Based out of Idaho, Rising Fishing comes from a place where rivers and wild fish set the standard for gear. In that kind of environment, equipment isn’t judged by looks or hype, it’s judged by whether it holds up when it matters. There’s a moment every angler knows: the fish turns, you see how big it really is, and suddenly nothing else matters but the landing. That’s where the Rising Fishing Lunker Net proves its worth. Built for fish that push tackle, test knots, and expose weak links, the Lunker isn’t just a bigger net. It’s a purpose built landing tool designed for anglers who expect their next fish to be the one that matters most.

Rising Fishing has always leaned heavily into net design as the backbone of their brand, focusing on performance, durability, and customization rather than treating nets as an afterthought accessory. Their modern modular system allows anglers to swap handles, hoops, and bags quickly, creating a net tailored to specific water, species, and fishing style. That mindset shows clearly in the Lunker platform, which was redesigned to push durability and performance further while keeping customization simple and fast. The Lunker Net is exactly what the name suggests, built for when fish get legitimately big. Designed with a larger hoop and deep rubber basket, it gives anglers the space and control needed to land oversized trout, redfish, carp, or any species that shows up heavier and longer than expected. The larger hoop isn’t just about size; it’s about stability when a fish surges at the rim or makes that last-second roll that ruins so many landings.

Construction is where the Lunker really separates itself from traditional nets. The frame is built from 6000 series aluminum, offering a blend of strength and weight savings that matters when you’re carrying gear all day or wading through current. The Cobbletech handles are hard anodized to military specifications, which translates to real world resistance against scratches, salt, sand, and the daily abuse that comes with fishing hard environments. Add in a hydrophobic soft touch texture, and you get grip security even when hands are wet, cold, or slimed up mid fight.

One of the standout design elements is Rising’s modular system. Every part of the net the hoop, handle, and bag can be swapped, upgraded, or replaced with a simple bolt removal. For traveling anglers or those who fish multiple environments, this matters more than you might expect. Instead of owning three separate nets, anglers can build one platform and adapt it to the day’s conditions. Whether that means a shorter handle for technical creek work or a longer handle for deeper wading or shoreline redfish, the flexibility is built in.

Handle options on the Lunker typically include 10 inch and 24 inch lengths, giving anglers two very different use cases. The shorter version keeps weight minimal and mobility high which is ideal for tight quarters, kayak fishing, or fast moving wade scenarios. The 24 inch option adds reach, helping shorten the fight window and giving better control when landing fish from steeper banks or deeper water. Both versions maintain the same 22 inch hoop and 11 inch basket depth, so landing performance stays consistent regardless of handle choice.

Another key detail is the rubber net bag. Beyond durability, rubber nets are significantly more fish friendly, reducing slime loss and minimizing hook tangles. That means quicker releases, less stress on fish, and less time fumbling with hooks when the bite is on. The rubber bag is also easy to clean and dries quickly, which is huge when fishing multiple sessions in a single day or moving between fresh and saltwater environments. There’s also practical design thinking baked into the Lunker. The net can double as a wading staff when needed, giving anglers an extra layer of safety in strong current or slick bottom conditions. Lanyard attachment points are standard across handles, making carry options easy whether clipped to a pack, magnet rig, or belt system. 

For anglers in places like the Lowcountry, where species range from slot reds to oversized drum and surprise tarpon encounters in the right conditions, gear versatility matters. You might start the morning sight fishing shallow flats and end the afternoon fishing deeper channels. Having a net capable of handling both scenarios and the fish that come with them is the kind of quiet confidence that makes long days smoother. The Made in USA manufacturing is another piece of the story. Rising nets are designed and built with an emphasis on machining precision, coating durability, and long term reliability. For anglers who view gear as long term investment rather than seasonal replacement, that matters.

At its core, the Rising Lunker Net isn’t flashy. It’s not designed to be the star of your gear lineup. It’s designed to do something more important and works flawlessly when the fish of the day shows up. The modular design future-proofs it. The aluminum construction keeps it strong without becoming a burden. The rubber bag protects fish and simplifies landing. And the overall build quality reflects a company that treats nets as essential tools, not accessories.

Because in the end, nobody remembers the cast that hooked the fish nearly as much as they remember the moment it hit the net or the moment it didn’t.

Check out more awesome gear from Rising Fishing here!

Written by Nick Levine
Outdoor Enthusiast | Gear Reviewer | Fishing & Inshore Specialist