How To Make A Shrimp Trawl Net

Making your own shrimp trawl net can be a rewarding and practical project, especially for small-scale fishermen or hobbyists who want a custom net for inshore or shallow water shrimping. While building a shrimp trawl net requires attention to detail and a bit of patience, it’s entirely doable with the right materials and a basic understanding of how trawl nets function. A well-made shrimp trawl net can help you increase your catch while ensuring durability and ease of use during your fishing trips. With proper construction, it can last through many shrimping seasons and offer better control over what you catch.

Understanding Shrimp Trawl Nets

A shrimp trawl net is a cone-shaped fishing net designed to be dragged behind a boat to catch shrimp and similar bottom-dwelling species. It typically includes a mouth that is kept open by otter boards or a frame, leading to a tapered body that ends in a cod end or bag where the shrimp are collected.

There are several design variations depending on the shrimp species, water depth, and boat size. However, the core components of a shrimp trawl net remain consistent and must be assembled carefully to function effectively underwater.

Materials Needed

Before you begin building your shrimp trawl net, gather all the necessary tools and supplies. Choosing the right netting and components will greatly affect the performance and longevity of your net.

• Monofilament or nylon netting (1/2 to 1-inch mesh)
• Twine or heavy-duty nylon thread
• Scissors or netting needle
• Measuring tape
• Otter boards or pipe frame (optional, for keeping net open)
• Lead line or sinkers (for bottom weight)
• Float line or floats (for top support)
• Rope or braided line for bridle and towing lines

Designing Your Shrimp Trawl Net

The basic design of a shrimp trawl includes a wide opening at the mouth and a tapered body that funnels shrimp toward the cod end. Before cutting or tying anything, decide on the size of your net based on the size of your boat and how deep you’ll be fishing.

Net Dimensions

Here’s a simple guide for creating a small trawl net suitable for a small boat:

• Mouth Width: 6 to 10 feet
• Net Length: 10 to 15 feet
• Cod End Diameter: About 1.5 feet

These measurements can be scaled up or down, but remember that a larger net will require more strength to tow and may be harder to manage manually.

Steps to Make a Shrimp Trawl Net

1. Cut the Net Panels

Start by cutting four net panels from your mesh material. Two panels will form the top section and two for the bottom. Each panel should taper from a wide front edge to a narrow back edge. The panels will be stitched together to form the cone shape of the net.

For example, if your net is 10 feet long, the front edge of each panel might be 5 feet wide and taper to 1 foot wide at the rear. Cut carefully and ensure symmetry between panels for balanced performance.

2. Sew the Panels Together

Using twine or nylon thread, stitch the edges of the panels together using an overhand or double knot stitch. Start by joining one top and one bottom panel, and then repeat for the other side. Finally, sew the two halves together to complete the cone-shaped net.

Make sure all seams are tight and secure, as weak stitching may cause the net to tear under tension. Reinforce the cod end with extra stitching if needed.

3. Construct the Cod End

The cod end is the final section where shrimp collect. It can be built directly into the main net or attached as a separate, removable section. Some fishermen prefer to tie the cod end using a finer mesh size to keep smaller shrimp from escaping.

Add a drawstring or zippered opening at the end for easy unloading of your catch. A removable cod end also makes cleaning and maintenance easier.

4. Add Float and Lead Lines

To help the net stay open and oriented properly, attach a float line along the top edge and a lead line along the bottom edge of the net’s mouth. This helps create a vertical opening that allows shrimp to enter the net while the boat moves forward.

• Float Line: Attach foam or cork floats at even intervals.
• Lead Line: Tie weights or use a weighted rope to sink the net to the bottom.

5. Install the Bridle and Tow Ropes

The bridle is a V-shaped rope assembly that connects the net to the main towing rope attached to the boat. Proper bridle length and symmetry are important to keep the net stable during towing.

Use heavy-duty rope and tie securely at the corners of the net’s mouth. Connect the bridle to your tow rope using a swivel or metal ring to reduce twist during movement.

6. Add Otter Boards or Frame (Optional)

To keep the net open horizontally, you can attach otter boards on each side of the mouth. These boards are angled pieces of wood or metal that generate lateral force as they are dragged, pulling the net open. Alternatively, a lightweight metal frame can be used to maintain the net’s shape.

This step is optional but highly recommended if you’re planning to trawl in deeper waters or want maximum efficiency.

Testing Your Shrimp Trawl Net

Before using your net in a real fishing scenario, test it in shallow water or near a dock. Pull the net slowly to check that it opens correctly and tracks straight. Make sure there are no loose threads or holes, and observe how the net behaves in the water.

Make any necessary adjustments to the bridle or float/lead lines if the net doesn’t tow evenly. Testing also gives you a chance to practice deploying and retrieving the net safely.

Maintenance Tips

To extend the life of your shrimp trawl net, follow these maintenance practices:

• Rinse the net with fresh water after each use to remove salt and debris.
• Dry the net before storing to prevent mold or rot.
• Inspect the net regularly for holes or weakened stitching.
• Store the net in a dry, shaded place away from direct sunlight.

Safety Considerations

Using a shrimp trawl net from a small boat requires attention to safety. Always be aware of how much drag the net is creating, especially in strong currents. Avoid wrapping tow lines around your hand or body. Work with a partner if possible and carry proper flotation gear on board.

Learning how to make a shrimp trawl net gives you greater control over your gear and a deeper understanding of how shrimping works. By building your own net, you can customize the design to fit your specific needs, whether fishing from a small skiff or a larger vessel. With durable materials, careful assembly, and proper maintenance, your homemade shrimp trawl net can become an essential part of your fishing equipment. Not only does it save money over time, but it also provides the satisfaction of using a tool you’ve crafted yourself to bring in a successful catch.