Netting needles are the curved, blunt-tipped tools you use to tie knots in net mesh and repair holes in landing nets, cast nets, and gill nets

A netting needle is not a sewing needle. It has a long, flat eye designed to hold cord or twine, a slightly curved shaft that helps you work through tight mesh, and a blunt tip that slides between strands without splitting them. You thread it with the same material your net is made from — typically nylon, cotton, or synthetic cord — and use it to tie square knots that hold the mesh together.

Netting needles come in different sizes because nets themselves vary widely. A small needle works in fine mesh used for trout or panfish nets. A large needle is necessary for coarse mesh on saltwater nets or cast nets where the gaps between strands are wider. Choosing the wrong size makes the work slow and frustrating; the needle either gets stuck or slides through without catching the mesh properly.

Key Takeaways

  • Netting needles have a flat eye and blunt tip, designed specifically to work with cord through mesh without damaging the strands.
  • Size is measured by the needle's length and the diameter of its eye, and must match the mesh size of your net.
  • Small needles (2 to 3 inches) work for fine mesh nets; large needles (4 to 6 inches) are needed for saltwater or cast nets with wide gaps.
  • Most fishing retailers sell netting needles in sets of two or three, which is practical because you often need one threaded while another is in use.

Needle sizes and what mesh they fit

Netting needles are typically labeled by length in inches, ranging from about 2 inches to 6 inches. The eye diameter also matters — a needle with a small eye will not hold thicker cord, and a needle with a large eye will slip through fine mesh without gripping it.

A 2- to 3-inch needle with a narrow eye is standard for landing nets and dip nets used in freshwater. These nets usually have mesh between 1/8 inch and 1/4 inch, and a small needle slides through easily without snagging. A 4- to 5-inch needle with a medium to wide eye suits cast nets and gill nets where mesh openings are 1/2 inch or larger. The longer shaft gives you leverage to work through coarser material, and the wider eye holds the thicker cord these nets require. Some specialty nets — particularly fine-mesh seine nets or very large saltwater nets — may call for needles outside this range, but these two categories cover most fishing situations.

Materials and durability

Most netting needles are made from plastic or bone. Plastic needles are inexpensive, lightweight, and adequate for occasional repair work. They can crack or split if you apply too much pressure, particularly in cold weather, but they are easy to replace. Bone needles are more durable and less likely to break, though they cost more and are harder to find in retail stock.

The eye of the needle wears over time as cord passes through it repeatedly. A smooth, well-finished eye lasts longer. If the eye becomes rough or splintered, the needle will fray your cord and make knot-tying slower. When that happens, replacement is usually cheaper than trying to smooth the eye back down.

How to thread and use a netting needle

Thread your needle with a length of cord about 2 to 3 feet long — longer than that and it tangles as you work. Tie the cord to the needle's eye with a simple overhand knot so it does not slip out mid-repair. The needle should hang straight down from the knot without the cord bunching or twisting.

When you are tying a knot in the mesh, you typically pass the needle through the mesh from one side, then back through from the other, creating a loop. You then pass the needle through that loop and pull tight to form a square knot. The blunt tip prevents you from accidentally splitting the mesh strands themselves. Work slowly and keep tension even; rushing leads to loose knots that fail when you are on the water.

Where to buy netting needles

Netting needles are sold by most fishing retailers that stock net repair supplies. They are usually available in sets of two or three, which is practical — you can have one needle threaded and ready while you are working with another. Online retailers like Amazon, eBay, and specialty fishing sites carry them year-round. Local tackle shops often stock them, though availability varies by region and season.

Prices are low; a set of two or three needles typically costs between $3 and $8. Because they are inexpensive and easy to lose or break, buying a spare set to keep in your tackle box is reasonable insurance. Some anglers buy extra needles in different sizes so they have the right tool for whatever net repair comes up.

Alternatives if you do not have a netting needle

In a pinch, a large sewing needle or a small curved upholstery needle can work for fine mesh repairs, though neither is ideal. A sewing needle's sharp point can split mesh strands, and its small eye makes it hard to thread with fishing cord. An upholstery needle is closer to the right tool because it is already curved, but it is still not designed for the specific angle and bluntness a netting needle provides.

If you are doing regular net repairs, a proper netting needle is worth the small cost. It makes the work faster, the knots more reliable, and the repair more likely to hold under the stress of actual fishing. Improvising works once or twice, but it teaches you quickly why the right tool exists.

Frequently Asked Questions

What size netting needle do I need for my landing net?

Most landing nets use mesh between 1/8 and 1/4 inch, so a 2- to 3-inch needle with a narrow eye is the standard choice. If your net has unusually fine or coarse mesh, check the mesh opening size and compare it to the needle's eye diameter before buying.

Can I use the same needle for different nets?

A needle that fits one mesh size may not work well in another. Using a small needle on coarse mesh is slow and frustrating; using a large needle on fine mesh causes it to slip through without gripping. If you repair different types of nets regularly, keeping two or three needles in different sizes is practical.

How do I keep my netting needle from breaking?

Avoid applying sudden pressure or twisting the needle sharply. Work slowly and let the needle slide through the mesh naturally. Store needles in a dry place — plastic needles are more prone to cracking in cold weather. Keep them in a small pouch or container so they do not get bent or lost.

What cord should I use with my netting needle?

Use the same material your net is made from, or a close match in thickness. Nylon, cotton, and synthetic fishing cord all work. The cord diameter should fit comfortably through the needle's eye without bunching, and should be strong enough to hold the knots under tension.

Where can I find netting needles if my local tackle shop does not stock them?

Online retailers including Amazon, eBay, and specialty fishing supply sites carry netting needles year-round and ship quickly. Prices are low enough that ordering a set online is usually faster and cheaper than driving to multiple shops looking for stock.