Mesh size is one of the first specifications buyers mention when asking for a fishing net quotation.
A buyer may simply write:
“50 mm mesh.”
But for a manufacturer, that number is not always complete.
Different markets and suppliers may describe mesh size using different measurement methods.
If the method is unclear, the buyer and factory may be discussing two different products without realizing it.
The key principle is:
A fishing net quotation should confirm both the mesh value and the mesh measurement method before production.
The same numerical mesh value may be understood as:
Knot-to-knot
Stretched mesh
Clear opening
These are not automatically equivalent.
This is why a professional fishing net factory may ask the buyer to clarify the measurement method before quoting.
For knotted netting, buyers may define mesh by the distance between adjacent knots.
This method is commonly used in many commercial net specifications.
However, the factory still needs to know:
Which points are being measured
Whether the net is relaxed or under defined tension
Clear measurement language reduces misunderstanding.
Some buyers describe mesh according to the fully stretched opening.
A stretched measurement can be significantly different from a knot-to-knot value.
If one side uses stretched mesh and the other uses knot-to-knot, the finished net may be much larger or smaller than expected.
Some applications focus on the actual free opening between twines.
This can be called:
Clear opening
Inner opening
The value can differ from knot spacing because twine thickness occupies part of the mesh.
Therefore, clear opening should be identified explicitly.
A buyer may send a photo with a ruler.
This is helpful, but the manufacturer still needs to know:
Which points are being measured
Whether the mesh is stretched
Whether the ruler includes knot width
Whether the net is under tension
A clear written definition is more reliable.
Two nets may have the same nominal knot spacing but different twine diameters.
The thicker twine may create a smaller visible opening.
This matters in applications where the buyer cares about:
Fish retention
Bird exclusion
Poultry containment
Product clearance
The factory therefore considers both mesh size and twine construction.
Mesh size can influence:
Material consumption
Net weight
Production setup
Price
A smaller mesh generally requires more netting structure per unit area than a larger mesh of otherwise similar construction.
This means an incorrect mesh interpretation can lead to an inaccurate quotation.
For custom panels, mesh count and mesh size together influence the final net geometry.
If the mesh method is misunderstood, the finished panel may not match the buyer's expected:
Width
Length
Depth
This is especially important for aquaculture and fish cage projects.
Buyers may receive two quotations:
Supplier A: 50 mm mesh
Supplier B: 50 mm mesh
But if Supplier A means knot-to-knot and Supplier B means stretched mesh, the products are not directly comparable.
The lower price may simply represent a different net.
For certain custom panels, the factory may ask for:
Meshes deep
Meshes long
This provides another way to cross-check the intended dimensions.
Mesh count can be especially useful when the buyer is replacing an existing panel.
A buyer may measure an old net that has already been used.
Long-term tension, handling, or deformation may change the apparent mesh geometry.
The old measured value may not exactly represent the original factory specification.
In this situation, it is useful to provide:
Photos
Several measurements
Application
Original records where available
Do not rely on one single opening.
A better method is to check several locations.
This helps identify whether the sample has:
Local deformation
Uneven tension
Manufacturing variation
A manufacturer can then understand the target more accurately.
If the buyer does not know the measurement method, a sample can help.
The factory may evaluate:
Mesh construction
Twine
Knot type
Approximate dimensions
A sample does not replace all technical information, but it can make specification reconstruction much easier.
For project netting, the technical drawing should state the mesh definition.
For example:
Mesh: 50 mm, knot-to-knot
This prevents future teams from interpreting the drawing differently.
Once the measurement method is confirmed, use the same wording in:
Quotation
Sample approval
Purchase order
Production specification
Inspection report
This creates one consistent technical language.
When requesting a fishing net quotation, provide:
Mesh size
Measurement method
Knotted or knotless
Twine specification
Material
Net dimensions
Quantity
If the measurement method is uncertain, provide:
Close-up photo
Ruler photo
Several measurements
Physical sample if possible
Intended application
PE fishing net, 50 mm mesh, please quote.
The factory still needs to confirm:
50 mm measured how?
What twine?
What size?
What quantity?
Material: PE
Mesh: 50 mm, knot-to-knot
Twine: 2.0 mm
Construction: Knotted
Size: 5 m × 100 m
Quantity: 100 rolls
Color: Green
Now the factory has a much clearer basis for quotation and production.
Clear mesh measurement helps buyers receive:
More accurate quotations
More comparable supplier offers
Better sample matching
Fewer production disputes
It also reduces unnecessary back-and-forth during inquiry.
When a fishing net factory asks:
“Is the mesh knot-to-knot or stretched?”
it is not creating unnecessary complexity.
It is confirming one of the most important production variables before committing to:
Price
Weight
Dimensions
Production
This is part of responsible custom manufacturing.
A mesh number without a measurement method can be incomplete.
The key principle is:
Accurate Fishing Net Quotation = Mesh Value + Measurement Method + Twine + Material + Dimensions + Quantity
At PL Fishery, we manufacture PE fishing nets, nylon fishing nets, aquaculture netting, fish cage panels, reinforced netting, commercial net rolls, marine ropes, repair twine, and customized net products.
For a faster and more accurate quotation, send PL Fishery your mesh size, measurement method, material, twine specification, dimensions, knot type, quantity, color, application, and destination. If you are unsure how your existing net was measured, send us photos or a reference sample and our factory can help clarify the specification.https://plfishery.com/
