

Can I use a panfish net for small bass or trout?

You can, with the right net. The Frabill Power Stow's 20"x23" hoop handles bass up to about 2 lbs and trout up to 14–15 inches without much trouble. The smaller nets in this guide — the Ranger 117P, South Bend FNET-12, and EGO S2 Slider Micro — are genuinely too small for bass and only marginally useful for larger trout. If you regularly fish a mixed bag that includes small bass, size up to the Frabill.

Do telescoping handles weaken or break easily?

The telescoping mechanisms in this price range are aluminum, not the premium carbon fiber you find in $50+ nets. They're durable enough for regular use but do have failure points — particularly the locking collar that can slip when wet or eventually strip with heavy use. The fix is simple: lock the handle before you're in the water, give it a firm twist, and don't extend it fully unless you need the reach. Fixed handles are more durable but sacrifice flexibility.

Are these nets suitable for kayak fishing?

Yes, several of them specifically. The Frabill Power Stow is the best kayak choice because the magnetic fold-flat hoop keeps it compact while paddling. The Magreel and Plusinno are also workable thanks to telescoping handles that collapse to 12–15 inches. The South Bend and Ranger 117P are compact enough to stow anywhere. The key is having some way to clip or secure the net so it doesn't go overboard — add a carabiner and a short tether and you're set.

Is $25 enough to get a genuinely good panfish net?

Absolutely. The panfish category doesn't require the heavy-duty construction that a salmon or muskie net demands, which means the $15–25 price range buys you real quality. Rubber-coated knotless mesh, aluminum frames, and solid telescoping mechanisms are all accessible at this price. The Frabill Power Stow at $21.99 and the EGO S2 Slider Micro at $23.99 both punch significantly above their price point and compare favorably to nets costing twice as much.