If you have ever seen used fishing nets for sale, you may have wondered what they were made of. Fishing nets have been around for centuries, and while they are still crafted from natural fibers like cotton, linen, and hemp, modern-day commercial fishing nets are made of synthetic materials. In this blog post, we will look at the types of materials used to create commercial fishing nets and the pros and cons of each material.
Nylon
Nylon is a synthetic material commonly used to make commercial fishing nets. It is known for its durability and strength, making it an ideal material for the job. Nylon is also lightweight, allowing fishermen to transport the nets easily from place to place. Additionally, the material is resistant to ultraviolet light, meaning that it will not degrade as quickly in sunlight. This allows fishermen to use their nets for longer periods of time before needing to replace them. Nylon nets also hold their shape well, meaning that they don’t need to be replaced as often as other materials.
Polyethylene
Polyethylene is a synthetic material commonly used in commercial fishing nets due to its durability and cost-effectiveness. It is the most common type of plastic netting on the market and is very popular for deep-sea and shallow-water fishing. Polyethylene is highly resistant to abrasion, making it ideal for use with heavier gear. It is also resistant to rotting and decomposition and can withstand exposure to salt water and ultraviolet light without breaking down. However, polyethylene nets are not as strong as nylon or polypropylene nets and tend to have shorter lifespans.
Polypropylene
Polypropylene is another popular material used in commercial fishing nets. It has a wide range of advantages, making it a great choice for commercial fishing operations. Polypropylene is lightweight, durable, and resistant to abrasions, meaning it is able to withstand the elements of the ocean with ease. Additionally, polypropylene is resistant to chemicals, UV light, and sunlight, making it an ideal choice for commercial fishing operations that require long-term net longevity. In comparison to nylon, polypropylene is more flexible and stretches less when exposed to tension, resulting in increased stability and durability. Additionally, this material is extremely affordable and available in a variety of colors and sizes.
Other materials
In addition to nylon, polyethylene, and polypropylene, there are a few other materials used to make commercial fishing nets. These materials include cotton, polyester, vinyl, and Kevlar. Cotton is the most common material used for hand-crafted fishing nets, as it is more affordable than synthetic materials and is easy to dye or paint. It also has good strength and knot retention properties. Polyester is lightweight and resistant to abrasion and sunlight, making it a popular choice for commercial fishing nets. Vinyl is very durable and can resist corrosion, while also providing excellent buoyancy characteristics. Kevlar is a very strong material that offers great durability, flexibility, and high resistance to corrosion and chemicals. Each of these materials has its own advantages and disadvantages. They can also vary in cost, so depending on the type of fishing you do and the conditions you’ll be working in, one may be better suited for your needs than another.
Conclusion
The most common materials used to make commercial fishing nets are nylon, polyethylene, and polypropylene. However, there are also many other types of materials that can be used in certain cases depending on the intended purpose and design of the net. It is essential to research different materials and find the most suitable ones for the job in order to make sure the net is durable, effective, and affordable. Care should be taken when disposing of worn-out fishing nets to ensure that disposing of the net has minimal impact on aquatic life or the environment in general. Smaller nets for fishermen who plan to catch and release fish should be made of a soft, rubber material that is less likely to wipe or scrape off a fish’s protective slime coating. By understanding the different materials used to make commercial fishing nets, fishermen can be more successful in their ventures.
