Honest Reviews. Expert Advice. Better Fishing
KastKing Madbite Folding Landing Net
Folding net with fish-friendly rubber mesh
- Rubber-coated mesh is snag-resistant and gentle on fish
- Patented graphite folding yoke keeps the frame stiff
- Built-in fish ruler on the handle for quick measuring
- Folds compact for kayak, boat, or backpack storage
The frustrating thing about most folding nets is the compromise: they pack down small but feel flimsy the moment a real fish loads them up. The KastKing Madbite Folding Landing Net was built to fold and still hold, and it’s the reason this net earns our Editor’s Choice.
Start with the netting, because it’s the part that matters most for the fish. The Madbite uses rubber-coated mesh that resists snagging treble hooks and is gentle on a fish’s scales and slime coat. If you release what you catch, that soft mesh meaningfully improves the odds your fish swims off healthy.
The frame answers the usual folding-net complaint. KastKing built it around a patented graphite folding yoke that collapses for storage but locks into a rigid shape in use, so there’s no sloppy flex point when a heavy fish hits the net. It folds to roughly 27 to 33 inches depending on size, then deploys into a full-size, confidence-inspiring net.
Little touches push it ahead of the pack. The handle carries a printed fish ruler, so you can measure a catch right in the net without fishing a tape measure out of a tackle bag. The two hoop sizes, 20 and 24 inches, with handles reaching about 45 or 76 inches, let you match it to bank, kayak, or boat fishing.
The tradeoffs are modest. It costs more than a bare nylon-mesh net, the folding mechanism adds a few moving parts to keep clean, and the long-handle model is more reach than a bank angler needs. None of that undercuts what it does well.
Across independent comparisons and everyday use, the Madbite simply does the most things right for the price. Bottom line: if you want one folding net that’s fish-safe, stiff, and genuinely portable, the KastKing Madbite is the one to buy.
Specifications
| Type | Folding landing net, fixed or telescoping |
| Hoop Size | 20 in or 24 in models |
| Handle Length | Extends to ~45 in (small) or ~76 in (large) |
| Net Material | Rubber-coated, snag-resistant mesh |
| Weight | About 1.4 lb (small) or 2 lb (large) |
| Best For | Anglers who want portability plus fish-safe mesh |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Madbite net safe for catch and release?
Yes. The rubber-coated mesh is snag-resistant and gentle on a fish's scales and slime coat, which improves survival rates on released fish.
How compact does it fold?
The folding yoke lets it collapse to roughly 27 to 33 inches depending on size, small enough for a kayak hatch, boat locker, or backpack.
What sizes are available?
There are 20-inch and 24-inch hoop models. The smaller handle extends to about 45 inches and the larger to about 76 inches for boat reach.
Does the folding joint feel flimsy?
No. KastKing uses a patented graphite folding yoke designed to eliminate flex, so the frame stays rigid when a fish is in the net.
What's the ruler on the handle for?
The handle has a printed fish ruler so you can quickly measure your catch right in the net without digging out a separate measuring tool.