The 10 Best Survival Gill Nets

A 23-foot-long gill net that fits in a cargo pocket and weighs only five ounces. The 1.5-inch square mesh is sized for eating fish, and the integral top and bottom strings make it a true ready-to-fish package. American-made and the most versatile length in the test.

The survival-gill-net standard used in aviation and wilderness kits. A 12 ft x 4 ft monofilament net with 1.5-inch survival mesh, weighted foot rope and floating top rope so it hangs correctly without extra rigging. Meets current FAA guidance and doubles as a small-game snare.

A long-haul net for serious survival scenarios: 6 ft deep by 75 ft long with 2-inch mesh, top and bottom strings tied in, and 100% USA-made nylon multifilament. Weighs less than 1.25 lb and packs into a gallon bag. Built to feed several people over time.

The group-camp solution. 6 ft deep by 100 ft long with 2-inch mesh, pre-tied top and bottom strings, and USA-made nylon multifilament. At under 10 lb it still fits in a 5-gallon bucket and can feed a party indefinitely when set across a productive inlet.

A jungle-proven multifilament net made in Peru, where people actually depend on gill nets for food. 12 ft long by 5 ft deep with a tight 1-inch mesh, attached floats and weights, and a green color that disappears against vegetation.

A flag-style shirt-tail net that maximizes coverage per ounce. 4 ft deep by 50 ft long with 2-inch mesh, a top string only, and a weight under 5 oz that fits in a quart bag. Add bank line or paracord to the bottom and it becomes a seine.

A compact monofilament net with real commercial-fishing DNA. #6 mono, 2.5-inch square mesh, 6 ft deep by 15 ft long, with a foam-core top rope and a 30 lb lead-core bottom rope so it hangs straight and fishes immediately.

A NATO-style survival net recommended by former SAS author Chris Ryan. 3 m x 1.4 m with 26 mm square mesh, top floatline, bottom leadline and corner loops for quick tie-outs. Packs to 16 x 11 x 6 cm and works in fresh or salt water.

The lightest ready-to-fish net in the roundup. 3.5 ft by 23 ft with 1.5-inch mesh, top and bottom strings tied in, and a weight under 3 oz that fits in the palm of your hand. Made in the USA from nylon multifilament.

A long-reach monofilament net for situations where coverage matters more than packability. 98 ft long by 5.5 ft deep with adjustable 5/8-inch to 2-inch mesh and large buoys to keep the top line visible and afloat.