I want to buy a gill net... but it's probably something I'll never use. I want to have one for a just-in-case, -hits-the-fan scenario. In my mind, I'd string it across a slow moving river or creek, probably 30' across or less. Although I also have a large lake close by I could use it in.

Any ideas what I should buy? Type. length, hole size?

If it's for a worst care scenario it may be worthwhile to learn how to make one rather than just buying one.

You might consider a cast net.

Here is some information to start with. It is what I have been looking at.

https://www.netsandmore.com/products/fishing-nets/survival?tag_list_language_filter=

You need to determine approximately what size fish you have available. Also, how deep is the water you will be fishing. For salmon,other than Kings, we usually use a mesh about 5 1/8". My nets are usually 60 feet long and 28 meshes deep. Probably a lot bigger than you would be needing.

You would probably do OK with a 4" mesh. Depth depends on water body

Memphis Net and Twine... that'll help.

X2

I believe that there are two distinct types, the one and done and the other..

A gill net can also do fairly well on land catching small animals. Probably will need to get something for floats if they do not come with it.

Yeah I've been learning all about how to build them and use them . Built 5 for the price of the first few I bought and I'll tell you it's a .... It's not easy , at least in still water.
First , what kinda fish would you be after
What's your water like
Do you have a boat
Will you be around people, those three will help alot. Look back I have a few posts where I was dabbling around trying to find some info on the subject should help if the posts are still up. There some face book group I can reccomended you too as we if you'd like.

STAY AWAY FROM SURVIVAL GUYS AND LISTEN TO THE COMMERCIAL FISHERMAN!!

I wouldn't be surprised if Yukonjeff or Waggler both have some videos of setting a set net.....from a boat. I'd never consider doing it like the guy in the video above except as a matter of life & death.

I've caught thousands of pounds of fish in a set net. It's a lot of hard work.

So things I've learned with my little bit of experimentation with using and building gill nets ( still water ponds small lakes)

1. In still water you have two types of fish : preators that move all around constantly, usually at a good clip, and the prey that usually don't move much away from cover and went then do it's very slow and meticulous.
Preators like bass will slam into a gill net without any fear in still water , carp and catfish will too. Bluegill and other prey species, I less they are being provoked, they will just swim up to a net look at it ,mabye bump it , and swim off. I've watched it multiple times . ESPECIALLY with heavier mono netting.

2. Multi filament / nylon is king when it comes to catching problem is....it's king of catching. Basically you have two types of netting mono ( same as monofilament fishing line ) and multi filament/nylon ( resembles braided fishing line or kite string). Multi filament if extremely loose and flowing in it's nature and it's just superb when it comes to catching and tangling. Problem is it catches on any and everything. Leaves, sticks, briars, all kinds of trash in the water , I honestly spent away more time cleaning my nylon nets from trash then I did actually fishing . But Lord they will catch about anything that gets too close to them . Their heck on dang slider turtles I'll tell you that lol.
Mono nets let alot of that trash just bounce off though .

I got more stuff regarding string size ,mesh sizing , ect

Part of my experiments a while back

I have a cast net and a gill net from my days of fishing for bait (shad) for blue catfish fishing. I would chat with those guys in Virginia Catfish circles, some really nice net makers and folks that use them daily.

Highly recommend these two groups , everyone if very nice and their happy to answer questions.

Thanks everyone.

Gill nets are pretty size specific for the size fish you are targeting. For example a 6# sockeye 5 inch mesh, 8-10 pound silver 5 3/4 inch mesh, 10-12 pound dogs 6 inch mesh, kings 7 1/2 - 8 inch mesh. A mesh is measured "stretched"; for example 6 inch mesh is a square 3x3 inches.

We used 5 1/8 inch mesh for sockeye for years, they averaged about 6 pounds, two years ago I switched to 4 7/8 in since in very recent years sockeye have only averaged about 5 pounds in our district.

Since they've shut down the salmon fishing on the Yukon we're now only allowed to use 4" mesh and smaller. The 4" mesh is a good all around net,
we catch pike, whitefish, sheefish, longnosed suckers, grayling, burbot and it will also catch the occasional salmon. The one we use is 60' ( 30' set ) and 8 feet deep.

Figure out the depth of water of where you want to set the net. (Roughly)

What size fish are you targeting ? (Roughly)

Are the fish on the surface or bottom dwellers ? This determines whether you need the net to sink or float. I use both types in different scenarios.

My nets range from 2.5” mullet nets to 10” rock nets for the ocean. I hang my own, if I can help you , shoot me a PM.

Memphis Net and Twine are great people, and hang quality nets. I use them for some supplies and have had nets hung years ago from them. Just gotta be specific with what you’re after. Might be worth a call , chat with somebody there about a net for your needs.

Good Luck
John

For durability and ease of use, a Fyke net might serve you better. It will allow you to catch a variety of fish as well as turtles. Otters can do a number on them however. They tend to be a bit easier to repair as well although they are a slight bit more cumbersome.