How To Make A Gill Net (2023)

Fishing is a popular pastime for many and having the right equipment is crucial for success.

Gill nets are used by fishermen to catch fish. These nets, usually made of nylon or polyethylene, have a specially designed mesh size to tangle the gills of the fish.

We will share how to make a gill net, but it is also important to understand

They are often placed where there is an abundance of fish, like rivers, lakes, and oceans.

Gill nets are a commonly used and successful form of fishing, as they can be deployed in the water for an extended period while fishermen are occupied with other tasks.

The net works by snaring the fish by their gills, pushing them towards it by the flow of current.

As they try to break free, they become tangled up in the mesh and cannot get away.

Selecting an appropriate sized net is critical for successful results, since the size should correspond to that of the body of water it is being used in.

Let's take a look at how to make a gill net.

Materials

Necessary materials to create a gill net are not complicated or difficult to find.

The most crucial material is the cord, specifically a nylon variety that works better in water and is longer-lasting.

Para cord can provide all supply requirements, as it can be employed for the supporting line and the inner cords used for making the net.

Additionally, scissors or a knife is necessary for cutting the cord into pieces, and a lighter will be used to melt any cut edges.

Gathering the necessary supplies prior to starting is critical for the production of a high-quality gill net.

Using quality materials made explicitly for this purpose is essential, as they stay effective within water and can remain usable for longer.

By having these tools ready, you can have confidence in creating your own gill net!

Step 1: Attaching The Suspension Line

The first step is to secure a suspension line between two points of the desired length by tying it between two trees or other such items like posts or poles.

It is essential to thoroughly attach the line so that the finished product does not sag.

Next, adjoin several lines about an inch away from each other and tie them with a girth hitch knot to ensure they stay in place. When completed, begin to interlace the material to assemble your netting.

Step 2: Connecting The Cords

Securing the netting is a fundamental task of creating a suspension system. To begin, one end of the cord should be knotted to an end of the frame.

Next, knots knotting together the second and third parallel cords should be made with an overhand technique to give a dependable connection between them and reduce movement.

After all the cords have been properly connected, every single one except for the last one should be knotted by following the same method.

It is imperative to double-check that all knots are firmly secured before carrying on with other steps to make your suspension system.

Furthermore, each knot needs to be even so that the netting appears consistent when finished.

After these steps are accomplished, you may then go on and affix your netting onto the frame and finalize your suspension system setup.

Step 3: Second Net Row

To make a secure, strong structure, connecting the second line to the first and then tying the fourth line to the third, etc., is an important step.

As each pair continues to be connected, they should be firm and bound securely; using knots or similar may provide extra stability.

The loops resulting from this will constitute the bottom of your net.

When tying all the vertical strands in pairs, there should now be a separate single line located at either end.

The purpose of these lines is to secure the horizontal strings that will make up your net.

To guarantee that everything stays stable and intact, be sure each connection is strongly secured; otherwise, issues may arise when applying more strain or weight onto the net.

Once all the vertical ties are safely tangled together, you can begin weaving through and affixing the horizontal lines for this row.

Step 4: Finishing Off

Keep tying rows together until the net is the desired width, then tie para cord along the bottom or attach small lead weights to ensure it sinks and stays straight.

To help keep the suspension line straight, floaters can be added. These floaters, commonly made of cork or bottles, have buoyancy properties that keep the net upright in water.

Adding these elements to your fishing net enhances its stability and strength for long-term use.

Step 5: Setting It Up

Securing a gill net is achievable in a few ways. The simplest approach is tying it to two spots spanning across a body of water—like a river or some rocks in the ocean.

Inriver-situations, fish swim alongside the stream right into the net; this performs ideally when there is powerful current steering them towards the trap.

Meanwhile, during sea conditions, waves which come and go provide momentum, drawing fish into the web.

It's imperative to assure your web is securely fastened so as not to get swept away by strong currents or tides.

You should consider where to place your net for improved success—for instance, near bends or eddies in rivers where there has been more activity identified.

Conclusion

Making a gill net is a relatively simple process that requires patience and attention to detail.

By following the steps outlined above, you can create a strong and reliable net that will help you catch more fish.

In addition to the steps outlined, it is important to consider the location of your net and the type of fish you are trying to catch. With a little practice, you can become an expert in making gill nets and catching more fish!

And hey, after your first catch, get out your Traeger or Pit Boss to properly prepare your fish!

Or for a more rustic experience, pull out your Breeo fire pit to cook over an open fire on the beach!