Crackpots Marine
Gill Nets & Haul Nets
Are you looking to try fishing with a gill net? We can help you with general advice about net fishing. But we do stress to all of our customers that the regulations around netting are quite specific – where you can use them, as well as the times, so please check the Fisheries Regulations carefully before using your net.
Netting regulations are also subject to change – although we try to keep the information on this page up to date, please don’t rely on it.
What is a Gill Net?
Our Gill nets are made from monofilament netting. Choose from a mesh size of 2 1/4″ right up to 4 1/2″. All of the nets are 25 Mesh Deep, and are available in either 30 or 60m lengths. Sometimes called Set nets, they are ‘set’ in the water and monitored for a period before being pulled in and fish removed. This is typically the kind of net used for catching mullet in the estuary around Mandurah.
What is a Haul Net?
Haul Nets are similar to Gill Nets, except the lead core rope along the base of the net is heavier, and there is less buoyancy on the float line. Haul nets are also known as Sink nets, because the weight of the lead core sinks the net to the bottom & ‘drowns’ the net. The lead line remains on the bottom regardless of the depth. So if you’re fishing for a bottom dwelling fish like whiting, this is a definitely an option.
Haul nets are pulled through the water, often with one fixed end on the beach. Typically, the net is pulled in an arc until it hits the beach which may result in additional fish being trapped – a primitive form of beach seining (fish are trapped in the net but not gilled).
Which net is suited to catching which fish?
To choose the right net you need to think about where you’re going fishing, and what you’re wanting to catch. The table below is a good general guide, but remember always check the regs first.
| Fishing Location/ Type of Fish | South of Metro | Inland Water – Peel, Harvey, Walpole | North of metro | Far North (Exmouth & Above) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Whiting | 2 1/8" | N/A | 2 1/4" | N/A |
| Herring | 2 1/8" or 2 1/4" | N/A | 2 1/4" or 2 1/2" | Bull Herring 2 1/2" |
| Mullet | 2 3/4" or 3" | Mullet for Bait - 2 1/2" Eating Fish - 2 3/4" | 3" or 3 1/2" | 3 1/2" |
| Tailor | 2 3/4" or 3" | Tailor for Bait - 2 1/2" Eating Fish - 2 3/4" | 3" or 3 1/2" | 3 1/2" |
| Thread Fin Salmon | N/A | N/A | N/A | 4 1/2" |
| Deep Sea Mullet | N/A | N/A | N/A | 3 or 3 1/2" |
Netting regulations are also subject to change – although we try to keep the information on this page up to date, please don’t rely on it.
What are Gill Nets and Haul nets made from?
The majority of our Gill & Haul Nets are made from Line 7 (0.43mm diameter mono). The only exception is 4 1/2″ nets which are made with Line 14, which has a diameter of 0.63mm & is the heaviest used in recreational fishing.
How are nets measured?
Mesh is measured across a stretched knot to knot section, thus a three inch mesh with have an aperture 1.5 x 1.5”.
All nets are a maximum of 25 meshes deep. The depth, or drop, of the net will vary with the mesh size. Nets are 30 meters long (one wing) or 60 meters (two wings).
| Mesh Size | Meshes Deep | Drop in cm | Length |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 1/8” | 25MD | 105cm | 30m or 60m |
| 2 ¼” | 25MD | 111cm | 30m or 60m |
| 2 1/2” | 25MD | 122cm | 30m or 60m |
| 2 9/16” | 25MD | 128cm | 30m or 60m |
| 2 ¾” | 25MD | 133cm | 30m or 60m |
| 3” | 25MD | 145cm | 30m or 60m |
| 3 ½” | 25MD | 167cm | 30m or 60m |
| 4 ½” | 25MD | 212cm | 30m or 60m |
Important Information
We can help you match right net for catching right fish BUT where and when you use is up to you – check Fisheries WA for up to date regulations. It’s worthwhile checking back regularly, as the fishing rules do change.
