What Is Net Fishing

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Defining Net Fishing
3. The Different Types of Fishing Nets
4. Survival Advantages of Net Fishing
5. How to Choose the Right Net Gear
6. Practical Skill: Throwing a Cast Net
7. DIY Survival Netting
8. Legal and Ethical Considerations
9. Maintenance and Care
10. The Role of Nets in Your Gear Kit
11. Conclusion
12. FAQ

Introduction

Hunger in the backcountry quickly turns your attention toward the water. While a rod and reel are the classic choice for a relaxing afternoon, they are not always the most efficient way to put protein on the table in a survival or high-yield situation. Net fishing is an ancient practice that allows you to catch multiple fish at once with relatively low energy expenditure. At BattlBox, we focus on tools and skills that increase your odds of success in the wild, and few skills provide a better return on investment than mastering the net. If you want gear that supports that kind of readiness, subscribe to BattlBox and keep building your kit month by month. This article covers the different types of nets, how they function, and the practical steps to using them effectively. Understanding these methods ensures you can secure a food source when traditional angling falls short.

Defining Net Fishing

Quick Answer: Net fishing is a method of harvesting fish using a woven mesh structure to either entangle or trap them. Unlike line fishing which targets individual fish, nets allow for the capture of multiple fish simultaneously, making them a preferred method for subsistence and survival.

At its core, net fishing relies on the principle of entrapment or entanglement. A net is a textile created by knotting relatively thin threads to form a grid of holes, known as mesh. When fish swim into the net, they either become stuck in the holes or are pulled into a central pocket.

This method is used globally in both commercial and recreational settings. In a survival context, it is a "passive" or "mass-harvest" technique. You can set certain nets and walk away to perform other tasks, like building a shelter or starting a fire. Others are "active" and require a specific physical technique to deploy. If you’re building a more complete loadout, our EDC collection is a smart place to start.

The Different Types of Fishing Nets

Not all nets are created equal. The environment you are in—whether it is a shallow stream, a deep lake, or a saltwater coastline—will dictate which net is the most effective. For a deeper dive into the broader fishing side of preparedness, check out BattlBox fishing gear.

Cast Nets

The cast net is perhaps the most iconic tool for the individual outdoorsman. It is a circular net with weights (usually lead or steel) around the outer edge. A "hand line" is attached to the center. When thrown correctly, the net opens into a large circle in mid-air and sinks rapidly through the water column.

As the net sinks, it traps fish underneath it. When you pull the hand line, the weights are drawn together at the bottom, creating a pouch that secures the catch.

Gill Nets

A gill net is a vertical wall of netting that hangs in the water. It is held upright by floats on the top (the "float line") and weights on the bottom (the "lead line"). The mesh size is specifically chosen for the target species.

When a fish swims into the net, its head passes through the mesh, but its body does not. As the fish tries to back out, the mesh catches behind its gill covers (opercula). This is a passive fishing method, meaning you can leave it overnight.

Seine Nets

A seine net is a long, flat net used primarily in shallow water. It has floats on the top and weights on the bottom. To use a seine, two people typically hold either end and "sweep" an area of water, dragging the net toward the shore. This method herds the fish into a concentrated area where they can be easily scooped up.

Dip Nets and Landing Nets

These are the nets most people are familiar with. A dip net consists of a mesh bag attached to a rigid frame and a handle. While often used to land a fish caught on a hook, larger versions can be used to scoop fish directly out of the water in high-density areas, such as during a salmon run or in small, trapped tide pools. For a related read on small tackle systems, see how BattlBox thinks about fishing gear.

Hoop and Fyke Nets

These are stationary traps. They consist of a series of hoops covered in netting that lead into a funnel. Fish swim into the wide opening and find it nearly impossible to navigate back out through the narrow throat of the funnel. These are excellent for slow-moving water or river bends.

Survival Advantages of Net Fishing

In a survival scenario, calories are your currency. If you spend 2,000 calories trying to catch a 500-calorie fish with a spear or a rod, you are losing ground. Net fishing changes the math.

