In fishing net specifications, MD generally means Meshes Deep. It describes how many meshes are counted vertically through the depth of the netting. The term is commonly used by importers, wholesalers and fishing gear buyers when defining the depth of a netting panel.
A specification of 100 MD means 100 meshes deep, 200 MD means 200 meshes deep, and 400 MD means 400 meshes deep. This does not mean 100 m, 200 m or 400 m. Mesh depth is a count, while the physical depth of a net depends on several other specification fields.
What Does MD Mean in a Fishing Net?
MD is normally an abbreviation for Meshes Deep or Mesh Depth. It identifies the number of mesh openings counted from one edge of the netting to the opposite edge in the depth direction. This count helps define the shape and scale of a netting panel, but it is only one part of a complete product specification.
MD is not a unit of meters, yards, kilograms or weight. It also does not describe the size of each mesh opening. A buyer should retain the MD value exactly as shown on an existing label or specification and separately confirm the mesh size, line or yarn construction, length and stretching condition.
How Is Mesh Depth Counted?
Mesh depth is normally counted from one side edge of a netting panel to the other side edge in the direction identified as depth. Each complete mesh contributes to the MD count under the measurement convention agreed by the buyer and supplier. When a drawing is available, the depth direction should be marked so it cannot be confused with net length.
MD refers to the number of meshes. It is not the number of knots, the total length of the net, or the mesh size itself. Knots and mesh junctions may be visible during counting, but the specification is describing the mesh openings through the depth.
A Simple MD Counting Sequence
Top Edge
Begin at the confirmed upper edge of the netting panel.
Mesh Count
Count mesh 1, mesh 2, mesh 3 and onward in the depth direction.
Bottom Edge
Finish at the opposite edge when the specified MD count is reached.
Examples: 100 MD, 200 MD and 400 MD
The following examples explain the notation without assigning a fixed fishing method, country or physical depth. Actual use depends on the buyer's product design and market requirements.
| MD | Meaning | Typical Use in Specification |
|---|---|---|
| 100 MD | 100 meshes deep | Used when a buyer requires a shallower net panel relative to a higher MD count. |
| 200 MD | 200 meshes deep | Used when a buyer specifies a deeper panel than 100 MD under the same comparison basis. |
| 400 MD | 400 meshes deep | Used when a buyer specifies a much greater mesh depth. See the 400 MD fishing net commercial page. |
Why 400 MD Does Not Mean 400 Meters
The physical depth of a netting panel is influenced by mesh size, how that mesh size is measured, the stretching or hanging condition, the hanging ratio and the net construction. Therefore, a mesh count cannot be converted directly to meters without an agreed geometry and measurement condition.
Two nets can both be 400 MD but have very different physical depths if their mesh sizes differ. They can also measure differently if one value is recorded under a stretched condition while another refers to a hung or assembled condition. Monofilament and multifilament constructions may also be specified and handled differently.
MD vs Mesh Size: What Is the Difference?
| Term | What It Describes | Example |
|---|---|---|
| MD | Number of meshes in depth | 400 MD |
| Mesh Size | Size or opening of each mesh under the agreed method | 2 inch |
| Line Diameter | Thickness of monofilament line | 0.30 mm |
| Length | Total netting length under the stated condition | 100 m / 80 yd |
A 400 MD value tells the supplier how many meshes should occur through the depth. It does not identify how large each mesh is, how thick the line is, how long the panel should be, which material is required or which knot construction the buyer expects.
Why MD Alone Is Not Enough for a Fishing Net Quote
An inquiry reading only “400 MD green fishing net” leaves key production and pricing fields unknown. The supplier still needs the mesh size and measurement method, fishing net line diameter or yarn construction, net length and quantity. Knot, stretching, selvedge, packing and other fields may also affect the requested product.
Information to Send with MD
- Material
- Monofilament / Multifilament
- Mesh size
- Mesh measurement method
- Line diameter or denier / ply
- Mesh depth (MD)
- Net length
- Knot type
- Stretching
- Selvedge
- Color
- Quantity
- Packing
If the original specification is incomplete, use our fishing net specification matching service and send a label, drawing or clear photo.
