India's 8,000 km coastline, 29 lakh inland water bodies and fast-growing aquaculture sector make fishing nets one of the country's highest-volume technical textile products. Here's the complete guide to types, materials and specifications.
1. Gill Nets
The most common fishing net in India's coastal and inland fisheries. Fish swim into mesh openings and are "gilled" — unable to go forward or back.
- Mesh: 20–200mm depending on target species
- Material: Nylon PA6 (coastal), HDPE (inland)
- Depth-rated: surface to 60m
- Use: Sardine, mackerel, rohu, katla, hilsa
2. Trawl Nets
Bag-shaped nets dragged along the seabed. Highest catch volume — used by mechanised boats in AP, Kerala, Gujarat, Tamil Nadu.
- Mesh (cod end): 20–40mm (MPEDA regulations)
- Material: PA6 Nylon, depth-rated to 200m
- Breaking strength: 200–400 kgf required at cod-end
3. Cast Nets
Circular hand-thrown nets used by artisanal fishermen on rivers, tanks and estuaries across India.
- Mesh: 10–30mm
- Diameter: 2–6m
- Material: Nylon PA6 monofilament or multifilament
4. Seine Nets
Long, rectangular nets with float lines and lead lines, used to encircle fish schools in shallow coastal and lake waters.
- Mesh: 10–50mm
- Length: 100–500m
- Material: PA6 Nylon or HDPE braided
5. Aquaculture Cage Nets
Used to pen fish in open water — rivers, reservoirs and marine farms. Fastest growing segment with India's cage aquaculture expansion.
- Mesh: 10–50mm depending on fish size
- Material: HDPE knotless braided (UV + anti-biofouling)
- Shape: Square, hexagonal, cylindrical cages
| Net Type | Material | Typical Mesh | Key Market |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gill Net | Nylon PA6 | 20–200mm | Coastal & inland fisheries |
| Trawl Net | Nylon PA6 | 20–40mm cod | Mechanised deep-sea vessels |
| Cast Net | Nylon mono/multi | 10–30mm | Artisanal inland fisheries |
| Seine Net | PA6 / HDPE | 10–50mm | Coastal, lake encirclement |
| Cage Net | HDPE knotless | 10–50mm | Freshwater & marine farms |
Russea™ supplies all fishing net types to dealers and cooperatives in Visakhapatnam, Kochi, Chennai, Surat, Kolkata and all coastal states. Get bulk wholesale pricing →