• Low Caloric Cost: Setting a gill net takes minutes of physical labor but can provide food for days.
• High Yield: A single successful throw of a cast net can bring in a dozen baitfish or several large panfish.
• Versatility: Nets can be used to catch more than just fish. They are effective for crustaceans like crabs and crawfish, and in some cases, even small waterfowl or land animals if used as a snare or trap.
• Passive Procurement: Using a gill net or a hoop trap allows you to "fish" while you sleep or work on other camp chores.

Key Takeaway: Net fishing is a force multiplier for food procurement because it allows you to harvest multiple targets with minimal physical effort compared to active angling.

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How to Choose the Right Net Gear

Selecting a net requires understanding the environment and the fish you intend to catch. There are three main factors to consider: mesh size, material, and weight.

Mesh Size

The "mesh size" refers to the distance between the knots in the net.

• Small Mesh (1/4 to 1/2 inch): Used for baitfish like minnows or shad.
• Medium Mesh (1 to 2 inches): Good for panfish, trout, and smaller bass.
• Large Mesh (3+ inches): Used for large species like catfish or salmon to ensure smaller, non-target fish can swim through unharmed.

Material: Monofilament vs. Nylon

Most modern nets are made from one of two materials. Monofilament is a single strand of plastic line, similar to standard fishing line. It is nearly invisible in the water and sinks quickly because it does not absorb water. However, it can be stiff and harder to throw if you are a beginner.

Multifilament or Nylon nets are made of braided strands. They are much softer and easier to handle, but they are more visible to fish and can become heavy when they soak up water. We often see nylon used in landing nets and some specialized gill nets.

Weight and Sink Rate

For cast nets and seines, the weight of the lead line is critical. A heavier net sinks faster, which is necessary in deeper water or areas with a current. If the net sinks too slowly, the fish will simply swim out from under it before it reaches the bottom. If you’re rounding out your kit, the flashlights collection pairs well with night fishing and camp chores.

Practical Skill: Throwing a Cast Net

Throwing a cast net is a physical skill that requires practice. You cannot simply "toss" it; you must use centrifugal force to make the net open into a circle. While there are many styles (such as the "over the shoulder" or "pancake" methods), the basic principles remain the same.

Step 1: Preparation. Coil the hand line into your non-dominant hand. Ensure there are no tangles. Hold the top of the net (the "horn") and pull the mesh up until it is manageable.

Step 2: Loading the Net. Divide the lead line. Many people hold a portion of the lead line in their mouth (the "bite" method) or over their shoulder to create a spread point. This creates the tension needed to open the net.

Step 3: The Rotation. Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart. Swing the net back slightly and then rotate your torso, throwing the net in a smooth, sweeping arc toward your target.

Step 4: The Release. Release the net at the peak of your rotation. If timed correctly, the weights will fly outward, pulling the mesh into a flat circle.

Step 5: The Sink and Retrieve. Let the net hit the water and sink to the bottom. Once it has settled, pull the hand line firmly. This closes the bottom of the net. Pull the net back to you and empty your catch.

Note: Never tie the hand line to your wrist. Instead, use a loop around your wrist that can be easily removed. If a large animal or a piece of debris catches the net in a current, it could pull you into the water.

A good hands-on companion to this kind of field skill is ALL TAC’D OUT, which covers the mindset behind tactical gear.

DIY Survival Netting

In a true emergency, you may not have a professional net. However, you can create a functional net using cordage. Our Pro and Pro Plus tiers often include high-quality paracord, which is a gold mine for net making.

By gutting 550 paracord, you can use the inner seven strands as "netting twine." Using a simple Sheet Bend knot, you can tie these strands together to create a mesh. While time-consuming, a 3-foot by 6-foot gill net can be a lifesaver. You can use found objects like stones for weights and pieces of dry wood or cork for floats. If you want a compact cordage option, Quikcord BattlBox Edition is a handy example of survival-ready paracord gear.

Legal and Ethical Considerations

Before you head to the water, you must understand the regulations in your area. Net fishing is highly regulated in the United States to prevent overfishing.

