stownet

fishing

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July 14, 2026

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A stownet is a type of fishing net, specifically a funnel-shaped sprat trawl. It is typically made of sections with diminishing mesh sizes toward the smaller end and is anchored in a tideway. Stownets are also described as bag nets that are kept open by a frame and stretched by the water current. They can be small scoop nets or larger nets, sometimes with wings, held by stakes or anchors, with or without a vessel.12

These nets are used in rivers to catch migrating or drifting fish. Some stownets are anchored to the river bottom, and sometimes a watchman is needed to monitor them. While popular for eel fishing in European rivers, their use is declining due to increased boat traffic and pollution. Stownets can be quite large, with some used in Indonesia measuring up to 100 meters long and 40 meters across the mouth. A related term, "stent net," refers to a net stretched from a stake for anchoring in river fishing.34

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… or large net bags (stownets). Such gear is known on many European and Asian rivers. The net bag is fixed to the river bottom to catch migrating or drifting fish. Some human control may be necessary; sometimes a watchman lives on a vessel or raft next to the stownet…
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… or large net bags (stownets). Such gear is known on many European and Asian rivers. The net bag is fixed to the river bottom to catch migrating or drifting fish. Some human control may be necessary; sometimes a watchman lives on a vessel or raft next to the stownet…
Read More