Nylon vs Polyester Multifilament Fishing Nets Guide

Summary

Choosing the right multifilament net material—nylon or polyester—depends on factors such as strength, elasticity, water absorption, UV resistance, abrasion resistance, and cost. Nylon nets offer superior elasticity, higher tensile strength, and excellent sink rates due to water absorption, but they can absorb water (up to 3%), become heavier, and be more vulnerable to UV degradation over long-term exposure . In contrast, polyester nets provide better shape retention, low water absorption (keeping them buoyant), superior abrasion resistance, and greater weather resistance, though they are stiffer and less flexible than nylon . Understanding these trade-offs will help fishermen and aquaculture operators select the optimal net for their specific application.

Key Characteristics of Fishing Net Materials

Nylon Multifilament Nets

• Elasticity & Strength: Nylon fibers stretch under load—up to a point—before breaking, which helps absorb shock and “bag” fish more effectively .

• Water Absorption & Sink Rate: Nylon has the highest water absorption among common net materials (saturation up to 3%), causing nets to sink quickly—ideal for gillnets and bottom-set nets—but also increasing weight and potentially reducing mechanical strength over time .

• UV Resistance & Durability: While more UV-sensitive than polyester, multifilament nylon nets resist sunlight degradation better than monofilament nylon .

• Handling & Knot Security: Nylon’s limpness makes handling and knot-tying easier, improving catch rates across varied fish sizes .

• Cost: Generally higher-priced than polyester due to raw material costs and production complexity .

Polyester Multifilament Nets

• Shape Retention & Stability: Polyester is stiffer and maintains net shape under tension, facilitating consistent mesh geometry and improved durability in dynamic water conditions .

• Low Water Absorption & Buoyancy: Minimal water uptake keeps nets lighter and more buoyant—beneficial for surface nets and long-duration deployments—but may require additional weights to sink properly .

• Abrasion & Weather Resistance: Superior resistance to abrasion, chemicals, and UV exposure ensures longer service life with less wear and tear, ideal for harsh marine environments .

• Environmental Considerations: Polyester nets can be recycled, aligning with sustainability goals, though raw polyester production has environmental impacts .

• Cost & Availability: Often less expensive than nylon, offering a cost-effective solution for large-scale operations .

Comparative Analysis

Application Scenarios

1. Gillnets & Bottom-Set Nets:

• Nylon multifilament nets sink rapidly and adapt to seabed contours, improving catch efficiency for demersal species .

2. Surface & Seine Nets:

• Polyester multifilament nets maintain shape and resist abrasion, ideal for purse seines and dredge nets in open water .

3. Aquaculture & Protective Nets:

• Polyester’s buoyancy and UV durability make it suited for marine cages and bird-protection nets .

4. Recreational & Sport Fishing:

• Nylon’s flexibility facilitates landing nets where gentle handling is crucial .

Selection Guidelines

• Target Species & Method: Choose nylon for shock-absorption and sinking; choose polyester for shape retention and abrasion resistance.

• Deployment Duration: For long-term deployments and UV exposure, polyester offers superior lifespan.

• Handling & Storage: If ease of handling and knot stability are priorities, nylon is preferable.

• Budget Constraints: Polyester nets provide a more cost-effective option for large-scale operations without sacrificing core performance.

• Environmental Goals: Consider polyester for its recyclability; however, manage end-of-life disposal responsibly.