A collapsible fly fishing net folds down to around 11 inches for backpack storage and expands to a full landing size over 22 inches, solving the packability problem for backcountry anglers.
Carrying a traditional net into the backcountry means a bulky frame strapped to your pack where it snags brush and rattles against your gear. A collapsible fly fishing net solves both problems with a spring-steel frame that twists and pushes into a compact bundle small enough to fit inside a daypack or a hip belt pocket. The trade-off is a slightly trickier folding sequence, and not every model handles the same fish sizes. Here is what the current US market offers, how they work, and what to watch out for.
What Makes A Net Collapsible?
The mechanism is a nested set of spring-steel rings held open by tension. To collapse the net, you twist the top ring against the bottom and push the rings together so they stack on top of each other. A leather strap or storage case wraps around the bundle to hold it closed. To reassemble, you reverse the twist and pull the rings back into a full hoop.
The system is purely mechanical — no tools, no batteries, no electronic parts. Three brands currently sell versions of this design to the US market, each with slightly different materials and weight targets.
Three Collapsible Net Options Compared
Each net targets a slightly different fishing style. The table below lays out the key specs so you can match the net to your trip.
| Net Model | Weight | Collapsed Size | Expanded Size |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thorofare Net (Colter Backcountry) | 13.3 oz (15.5 oz with case) | 11″ x 6″ | 22.4″ length x 10.9″ width |
| Daggerfish Collapsible Net | Not listed (teak handle + rubber netting) | Belt-compatible (~11–12″) | Full-size landing net |
| REYR Collapsible Insta-Net | 10 oz | 12″ | Full-size landing net |
| Standard Non-Collapsible Net (reference) | 12–20 oz | Fixed length, bulky | 10″ x 18″ typical |
How To Collapse And Expand The Net Correctly
The most common mistake is trying to fold the rings instead of twisting and pushing. Here is the sequence that keeps the spring steel from kinking.
To Expand The Net
- Unstrap the leather closure or remove the storage case.
- Hold the base of the handle in one hand and the top of the spring steel in the other.
- Turn the top hand forward and down while turning the bottom hand back — this twists the rings slightly out of alignment.
- Pull gently to unlock the stacked rings, then let the net spring open to its full shape.
To Collapse The Net
- Gather the netting at the base of the handle with one hand.
- Grip the top of the spring steel with the other hand and twist forward and down.
- Twist just enough to start the stacking motion — twisting too far can damage the rings.
- Push gently toward the handle so the rings stack into three nested positions. Do not try to fold the rings sideways.
- Wrap the leather strap around the collapsed bundle and snap it closed.
- Critical detail: Thread the extra leather tab on the strap underneath the bottom spring ring to keep the bundle tight during transport.
Which Fish Sizes Each Net Handles
The standard recommendation for trout and steelhead is a hoop at least 10 inches wide and 18 inches long. The Thorofare (10.9-inch width) meets that standard comfortably. The Daggerfish and REYR models are marketed as full-size landing nets, meaning they handle most trout and panfish without trouble. For bigger salmon or pike, a collapsible net may feel undersized — the trade-off for packability is a slightly smaller hoop than a dedicated big-river net.
Material And Fish-Safety Notes
Both the Thorofare (mil-spec mesh) and the Daggerfish (rubber netting) are designed to be fish-friendly. Rubber netting is easier on a trout’s slime coat than knotted nylon and makes hook removal faster. The Thorofare’s mesh bag is also gentle on fish, though it retains a bit more water than open rubber webbing. If you practice catch-and-release regularly, the rubber option reduces handling time.
Common Mistakes That Break The Net
Anglers who treat the collapse like a standard fold are the ones who end up with kinked spring steel. Here are the three failure modes to avoid:
- Folding instead of pushing: Twisted rings must be pushed together, not folded sideways. Folding creates permanent bends in the steel.
- Over-twisting: Twist only until the rings begin to stack. Over-rotation stresses the joints and can snap the connecting pin.
- Loose strap closure: Without hooking the leather tab under the bottom spring, the bundle works itself open inside a pack and snags on other gear.
If you do get a minor kink, you can usually bend it back out by hand — but repeated kinking will eventually stop the collapse mechanism from working smoothly.
Choosing Between The Three Models
The Thorofare is the most tested option with published collapsed dimensions and a dedicated storage case — ideal for backpackers who need exact pack-size guarantees. The Daggerfish is lighter and includes a solid teak handle and leather case at a lower price point (around $24–$40 based on pre-sale pricing), making it a strong budget pick for minimalist trips. The REYR Insta-Net is the lightest at 10 ounces, good for weight-conscious long-distance hikers who want the smallest pack volume possible.
If you are deciding between these models and want to see how they stack up against other portable options, our detailed collapsible fishing net buyer’s guide covers the full comparison with real-use notes and pricing updates.
Your Net, Your Trip
Match the net to the fish you chase and the pack space you have. The Thorofare lands medium trout with reliable transport security. The Daggerfish trades a few features for a lower entry cost. The REYR saves every gram for the true ultralight angler. Any of the three beats carrying a fixed hoop through a mile of willows.
FAQs
Will a collapsible net fit inside a standard backpack?
Yes. When collapsed, these nets measure roughly 11–12 inches long, so they fit inside most daypacks, summit packs, and even some hydration vest pockets. The Thorofare is 11 inches collapsed; the REYR is 12 inches. Both are small enough to avoid the strap-snagging problem of a fixed net.
Is the spring steel frame durable enough for saltwater use?
Spring steel can handle occasional saltwater exposure if you rinse the net with fresh water after every trip. Salt crystals left to dry on the steel can corrode the twist joint over time. For dedicated saltwater angling, look for a model with a stainless-steel or aluminum frame instead.
Can I use a collapsible net for tenkara or small creek fishing?
These nets work well for tenkara and small creeks because they pack small enough to fit inside a sling pack alongside a tenkara rod case. The expanded hoop size handles trout up to about 20 inches, which covers most creek fish. For brushy banks, the collapsible design is handier than swinging a fixed long-handled net.
How long does the collapse mechanism last?
With proper use — twist, push, no sideways folding — the spring-steel mechanism lasts for hundreds of cycles. The leather strap tends to wear out before the steel does, and replacement straps are available from some makers. Over-twisting is the single fastest way to shorten the net’s lifespan.
References & Sources
- Daggerfish Gear. “Collapsible Fishing Net.” Primary product page with teak handle, rubber netting, and leather case specifications.
- Colter Backcountry. “Thorofare Net.” Manufacturer page listing collapsed/expanded sizes, weight, and material details.
- Daggerfish Gear (YouTube). “How to Use the Daggerfish Collapsible Fishing Net.” Official instructional video documenting the twist-and-push collapse and assembly sequence.
- REYR Gear. “Collapsible Insta-Net.” Product page with 10 oz weight and 12-inch collapsed length.
- Trout and Steelhead. “Best Trout Nets For River Fishing.” Reference for recommended minimum hoop size (10″ x 18″) for trout.
Mo Maruf
I created WellFizz to bridge the gap between vague wellness advice and actionable solutions. My mission is simple: to decode the research and give you practical tools you can actually use.
Beyond the data, I am a passionate traveler. I believe that stepping away from the screen to explore new environments is essential for mental clarity and physical vitality.