We’ve all been there before. You pick up your net and you see some holes have formed in the netting. The common issues that attribute to this are snags on something sharp, a mouse or other little critter that likes to chew or the net is old.

I recently had this issue on the water not realizing I had some 4″ slits in my netting. My net is a nylon net that are rubber dipped which helps prevent hooks getting caught in the nylon. Some nets are complete rubber but those are typically thicker and heavier but easier to maintain. For this articles purpose we’ll talk about the nylon rubber dipped nets.

If your net is torn, carefully inspect closer to see if there’s dry rot or any other material decay that may be causing or contributing to the issue. Reason being is that you might have to buy new netting or a new net all together. If your net is repairable it’s a super easy fix that is easy on the wallet and takes no time at all. 

For repairing your net you’ll only need a couple of items. The 1st item will be zip/cable ties. You’ll want to use the zip/cable ties rated at 30 lbs ones that are really cheap at the store. You can find these at a variety of stores these days and they usually come in packs of 25 or higher starting at $2 or so depending on the length of the zip/cable tie. The colors are plentiful as well so have at it. The other item you’ll need is wire cutters, sharp scissors or a knife to cut the tag ends of the zip ties.

Basically you’ll want to line up the hole and use the existing smaller holes in the net to run the zip/cable tie through and connect. Tighten the zip/cable tie and cut off the tag end excess and you’re done. I have used this on a number of nets in the past and has always worked great. I will say that if you fish for big fish like Pike, Muskie and Catfish for example, you’ll want to use a heavier gauge zip tie to secure your net since your net is likely a bigger heavier duty net. My pike net has 50 lbs zip/cable ties installed since these fish can weigh in excess of 15 lbs or more. Their teeth are very sharp and can easily cut through nylon netting even if it’s dipped in rubber. 

Don’t worry about the aesthetics either because the fish don’t care and neither should any angler. After all, it’s just a net and has one purpose…to land fish. This repair can take as long as 5 mins or less and is very easy to perform (even on the water if it calls for it). I hope you have found this tip to be helpful. 

Get out there and fish!

By Jay Randall