Knotting a Cord Fishing Net — Mesh Netting from Plant Fiber

You need a large quantity of thin, strong cordage — 50-80 metres for a net roughly 2m x 1m. Reverse-wrap cordage from nettle bast, lime inner bark, or hemp fiber works well. The cord should be about 2mm diameter — thin enough to be nearly invisible in water but strong enough to hold a thrashing fish. Carve a flat netting shuttle from a thin piece of hardwood — this holds a length of cord and passes through the mesh loops. Also carve a mesh gauge — a flat stick whose width determines the size of each mesh opening. For general river fish, a gauge width of 3-4cm produces suitable mesh.

Stretch a thicker cord (the headline) horizontally between two fixed points at working height. This is the top edge of the net. Tie a series of foundation loops onto the headline, spaced at intervals equal to twice the gauge width. These loops form the first row of meshes. The number of loops determines the net width — 20-30 loops creates a net about 1.5-2 metres across.

Load the shuttle with cordage. Working left to right, pass the shuttle down through the first loop, around the gauge stick, and tie a sheet bend knot (also called a mesh knot). The gauge stick ensures every mesh is the same size. Continue across the row, knotting into each loop. At the end of the row, turn and work back right to left, knotting into the loops of the previous row. This creates the characteristic diamond pattern of netting. Keep consistent tension — loose knots create uneven mesh that fish escape through.

After reaching the desired depth (typically 0.5-1m for a river gill net), finish the bottom edge by running a cord through the final row of loops and tying each one off. Reinforce the side edges by running a vertical cord through the outermost meshes. For a gill net, attach small stone weights to the bottom edge and small floats (bark or hollow reed sections) to the headline. The weights pull the net vertical in the water while the floats hold the top edge at the surface.

Stretch the net across a stream or river channel, securing both ends to stakes driven into the bank or to heavy stones. The net should hang vertically in the water column like a curtain. Fish swimming into the mesh become entangled by their gill covers (hence 'gill net'). Check the net every few hours — fish left too long may be taken by scavengers or begin to deteriorate. A well-made net lasts for an entire fishing season with minor repairs.