A quick-release snag resistant fishing net retainer designed to securely hold a fishing net to a boat. The net retainer includes a compressive retainer and a mounting means. The retainer is formed with a resilient arm that is configured to create a neck between the resilient arm and either the retainer or a mounting means through which a rim of the fishing net may be forced. Once the rim has been forced through the neck, the resilient arm returns to its initial position thereby securing the fishing net. The mounting means releasably attaches the retainer to the boat and may include retainer bands or screws to attach the retainer to a post on the boat, or a flat surface mounting implement to attach the retainer to any flat surface of the boat. An implement guard may be incorporated to improve the snag resistance of the retainer and minimize tripping hazards.