1. Check Local Laws: Many states prohibit gill nets in freshwater. Cast nets are often restricted to certain sizes and may only be used for non-game fish or baitfish.
2. Permits: You may need a specific commercial or non-game fishing permit to use a net.
3. Bycatch: This refers to the unintentional capture of non-target species. If you catch a protected species in your net, you must release it immediately and carefully to ensure its survival.
4. Invasive Species: Nets are a great way to help remove invasive species like Asian Carp or Tilapia from local waterways, but always follow the guidelines for disposal.

Myth: Net fishing is "cheating" and ruins the fish population. Fact: When done responsibly and according to local laws, net fishing is a sustainable way to harvest food. It allows for "selective harvesting" by choosing mesh sizes that let younger fish escape.

Maintenance and Care

A high-quality net is an investment. Whether you bought a premium net or received a piece of gear in your Advanced or Pro BattlBox, you need to maintain it to ensure it lasts for years.

• Rinse with Fresh Water: Saltwater and even some pond water can degrade the fibers of a net over time. Always rinse your net after use.
• Dry in the Shade: UV rays are the enemy of monofilament and nylon. Hang your net to dry in a cool, shaded area. Never store a wet net in a bucket, as it will grow mold and rot the fibers.
• Check for Holes: After every trip, inspect the mesh. Small holes can be mended with a bit of fishing line. A large hole will allow your catch to escape and can cause the net to tear further during a throw.

The Role of Nets in Your Gear Kit

We believe in being prepared for every scenario. While your EDC (Everyday Carry) kit might include a knife and a flashlight, your larger "go-bag" or camping kit should consider food procurement. A small, collapsible dip net or a 4-foot cast net takes up very little space but provides a massive advantage if you find yourself needing to live off the land.

The gear we curate for our subscribers often focuses on these multi-use skills. A net isn't just a fishing tool; in a pinch, it can be used as a hammock, a gear organizer, or a way to secure a perimeter. It is about having the right tool and the knowledge to use it.

Bottom line: Mastering net fishing turns every body of water into a potential grocery store, providing a reliable way to secure food with minimal gear and effort.

If your loadout needs more than fishing gear, the emergency preparedness collection is a practical next step.

Conclusion

Net fishing is more than just a hobby; it is a fundamental survival skill that bridges the gap between modern convenience and self-reliance. By understanding the mechanics of cast nets, gill nets, and seines, you equip yourself with the ability to provide for yourself and others in almost any environment. Remember that these skills require practice. Do not wait for an emergency to learn how to throw a cast net or set a gill net. Get out to a local pond or beach, learn the weight of the lead line, and perfect your rotation.

At BattlBox, our mission is "Adventure. Delivered." We take the guesswork out of gear by putting professional-grade tools in your hands every month. Whether you are a weekend warrior or a dedicated survivalist, building your kit with expert-curated gear and the knowledge to use it is the best way to stay prepared. If you’re ready to keep that momentum going, choose your BattlBox subscription and get gear delivered monthly.

Next Step: Check your local fishing regulations and pick up a practice cast net to start honing your skills today. If you want to keep building toward a more capable kit, subscribe to BattlBox.

FAQ

Is net fishing legal in the United States?

Net fishing legality varies significantly by state and water type. Generally, cast nets are legal for catching baitfish in many states, but gill nets are often strictly regulated or prohibited in freshwater. Always check your state's Department of Natural Resources (DNR) or Fish and Wildlife website before using a net.

What size cast net should a beginner buy?

A beginner should start with a 4-foot or 5-foot radius cast net. Smaller nets are much easier to throw and "open" correctly while you are learning the technique. As you become more proficient, you can move up to a 6-foot or 8-foot net for a larger coverage area and faster sink rate. For more fishing-oriented gear ideas, browse the BattlBox fishing collection.

Can I make a fishing net out of paracord?

Yes, you can make a functional survival net using the inner strands of 550 paracord. By using a series of sheet bend knots to create a mesh grid, you can construct a gill net or a dip net. This is a time-consuming but vital primitive skill for long-term survival situations where manufactured gear is unavailable.

What is the difference between a gill net and a seine net?

A gill net is a passive tool that entangles fish by their gills as they try to swim through the mesh. It is usually left stationary in the water. A seine net is an active tool that is dragged through the water by one or more people to herd and trap fish against a shoreline or into a pocket.