How to Use Fishing Nets for Maximum Catch Efficiency in Kenya

Fishing nets are essential tools in Kenya’s fishing and aquaculture industries, enabling efficient harvesting of fish in lakes, rivers, and coastal waters. From small-scale fishermen along Lake Victoria to commercial operations in the Indian Ocean near Mombasa, the correct use of fishing nets directly determines catch volume, fish quality, and operational costs.

A fishing net is a mesh-based structure made from materials such as nylon or High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE), designed to capture or contain fish. The efficiency of a fishing net depends on factors such as mesh size, deployment technique, water conditions, and target species.

For a full selection of fishing nets and equipment, visit the official MFT shop: Maimun Fishing & Tackles Ltd Online Store

Fishing Nets in Kenya

Fishing nets in Kenya are used across freshwater and marine environments for capturing fish efficiently, with variations depending on species, water type, and fishing scale.

Kenya’s fishing industry is concentrated in:

Lake Victoria (Kisumu, Homabay)
Lake Naivasha
Coastal regions (Mombasa, Malindi)

Fishing nets are categorized based on their function:

Gill nets
Seine nets
Cast nets
Fish cage nets (for aquaculture)

Browse the full product catalog here: Fishing Equipment Catalog

Types of Fishing Nets and Their Uses

Gill Nets

Gill nets trap fish by their gills as they attempt to swim through the mesh openings.

Gill nets are widely used in Lake Victoria, especially for tilapia and Nile perch. Mesh size determines the species and size of fish caught.

Seine Nets

Seine nets are large nets used to encircle fish in shallow waters and guide them into a central pocket.

They are commonly used in:

Beach seining in coastal Kenya
Controlled harvesting in aquaculture systems

Cast Nets

Cast nets are handheld circular nets thrown manually to capture fish in shallow water.

They are ideal for small-scale fishing in rivers, ponds, and lake shores.

Fish Cage Nets (Aquaculture)

Fish cage nets are used to contain and grow fish in controlled aquatic environments such as lakes and reservoirs.

These are widely used in Kisumu and Naivasha for commercial tilapia farming.

Explore aquaculture and fishing gear categories here:

How to Use Fishing Nets Effectively

1. Choose the Right Net Type

Matching the correct net type to the fishing environment and species is essential for maximizing catch efficiency.

Different environments require different solutions:

Lakes → Gill nets or cage nets
Rivers → Cast nets
Ocean → Seine nets

2. Understand Mesh Size

Mesh size determines which fish are captured and directly affects yield and sustainability.

Small mesh (2–5mm): Fingerlings and aquaculture
Medium mesh (10–20mm): Tilapia and mixed fish
Large mesh (25mm+): Mature commercial fish

3. Deploy Nets at the Right Time

Early morning and evening are the most productive fishing periods in Kenya.

Fish are more active during:

Dawn (5:30 AM – 8:00 AM)
Dusk (5:00 PM – 7:30 PM)

4. Position Nets Strategically

Nets placed along fish movement paths and feeding zones yield higher catch rates.

Best locations include:

Vegetation edges
Rocky underwater zones
Current channels

5. Use Proper Anchoring Techniques

Proper anchoring prevents drift and ensures nets remain in high-yield fishing zones.

Use:

Weighted sinkers
Strong rope anchors
Balanced tension systems

Cost of Fishing Nets in Kenya

Fishing nets in Kenya cost between KES 2,000 and KES 50,000 depending on size, type, and material quality.

Net Type	Price Range	Use
Cast nets	2,000–8,000	Small-scale fishing
Gill nets	10,000–30,000	Lake fishing
Seine nets	20,000–40,000+	Commercial fishing
Cage nets	15,000–50,000+	Aquaculture