Tom Rowland | How To Choose A Landing Net For Saltwater Fishing | Tom Rowland Podcast Ep. 368

Tom Rowland is a professional fishing guide, tournament angler, and host of the Tom Rowland Podcast who specializes in saltwater fishing techniques for permit, bonefish, redfish, snook, and cobia. In this How To Tuesday episode, Tom breaks down exactly how to choose the right landing net for saltwater fishing, covering net size, folding mechanisms, handle length, and netting material selection. He reveals why certain nets can shorten a permit fight by fifteen minutes, which fish you should never put in a net, and the one net design that allows you to land 100-pound fish from a small skiff without bending the handle.

Why Landing Nets Matter for Conservation and Competition

Tom opens with a fundamental question that divides saltwater anglers: do you even need a landing net? His answer might surprise you. For tournament fishermen counting on every fish to score points, a net is essential equipment. But Tom makes an even stronger case for conservation-minded anglers who practice catch and release. He explains how a properly used net can cut the fight time on a big permit by fifteen minutes, dramatically improving the fish's survival rate. The key is understanding which species benefit from netting and which ones will destroy your net with their teeth. Tom shares his experiences netting everything from 30-pound permit to offshore cobia, including one surprising species that becomes completely paralyzed and motionless when it hits the net. Tom's full philosophy on nets and conservation starts at 01:50.

The Frabill Powerstow Net: Solving the Storage Problem

Here's where Tom gets specific about gear. The biggest challenge with landing nets in saltwater fishing isn't strength—it's storage. A net large enough to hold a 50-pound permit takes up enormous space on a skiff. Tom reveals his favorite solution: the Frabill Powerstow Net, which uses a folding mechanism completely different from those flimsy bass fishing nets with bungee cord rims. This net folds in half and the handle telescopes into the hoop, transforming a 60-inch tool into something that fits in a bow hatch. Tom breaks down the size options from 14x40 up to 20x55, explaining why an 18x44 is his sweet spot for permit through cobia. He also shares the technique for lifting heavy fish without bending the handle—and why he keeps one of these nets in every single one of his boats. The detailed breakdown of the Powerstow Net design starts at 06:43.

Net Material: Why Knots Can Destroy Fish Fins

Not all netting material is created equal, and Tom has strong opinions backed by years of releasing fish. Traditional nets with thin material and knots can split fins and scrape protective slime off permit, bonefish, and redfish. Tom advocates for two types of material: rubber nets or knotless mesh. The rubber nets are easiest on the fish, but knotless mesh offers similar protection while being more durable. He explains exactly what to avoid—those old-school nets with visible knots throughout the mesh—and why the net material choice matters more than most anglers realize. For tournament anglers who need quick photos before release, and for guides who want every fish to swim away healthy, this material selection can make the difference between a fish that survives and one that doesn't. Tom's deep dive into netting material and fish handling starts at 11:16.

The Trophy Haul Net: When You're Catching Fish Non-Stop

Tom introduces a second net option for a specific scenario: Louisiana redfish bonanzas or other situations where you're bailing 20-pound fish one after another. The Trophy Haul net doesn't fold, but it's built like a tank with a handle that won't bend under repeated use. Tom explains when it makes sense to sacrifice storage space for constant readiness, keeping the net in a rod holder instead of folding it after every fish. He also reveals a clever design feature—a secondary handle right by the hoop that lets you lift big fish without stressing the main handle. For anglers fishing from bay boats with more storage or targeting large volumes of fish, this might be the better choice. The key is matching your net to your fishing style and boat layout. Tom's comparison of the Trophy Haul versus Powerstow starts at 08:41.

Final Thoughts from Tom

I've been using landing nets for decades, and I can tell you they've saved countless fish that might not have survived otherwise. When you watch a 30-pound permit make lap after lap around the boat, pulling out of your grip over and over, you realize that every minute matters. The net isn't just about making your life easier—it's about giving that fish the best chance to swim away healthy.

The Powerstow Net changed everything for me because I could finally carry a serious net on a small skiff without it being in the way all day. And once you get good with it, you can remove hooks right there in the water without even touching the fish. That's the goal—minimal handling, quick release, fish swims away strong.

This is the first part of a two-part series on landing nets. Next week I'm covering proper netting technique because even the best net won't help if you don't know how to use it. Stick around for that one—I see a lot of people lose fish at the net, and it doesn't have to happen. Listen to this whole episode and you'll understand why a good net is one of the most important tools in my boat.