Outlines how to throw a cast net step by step, what to look for when buying one, and which areas you are legally allowed to use one in.
While the use of cast nets is largely unknown in many countries, elsewhere they are a traditional fishing method. Fishermen in Cambodia, for example, almost exclusively catch their fish with a cast net. They can even earn a living by doing this, because you can catch a lot more fish with this method than with a fishing rod.
A cast net is a small fishing net that is often circular in shape. The nets are equipped with weights, which can be found on the edges and pull the throwing net to the bottom of the water. Also read how to catch carp in our complete expert guide for carp fishing.
The cast net is equipped with a cord that the angler keeps with him and that is tied to the edges of the net. The cast net can be hauled in via the line and the fish can be pulled upwards. The “fishing net” is mainly used to catch bait. The baits include cephalopods, shellfish , but also fish.
Cast nets are viewed as a special form of fishing nets and can be used to catch shellfish as bait, but also to catch large fish. The networks are also used for casting. Casting is a form of dry fishing in which nets are cast to the point.
Cast nets are available in different versions. Cast nets offer many advantages and disadvantages for fishermen and anglers. However, legal issues must be observed when using cast nets in some states.
In looking at how to throw cast net everyone finds difficulties at first. What looks very lively and perfectly formed in the following video is actually hard work. Getting a round circle with a 5 meter diameter mesh cast perfectly is far from easy. It not only requires a lot of practice but also a lot of strength. Even in this video you can clearly see the weight of such a folded net and the force with which it has to be ejected.
How to throw a cast net: Pros and cons of cast nets
Throwing nets are thrown precisely into the water and sink, due to the weights at the edges, to the bottom of the water. The net is spread out and “catches” fish, cephalopods and shellfish. The net has a cord at the edges that extends to the angler. The net is hauled in upwards via the cord and the marine animals caught in the net are carried upwards.
Advantages: Throwing nets offer the possibility of catching larger quantities with one throw. As with jackpot slots , you can use throwing nets to win the main prize and catch a lot of fish quickly. The throwing net is easy to pack and can be transported comfortably. The weight of the cast net is rather low compared to other fishing equipment.
Disadvantages: The throwing net has to be thrown out in a targeted manner and that does not succeed immediately. In many bodies of water it is forbidden to catch marine animals with a throwing net.
What to look for when buying a cast net
There are a few factors to consider when buying a cast net. Before buying, you should already know which marine animals you want to catch with it. The nets are available in different mesh sizes and a large mesh does not catch a small marine animal. Also read how to catch fish, in our beginner’s guide to gear, technique and tips.
Material
When it comes to material, a distinction is made between poly and monofilament. Monofilament has the advantage over polyfilament that it is lighter in weight. The reason for this is the thinner nature of the material. Mono- and poly-filament nets are each made of nylon. Nylon offers tear-resistant, long-lasting properties. When buying, you should not only pay attention to the mesh density and material composition.
You should also consider the nature of the sink weights in the purchase decision. A throwing net has sink weights that ensure that the article sinks to the bottom of the water at all. When buying, you should pay attention to lead-free countersunk weights. This is essential for environmental reasons and for reasons of durability. Lead-free countersunk weights have a longer shelf life.
Mesh size
If you want to catch fish with a cast net, you should know what mesh size the cast net is. For example, if you want to catch larger fish such as pike, carp or trout, meshes of 10 mm are sufficient. For marine animals in smaller form, it should be appropriately small meshes. The manufacturers of the nets usually state what can be caught with the respective throwing net.
Depending on the mesh size and model, a cast net can be used to fish larger fish (e.g. perch). Before buying, you should also pay attention to the material, mesh size and weight of the net.
When buying, you should also pay attention to the design of the throwing net. Throw nets are mostly circular. Look for a good, circular design that is considered good to throw out. Corresponding information can usually be found not only from the manufacturer, but also from customers in experience reports.
Experience reports are another important buying factor, but they are not listed separately in this text. In general, you should include expert information as well as customer recommendations and experiences in the purchase decision.
Weight
The net weight should be rather low so that the user can also throw the net at the desired position in the water. If you are interested in a throw net, a good guideline for throwing net weight is 900 to just over 1,000 grams.
How to throw a cast net: practice and technique are the keys
The difficulty is to throw the cast net in the right place. Using the cast net requires practice and should be practiced several times before actually using it. If you can cast the net correctly, you will have the opportunity to catch more fish and marine animals in a short period of time than with one line.
If you have a net that is 5 meters in circumference, you have to expect that the net will be heavy. It is therefore important that you pay special attention to weight when buying a net. A cast net, compared to other types of fishing, requires a certain amount of muscle strength to be successful in catching fish. You have to throw the net on the water. The net should be thrown in a position where the desired marine species are. Also read how to fillet a fish with a knife.
