Nasrudin heard that the king sent out a committee incognito, seeking suitable candidates for qadis (judges). Nasrudin took to walking around carrying an old fishing net on his shoulder. When the members of the committee reached his village, it drew their attention and they questioned him about it.

"Oh, I carry this net with me to remind me of my humble past as a poor fisherman," explained Nasrudin. The committee was impressed, and in due time Nasrudin was nominated as a qadi.

Shortly afterwards those king's representatives met Nasrudin again and noticed the net was gone.

"Where is the net, Nasrudin?" they asked.

"Well, you don't need the net after the fish is caught, do you?" replied Nasrudin.