Abstract The configuration and tension distribution of a gillnet are very important for catching fish. A nonlinear mixed method is employed to determine the equilibrium configuration and tension distribution of a gillnet set in a uniform current, based on a finite element formulation a gillnet composed of mesh bars and ropes can be modeled as an infinitely flexible, straight rope element, connected at each end to other elements by a frictionless hinge. The basic nonlinear equations describing the equilibrium state of the gillnet system are solved by the Newton–Raphson method. The numerical solutions are obtained by a loading iteration in addition to a common shape iterative procedure. The method has excellent global convergence and good accuracy by comparing the numerical values with measured results from circulating water tank model testing.