Throwing the net not only requires strength, but also the right technique. The net has to expand in a circular manner so that it slides properly down to the sea floor and offers the greatest possible yield of marine animals.
How to throw a cast net step by step guide
Setting up
The following information is intended for people who want to throw with their left hand. The information should be mirrored by right-throwers. Before you cast the net, you should tie the string of the net that is used to retrieve the article around your right wrist. As a right thrower, you should attach the line to your left wrist accordingly.
The net’s throwing line is attached firmly and securely to the thrower’s left wrist. If the fastening loosens and the net falls into the water, it could sink there. In order to be able to fold it for the throw, the entire net including the hem has to be laid down so that only the throw line from the left hand leads to the net. Now 15 to 20 centimeters long loops are formed from the throw line and put around the net together with a ring on the system.
You will find that there is plenty of string left. You should wind up the string. It is advisable to do the winding loosely and in loops, as if you were winding a lasso. The loops must not tangle or overlap so that the net can really sink to the bottom of the water.
The throw net has a ring that is taken in the left hand and led along the throw line to the noose in the right hand. You have to lift the net to see the weight. You need to make sure that the weights are level. If the weights are not at the same level, then you have to start again and untangle the net accordingly.
Casting
If the folded net is lifted with the right hand, the weights should hang at the edge at the same height. If this is not the case, you have to start all over again. The folded net is held with the left hand for a right-handed throw. While the feet point forward, the body turns far to the left. When it springs back to the right with a swing, the thrower lets go of the net. It fans out clockwise, lies down on the water and slowly sinks. Then it is caught up again.
When you have gripped the net correctly and the weights are level, you need to lift the ball of the net with your left hand. When you have grasped the ball of the net, you can take it in your right hand. With your left hand, you should be gripping the bottom edge that’s between the weights. Then you take the lower edge and hold it with your mouth.
When that’s done, take another edge part that is no more than an arm’s length away. Then you should turn your upper body to the right as far as possible. This corresponds to a backward movement. You should only perform the rotation from the hip.
Your feet should be pointing forward and you should stand up straight. If you then move your upper body again by bouncing back, then you should let go of the net and fling it onto the water. Make sure that you really let go of the net completely (including the part that you bite on) so that you don’t hurt yourself.
It is advisable to have the exact procedure shown by an expert so that you do not get injuries. Before throwing, you should make sure that you are actually standing firmly and not falling over. The surface from which you cast the net should be resilient. If you do not stand firmly and securely, then you can be carried away even when you throw. Care must be taken when casting such a net. If you don’t have the strength and if the net is too heavy for you to lift it, then don’t throw it.
The next video shows how beautifully and spaciously the net aligns underwater. If a fish gets in there – there is no way out. It is not by chance that cast nets were an integral part of gladiator equipment in ancient Rome. If you have got the hang of fishing with a cast net, you can catch very big fish with it.
How to throw a cast net: What is the legal side?
Legally, there are some things to consider when it comes to throwing nets. In some states, the fishing regulations for cast nets are of course also legally regulated. It is best to check with the regulations in the particular state, but largely it is legal in most saltwater coastline areas for most species and in most freshwater areas with specific conditions, according to US Fisheries.
If you do not comply with the regulations, your fishing license can be withdrawn. Furthermore, failure to comply with such a prohibition can result in a fine. In some statets, a cast net can only be allowed in small, privately operated bodies of water. However, you should clarify this before buying a throwing net.
Buying a cast net is of no use if you are not allowed to use it. If you still want to fish with a cast net, then you can possibly use it on vacation, abroad. Before using a cast net, however, the fishing law and animal welfare law side in the respective country should be observed. Before using the cast net, you should therefore inform yourself precisely about the legal situation. Also read how to grill fish correctly, with our easy methods and tips.
Summary
If this throwing net has encouraged you to buy a net, then you should definitely pay attention to the legal side. In Germany it is mostly not allowed to fish with a cast net. You should also find out where and in which waters you can use the net, for example abroad, before buying. Cast nets are a special form of fishing nets.
As the name suggests, the articles are thrown onto the water. The throw requires strength and technique as well as a secure stance so that the net is thrown optimally and there are no injuries or you are carried away. With a cast net you generally have the opportunity to catch more marine animals than with other forms of fishing within the same time frame.
The cast net is also always useful when a lot of bait is to be caught. In turn, bait fish may be necessary to catch the larger fish you want. Cast nets may not be allowed in some states or areas. It is essential to clarify this before using it.
