What is a knotted net?

Many clients ask me for fishing net, but they are confused about the knotted and knotless fishing net. They are not very clear about the differences of them, so they don’t know which one is the more suitable for them.

So I decide to write this blog to help them. If you also have this question, I hope this blog could make you be clear about that.

Generally speaking, there are 5 main differences between the knotted and knotless fishing net. You can consider the 5 differences before you choose your fishing net.

Construction

The difference in apperance is the construction.

Knotted fishing nets

Knotted fishing nets are made by tying knots at the intersections of the netting twine or thread. These knots create a grid or diamond pattern, with each knot securing the meeting points of the vertical and horizontal strands.

The most obvious appearance feature is the large number of knots in the knotted fishing net. And there are many types of knot for you to choose, the most popular knots in the market are: single knot and double knot.

Knotless fishing nets

Knotless fishing nets are made by weaving the netting material without knots at the intersections. The netting material is simply woven, creating a smooth, seamless surface. So you can find the knots at the intersections.

The knotless net is woven in a manner that interlocks and overlaps the strands, forming a tight, uniform, and continuous pattern. This weaving creates a fabric-like texture without any visible knots.

Compared to knotted net, the mesh of knotless nets is more uniform because the weaving process results in consistent spacing between strands.

Surface

Besides the construction of the fishing net, we also could identify the fishing net by the surface.

Knotted fishing nets

Knotted fishing nets have knots at the intersections of the netting material. These knots create raised and distinct points on the net’s surface.

The knots on knotted nets can be abrasive or rough, which can potentially cause damage to fish. When fish come into contact with the knots, their scales, skin, or fins may be subjected to abrasion or injury.

Knotless Fishing Net

Knotless fishing nets do not have knots at the intersection points. The netting material is woven without tying knots, resulting in a smooth and seamless surface.

The surface of knotless nets is smooth and lacks any raised or rough areas. There are no knots to create potential abrasions, making knotless nets much gentler on fish.

Knotless nets have a uniform mesh size throughout the net because of their weaving pattern. The entire netting material is evenly spaced and interlocked, creating a consistent and non-textured surface.

Strength

The another difference is the strength, including the knot strength, tensile strength and abrasion resistance.

Knot Strength

Knotted net: The knots of the nets can add extra strength to the net, especially when they are tied correctly. The strength of knotted nets largely depends on the type of knot.

Knotless net: The knotless net rely on a weaving or looping technique to form the net structure. While this design eliminates potential weak points caused by knots, it can also make the net somewhat weaker.

Tensile Strength

Knotted nets: they generally have higher tensile strength due to the presence of knots at the intersections. These knots distribute the load more evenly across the net, making it more resistant to tearing or breaking under stress.

Knotless nets: they have a more even, uniform structure without knots, which can lead to reduced tensile strength.

Abrasion Resistance

Knotted nets: they may have better resistance to abrasion due to the presence of knots that protect the net from wear and tear.

Knotless nets: they are typically less resistant to abrasion compared to knotted nets because of their smoother, knot-free structure.

Application

Knotted and knotless fishing nets have various applications in the fishing industry, and the choice between them depends on the specific fishing method and target species.

Applications of Knotted Fishing Nets

Gill Nets: Knotted nets are often used for gill net fishing, where they are set in the water to trap fish by their gills. Gill nets are commonly used in commercial fishing for various species, including salmon, tuna, and other larger fish.

Seine Nets: Seine nets are used to encircle schools of fish. Knotted seine nets are employed in purse seine fishing, where the net is closed at the bottom to capture fish. This method is used for species like herring, sardines, and anchovies.

Trammel Nets: Trammel nets are designed with three layers, with the central layer being knotless and the outer layers being knotted. This combination provides the benefits of both types of nets, making them suitable for catching a wide range of fish.

Trawl Nets: Trawl nets used in commercial fishing are typically knotted and are dragged through the water to catch fish and other marine organisms. They are commonly used for species like shrimp, cod, and other bottom-dwelling fish.

Applications of Knotless Fishing Nets

Catch-and-Release Fishing: Knotless nets are often used in catch-and-release fishing because they are gentler on the fish, reducing the risk of injury. Anglers who practice catch-and-release often prefer knotless landing nets.

Fish Cage: Knotless nets are used in aquaculture for containment purposes, such as in fish cages and pens. They help to keep fish secure while minimizing the risk of injury.

Recreational Fishing: Knotless landing nets are popular among recreational anglers for various fishing methods, including fly fishing, trout fishing, and bass fishing.

Cost

Now, you might be clear about the main differences between the knotted and knotless net. There is another factor you might consider: the cost.

Actually speaking, the cost of knotless net is lower than knotted net with the same specification. The process of knotted and knotless net is different. The weaving machines are also different.

Compared to the knotless net, The procedure of knotted net is more complicated. It is more likely to produce many different defects in the production.

Conclusion

General speaking, the knotted fishing net is more suitable to make the net to catch the fish. Because the fishing net need to be stronger to withstand harsh fishing conditions.

It doesn’t matter much if the fish are damaged by netting during the fishing. After all, they have to be frozen as soon as they’re caught.

The knotless fishing net is more suitable to make the net in aquaculture, such as fish cage net. Because the net should reduce the damage to the fish inside as possible as it can.

Some clients also use the knotless net to make the seine net, the difference is that the target fish of this kind of seine net is usually small fish, such as anchovy, sardine, etc.

Allen Gao

Hey, I am Allen Gao, the founder of plusnetting.com, family business. We specialized in the one-stop solution of netting for fishing, sports, agriculture, safety and industry. We have provided our proposals for different clients arond the world to help them win the market, including the distributors, Amazon stores. Our target is to provide the most suitable products for you to increase your harvest and reduce your cost.

From your gridded pattern, count the number of meshes.  Then divide this number by the digit of "Filet Net".  Examples for a pattern of 50 by 30 meshe using Filet Net 5:  50 meshes horizontally ÷ 5 meshes per inch = 10 inches and 30 meshes vertically ÷ 5 meshes per inch = 6 inches

Your finished piece made in Filet Net 5 would measure 10" x 6".  Try with Filet Net 7. (don't forget to calculate the shrinkage when using 100% cotton fabric)