Best Practices for Installing & Maintaining Fishing Nets in Kenya

Fishing remains a vital part of Kenya’s economy, culture, and food security — supporting millions of livelihoods across inland lakes, rivers, and the coastal belt. From artisanal fishermen on Lake Victoria to large aquaculture operations in Kisumu, Naivasha, and Kilifi, one essential tool defines success — fishing nets.

But to get the best catch and ensure longevity, proper installation and maintenance of fishing nets are crucial. Whether used in freshwater or saltwater, a well-installed and well-maintained net improves efficiency, minimizes losses, and reduces operational costs.

This guide from Maimun Fishing & Tackles Ltd explores professional insights into installing, maintaining, and caring for fishing nets in Kenya — ensuring they perform optimally for years.

Understanding Fishing Nets in Kenya

Fishing nets come in many designs, materials, and mesh sizes, each tailored to specific species, environments, and fishing methods. The most common types in Kenya include:

Gill Nets: Popular in Lake Victoria and inland waters, used for catching tilapia, catfish, and Nile perch.
Seine Nets: Large nets dragged through water to encircle fish schools — ideal for commercial operations.
Cast Nets: Circular nets thrown manually by artisanal fishers.
Trawl Nets: Used in marine and deep-water fishing.
Aquaculture Nets: Installed in fish cages and ponds to contain or harvest stock.

Choosing the right net type is the first step toward achieving sustainable and efficient fishing operations.

Choosing the Right Net Material

Modern fishing nets are made from synthetic fibers like nylon, polyethylene (PE), or polypropylene (PP). These materials are durable, lightweight, and resistant to rot and abrasion — ideal for Kenyan fishing environments.

Nylon Nets

High strength and elasticity
Suitable for deep-water and gill net fishing
Easy to handle and long-lasting

Polyethylene Nets

Float easily and resist UV degradation
Common in aquaculture cages and floating systems

Polypropylene Nets

Lightweight, durable, and cost-effective
Preferred for smaller operations and short-term use

When sourcing nets, Maimun Fishing & Tackles Ltd provides customized netting solutions suited to both inland and marine conditions.

Explore more:
https://shop.mft.co.ke/netting
https://shop.mft.co.ke/fishing/fishing-accessories
https://shop.mft.co.ke/aquaculture/fishing-nets
https://shop.mft.co.ke/marine/ropes

Installation Best Practices for Fishing Nets in Kenya

1. Site Preparation

Before installation, evaluate the depth, water flow, and substrate of the fishing area. For aquaculture cages, select stable zones protected from high currents or debris accumulation.

Mark anchoring points and measure spacing accurately to avoid net distortion during use.

2. Use of Proper Anchors

Anchoring systems maintain net shape and prevent drift. Use marine-grade ropes, sinkers, and floats to secure the setup. Stainless steel or galvanized anchors work best for saltwater conditions, while concrete blocks are common in freshwater environments.

3. Tension and Buoyancy Adjustment

Maintain uniform tension across all edges of the net. Too much slack can cause tangling or allow fish escape, while excessive tension reduces lifespan. Buoyancy aids should be evenly distributed to maintain vertical stability.

4. Depth Calibration

For deep nets, use markers and weighted lines to maintain consistent depth. This is critical for gill and seine nets where target species swim at specific levels.

5. Regular Inspection During Installation

Inspect knots, seams, and joins before deployment. A single weak knot can compromise the net’s performance. Always use UV-resistant twine or rope for repairs.

Maintenance of Fishing Nets

1. Cleaning After Use

Salt, debris, and organic matter accumulate quickly and can weaken fibers. After every use, rinse nets thoroughly with fresh water and hang them in shade to dry. Avoid direct sunlight for prolonged periods as UV rays degrade synthetic fibers.

2. Regular Inspection

Inspect nets at least once a week for tears, holes, or fraying. Prompt repairs prevent larger damage and loss of fish. For aquaculture setups, daily inspection is recommended.

3. Proper Storage

Store nets in dry, shaded, and well-ventilated spaces. Keep them off the ground to avoid moisture and pests. When not in use for long periods, lightly coat with net preservative or antifungal treatment.

4. Seasonal Maintenance

Before peak fishing seasons, perform a full maintenance check:

Replace worn ropes and floats
Lubricate metal fittings
Repaint or replace anchor weights
Patch any holes with compatible twine

Cost of Fishing Nets in Kenya

The cost of fishing nets in Kenya varies depending on size, material, and type. As of 2025, general price ranges are:

Net Type	Material	Estimated Cost (KES)
Gill Net (50m)	Nylon	4,500 – 7,000
Seine Net (100m)	Polyethylene	12,000 – 25,000
Cast Net	Nylon	3,000 – 6,000
Aquaculture Cage Net	HDPE	20,000 – 45,000
Trawl Net	Polypropylene	25,000+

Maimun Fishing & Tackles Ltd supplies a wide variety of nets and accessories suitable for both inland and marine operations — all tested for Kenyan fishing conditions.

Shop now:
https://shop.mft.co.ke/fishing

Durability & Longevity Tips

To extend your fishing net’s life:

Always rinse and dry after every use.
Rotate between multiple nets to reduce wear.
Keep away from sharp objects during storage.
Use net protectants against UV and salt corrosion.
Store under shade or indoors when possible.

With consistent care, a quality nylon or HDPE net can last 3–5 years, even in intensive operations.

Aquaculture Applications of Fishing Nets

Fishing nets are not just for catching fish — they are vital in aquaculture management. Common uses include:

Cage culture: Nets form the containment walls in floating or submerged cages.
Harvesting nets: Used to gather mature fish during harvesting.
Bird and predator protection: Fine-mesh nets prevent birds or predators from attacking farm stock.
Partition nets: Separate species or age groups within ponds.

Maimun Fishing & Tackles Ltd supplies custom-sized aquaculture nets built for strength, UV resistance, and ease of cleaning.

Explore:
https://shop.mft.co.ke/aquaculture/fishing-nets

Environmental Considerations

Responsible net use reduces environmental harm. Always:

Avoid ghost fishing by retrieving lost nets.
Recycle damaged nets through local marine programs.
Use biodegradable netting where applicable.
Comply with Kenya Fisheries Service (KeFS) regulations on mesh size and fishing seasons.

Maimun Fishing & Tackles supports sustainable fishing through eco-friendly netting materials and awareness programs.

Where to Buy Quality Fishing Nets in Kenya

The most reliable source for genuine, high-quality fishing nets and accessories is Maimun Fishing & Tackles Ltd, Kenya’s trusted marine and aquaculture supplier.

Visit:
https://shop.mft.co.ke/netting
for durable nets tailored to your needs.

Delivery & Contact Information

Maimun Fishing & Tackles Ltd
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