MD in Monofilament and Multifilament Fishing Nets
MD describes mesh depth, so the concept can be used with different netting constructions. For a nylon monofilament fishing net, the specification commonly places MD alongside filament diameter in millimeters, mesh size, length, knot, stretching and color.
For a nylon multifilament fishing net, MD may appear alongside denier and ply, mesh size, length and knot construction. The shared MD value does not make monofilament and multifilament nets interchangeable. Material and line or yarn construction must remain separate fields.
Buyers sourcing repeat wholesale orders should preserve the original notation used in an approved specification or sample. The Wholesale Fishing Nets page explains how product, quantity and packing information can be organized for a commercial inquiry.
How to Read a Fishing Net Specification with MD
A complete specification arranges MD with the other fields needed to identify the product. The example below shows how the information may be presented. It is for specification-reading purposes only and does not represent a standard product, fixed inventory item or regional market standard.
Material and construction identify the filament system. Line diameter describes the monofilament thickness, while mesh size identifies the opening under the agreed measurement method. Mesh depth gives the vertical mesh count, and length gives the other principal panel dimension. Color, knot, stretching and selvedge describe additional production requirements.
Every line should be confirmed together. Changing mesh size while retaining 400 MD may change the physical depth. Changing the stretching direction can also change how the buyer interprets length and depth. For the broader RFQ format, see the complete fishing net specification guide.
Common Mistakes When Reading MD
Four MD Errors to Avoid
Treating MD as Meters
MD is a mesh count and does not directly state physical depth in meters.
Confusing MD with Mesh Size
MD counts meshes; mesh size describes each opening under an agreed method.
Sending MD Without Mesh Size
The supplier needs both fields to understand the requested geometry.
Assuming Identical Depth
Two 400 MD nets can have different physical depths when other conditions differ.
These mistakes can cause quotations to be compared on different technical bases. Keeping the original values, units and measurement notes together gives the buyer and supplier a clearer reference for production confirmation.
Fishing Net MD FAQ
What does MD mean in fishing nets?
In fishing net specifications, MD generally means meshes deep or mesh depth. It describes the number of mesh openings counted through the depth direction of a netting panel. For example, 400 MD means approximately 400 meshes from the top edge to the bottom edge under the agreed counting convention.
Does 400 MD mean 400 meters?
No. A 400 MD fishing net is 400 meshes deep; it is not automatically 400 meters deep. The physical depth depends on mesh size, the mesh measurement method, stretching or hanging condition, hanging ratio and net construction. These details must be confirmed before estimating a finished dimension.
Is MD the same as mesh size?
No. MD is a count of how many meshes occur in the depth direction. Mesh size describes the dimensions or opening of each individual mesh under an agreed measurement method. A useful specification states both values separately, together with the material, line or yarn size and net length.
Can two 400 MD fishing nets have different actual depths?
Yes. Two nets can both be 400 MD and still have different physical depths when they use different mesh sizes, measurement conventions, stretching conditions, hanging ratios or constructions. The shared mesh count does not make their expanded or finished dimensions identical.
What information should I send together with MD?
Send the material, monofilament or multifilament construction, mesh size and measurement method, line diameter or denier and ply, MD, length, knot, stretching, selvedge, color, quantity and packing. A label, drawing or clear product photo is useful when any field is uncertain.
Can you manufacture 400 MD fishing nets?
Yes. FishingNetPro supports custom 400 MD fishing net production based on mesh size, line diameter or yarn construction, material, length, knot type, color and order requirements. Review the 400 MD fishing net page and send the complete specification for production and quotation confirmation.
Need Help Confirming Your Fishing Net MD?
If your specification includes 100 MD, 200 MD, 400 MD or another mesh-depth value, send us the full specification, product label or a clear photo. We can help check the mesh depth together with mesh size, line diameter, length and other production details.