KastKing Madbite Kayak Fishing Landing Net Review 2026: Best Collapsible Net for Kayak Anglers

2026-09-15

TL;DR: The KastKing Madbite Kayak Fishing Landing Net solves the two biggest net problems for kayak anglers — bulk and hook snags. Its collapsible hoop, rubber-coated mesh, and telescoping float handle make it one of the most practical and fish-friendly nets you can bring on the water. If you've ever tried to wrestle a bass into a standard net while balancing on a sit-on-top, this is the upgrade you didn't know you needed.

Why Kayak Anglers Need a Proper Landing Net

Bank and boat anglers have it easy — they can muscle fish straight to the hull or to shore. On a kayak, you're managing rod, reel, fish, and your own balance simultaneously. A bad net is worse than no net at all.

Most anglers try a cheap dip net first. It snags hooks constantly, the rigid hoop hits your kayak hull like a cleat, and the fish slime soaks into knotted nylon where bacteria love to grow. Catch-and-release fish suffer in those messy fibers. And a full-size net just doesn't fit — it either blocks your paddle stroke or has to be lashed somewhere awkward.

A proper kayak landing net is collapsible for storage, rubber-coated to protect fish and prevent hook snags, and has a floating handle because eventually it goes overboard. That's exactly what the KastKing Madbite delivers.

Specs & Features

• Hoop: 20" x 21" rubber-coated mesh — fish-safe, hook-resistant, UV-stable
• Handle: telescoping aluminum, extends from 24" to 48" with a foam grip that floats
• Folding system: hinge-lock hoop collapses flat for kayak deck storage; snaps open one-handed
• Net depth: 18" — deep enough for larger bass and redfish, won't let fish flip out
• Weight: 14.4 oz — light enough you forget it's clipped to your tank well
• Rubber mesh benefit: no hook tangles, no slime absorption, gentle on fish scales and protective coatings
• Buoyancy: foam-core handle tested to float upright in still water when dropped
• Clip: integrated D-ring loop on handle end for carabiner attachment to kayak rigging

Pros & Cons

Pros:

• ✅ Collapses flat — fits under bungee cords or in a milk crate without adding height
• ✅ Rubber mesh eliminates the #1 frustration of net fishing — hook snags during unhooking
• ✅ Floating handle is a genuine safety feature on moving water
• ✅ 48" extended reach lets you net fish from the front of a long sit-on-top without leaning dangerously
• ✅ Fish-safe coating keeps scales and protective slime intact for clean releases
• ✅ Affordable — under $35 for a tool you'll use every trip

Cons:

• ❌ The hinge lock requires firm pressure to fully snap open — takes one trip to master
• ❌ 20" hoop is ideal up to roughly 8 lb fish; for trophy redfish or stripers you'll want the larger Madbite XL hoop
• ❌ Aluminum handle can flex slightly at full extension with a heavy fish — don't sweep, scoop

How to Use It on a Kayak

The workflow is simple: clip the net to a rear D-ring or tank well handle using a carabiner. When you're fighting a fish, unclip with one hand, snap the hoop open with a single press of the locking tab, and scoop. You're not reaching with a rigid net — you're positioning the hoop under the fish and lifting, which is gentler on the fish and far more controlled from a seated position.

For catch-and-release anglers, the rubber mesh means the fish can sit in the net at the surface while you back out hooks with both hands, no rush. It's a game-changer if you've been juggling a slippery bass with bare hands trying to keep the kayak balanced.

Bottom Line

For under $35, the KastKing Madbite Kayak Fishing Landing Net is one of the highest-value gear upgrades you can make. It removes real friction from your fishing workflow, protects the fish you catch and release, and stows cleanly on any kayak deck. Buy it before the next trip.

👉 KastKing Madbite Kayak Fishing Landing Net on Amazon

Looking for other fishing kayak essentials? Check out the full selection of kayak fishing nets and tools at Overton's — great for rod holders, tackle bags, and rigging gear.