What Livewell Nets Do and When to Use Them

A livewell net is a mesh container that hangs inside your boat's livewell tank, holding fish in a smaller space while water circulates around them. Instead of letting your catch swim freely in the full tank, the net keeps them contained and makes them easier to count, sort, and monitor. The mesh allows water to flow through, so fish stay in oxygenated water without you having to do anything extra.

You use a livewell net when you want to keep multiple species separate, prevent larger fish from injuring smaller ones, or simply make it easier to see what you've caught without draining the tank. They're especially useful on longer trips where you're fishing multiple spots and want to track which fish came from where, or when tournament rules require you to keep fish in a specific way.

The net doesn't replace a working livewell system — it works inside one. Your livewell still needs a functioning aerator and water circulation to keep fish alive. The net just organizes the space and gives you better control over the fish while they're in the water.

Key Takeaways

  • Livewell nets hang inside your tank and let water flow through while containing fish in a smaller area.
  • They work best when your livewell has good water circulation and aeration already running.
  • Most nets are made from soft mesh that won't damage fish scales or fins during handling.
  • You can find them at tackle shops and online retailers that stock boat and livewell equipment, usually for $15 to $40 depending on size and material.

Mesh Material and Durability

Livewell nets are typically made from soft nylon mesh or knotless mesh, both designed to minimize damage to fish. Knotless mesh is gentler because the knots in regular mesh can catch on scales and fins, especially on species like pike or musky that have delicate skin. If you're handling walleye, bass, or panfish, either type works, but knotless is the safer choice if you plan to release fish.

The frame is usually aluminum or plastic, lightweight enough to handle easily but rigid enough to hold its shape when full of water and fish. Aluminum frames last longer and resist corrosion better if you fish saltwater, though they cost more. Plastic frames are fine for freshwater and weigh less, which matters if you're moving the net in and out of the tank frequently.

Most nets are designed to last a full season of regular use. Mesh can tear if you snag it on the livewell edge or if fish with sharp spines push hard against it, so inspect it before each trip and patch small tears with waterproof tape if needed.

Sizing and Capacity

Livewell nets come in sizes that fit standard tank dimensions — typically 12 to 24 inches long and 8 to 16 inches wide. Before you buy, measure your livewell opening and the interior depth. The net needs to fit comfortably inside without pressing against the walls, or water won't circulate properly around the mesh.

Capacity depends on the species and size of fish you're keeping. A medium net (16 by 12 inches) can hold 15 to 20 panfish or 8 to 12 bass without crowding. Larger fish need more space — a pike or musky takes up significantly more room than a walleye of the same weight. If you're fishing a tournament or keeping fish for a meal, err on the side of a larger net. Overcrowded fish stress quickly and die faster, even in circulating water.

Some nets have adjustable dividers inside, letting you create separate sections for different species or sizes. This is useful if you're keeping both keeper-size and undersized fish temporarily before releasing the small ones.

Installation and Water Flow

Installing a livewell net takes less than a minute. Most nets have handles or attachment points that hook over the rim of the livewell tank. Lower the net into the water until it sits level, then secure any straps or clips to keep it from shifting if the boat rocks. The net should sit deep enough that fish can't jump out, but high enough that water can flow freely underneath and around the sides.

The key to keeping fish alive is maintaining water circulation. Your livewell's aerator and pump need to be running before you put fish in the net. Water should flow in from the pump intake and out through the overflow, passing through and around the mesh. If your livewell pump is weak or the aerator isn't working, the net won't help — fish will still suffocate because the water won't stay oxygenated.

On hot days or when you're keeping fish for several hours, check the water temperature. If it climbs above 75°F, fish stress faster. Some anglers add ice packs or frozen water bottles to the livewell (outside the net) to cool the water, which slows the fish's metabolism and keeps them fresher longer.

Cleaning and Storage

After each trip, rinse the net with fresh water to remove algae, debris, and salt if you've been fishing saltwater. Let it dry completely before storing it, or mold and mildew will grow in the mesh. Hang it in a garage or shed where air can circulate around it — don't roll it up wet or stuff it in a bag.

Check the frame for cracks or bent edges before you store it for the season. Small cracks in plastic can spread over time, especially if the net gets cold. Aluminum frames rarely crack but can corrode if exposed to saltwater without rinsing. A quick freshwater rinse after every saltwater trip keeps corrosion minimal.

If the mesh tears, you can patch it with waterproof mesh repair tape or a small piece of matching mesh glued on with waterproof adhesive. Small repairs extend the net's life by a year or more. If the tear is larger than a few inches or the frame is cracked, replacement is usually cheaper than repair.

Alternatives and When to Skip the Net

If your livewell is small or you're only keeping a few fish, you may not need a net at all. A well-functioning livewell with good aeration keeps fish alive without one. The net is most useful when you're keeping many fish, fishing multiple species, or running a tournament where organization matters.

Some anglers use a floating stringer instead, which clips to the boat and holds fish outside the livewell. Stringers work well in cool water and for shorter trips, but they expose fish to sun and air, so they're not ideal for all-day fishing or hot weather. A livewell net keeps fish in water the whole time, which is gentler.

If you're catch-and-release fishing, you may not need a net at all — just keep your livewell running and release fish quickly. The less time they spend confined, the better their survival rate after release.

Where to Buy and What to Expect to Pay

Livewell nets are sold at most tackle shops that carry boat equipment, and online through retailers like Amazon, Bass Pro Shops, and Cabela's. Local shops often have them in stock, so you can see the size and mesh quality before buying. Online shopping gives you more options and sometimes lower prices, but you can't inspect the net in person.

Prices range from about $15 for a basic small net to $40 or more for a large net with a durable frame and knotless mesh. Mid-range nets ($20 to $30) offer good balance between durability and cost. If you fish frequently or in tournaments, spending a bit more on a knotless mesh net is worth it because it lasts longer and handles fish more gently.

Some boat dealers include a basic livewell net when you buy a new boat, so check your manual or storage compartments before you buy one. If you already have a net that's still in good shape, there's no need to replace it unless the mesh is torn or the frame is bent.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will a livewell net keep fish alive longer than just using the tank?

Not by itself — the net doesn't improve water quality or aeration. What it does is keep fish from injuring each other and make it easier to monitor them. A net inside a well-functioning livewell keeps fish alive just as long as the tank alone would, but with better organization and less stress from aggressive fish.

Can I use a livewell net in saltwater?

Yes, but rinse it with fresh water after every trip. Salt corrodes aluminum frames and can damage nylon mesh over time. An aluminum frame with knotless mesh is your best choice for saltwater because both materials hold up better than plastic. Rinse immediately after fishing, not hours later.

What size net do I need for my boat?

Measure your livewell opening and interior depth, then buy a net that fits comfortably inside without touching the walls. Most nets come in standard sizes (12x8, 16x12, 20x16 inches), so you should find one that matches your tank. If your livewell is an unusual shape, a tackle shop can help you find the right fit.

Do I need a net if I'm only keeping a few fish?

Not necessarily. A net is most useful when you're keeping many fish or multiple species. If you're keeping three or four fish in a large livewell with good aeration, the net adds little benefit. It becomes more valuable as your catch count increases or if you're fishing a tournament.

Can I leave the net in the livewell all season?

You can, but it's better to remove it when you're not using the boat. Leaving it in the tank full-time can trap debris and algae, and the mesh can degrade faster from constant sun exposure. Store it dry in a garage or shed between trips, and install it only when you're actively fishing.