Plankton tow nets are considered the most functional and versatile of all plankton collectors. They are towed by boats or used for vertical tows as protocols dictate. A complete net package consists of a single net ring & towing bridle, filtration net and straining sample bucket.  You can also accessorize your nets with drain valves (petcocks), sampling bucket weights, tow line weights, sounding weights, flow-meters and more for speed and ease of use.

How to purchase your tow net:

1) Decide the net mouth diameter required and length of net desired.  This is often referred to as a ratio; eg. a net with a 12' mouth and 36" long is a 1:3 ratio.  The most popular are 1:3 and 1:5, however, many other options are available and almost any size can be special ordered.  Chose your net size from the category list on this website, the current page is a step below this choice.

2) Decide which mesh size you require.  Mesh size or aperture size is commonly referred to by micron size, or US mesh sieve #.  Sizes listed by micron are more accurate than US sieve #, cross referencing may be necessary.  We use Nitex® mesh when available and appropriate.  We reserve the right to use other branded mesh where aperture size or availability requires.  Nitex® is a brand name of heat set mesh with tight tolerances and is specifically cited in protocols because it was the first such product.  If any modern substitution is used, it will be of matching quality and specifications.  The mesh size is also listed as part of the product name from the level prior to this product page.

3) Decide if this is a replacement net or a new purchase.  The base price is for the filter net only, all tow nets require a ring & bridle, if this is a new purchase, be sure to select the ring & bridle from the dropdown box below.  If you purchase a net with a ring & bridle, we will automatically lace it to the net unless otherwise requested.

4) Decide whether or not you require a sample bucket (sometimes called a dolphin bucket).  The buckets we carry are a two piece design made to be easily separated in the field for cleaning and emptying.  The upper net adaptor section attaches to the 3.5"  cod end of the net with a stainless steel clamp and does not need to be removed in the field.  The bottom section screws into the upper adaptor and features filter vent holes lined with mesh matching your net mesh size.  The most common bucket is the 500ml size, however, we also offer 1000ml, no bucket, and sewn up end options as your needs require.  If you choose a bucket from the dropdown menu below, it will come attached to the end of your net.

5) Decide if you want any net-specific accessories mounted to the end of your sampling bucket.  We currently offer a petcock or a weight attached to the bottom of the sample bucket, unfortunately only one of these can be added as they use the same mounting point at the bottom of the sample bucket.

We can custom manufacture almost any other design you require, contact us with your specifications.

Make sure you take a look at the accessories at the bottom of this page and across our site.  A successful tow will require towing line, tow line weights, a line reel, sample bottles or bags, not to mention counting and analyzing tools.