Cast netting is one of the oldest forms of fishing.  Remember when Christ said “Cast your nets on the other side?”  From netting “Bunker” in downtown Manhattan to catching Ubaren in Tanzania, cast nets have served their purpose for thousands of years.

If you want to use a cast net you need to decide what you want to catch.  Are you looking to load up on big hard head mullet or glass minnows to chum for Spanish?  All can be caught in a cast net, but just like rods and reels, one won’t do it all.  You should remember that the smaller the mesh (size of holes in net), the slower the net will sink.  Mesh will be measured in inches.  The most common mesh size is 3/8 inch which is suitable for catching finger mullet, shrimp, pinfish, small menhaden (flounder bait), and large mud minnows.  The next most popular is 3/4-5/8 inch mesh which is suitable for catching large menhaden (king mackerel bait) and large mullet (for the grill).  The next mesh size is 1/16-1/8 inch mesh for catching glass minnows and smaller mud minnows.

The next thing to consider is the length of the net.  Cast nets are always measured from the center of the net (the horn) to the outside (lead line).  The most common sizes are five-to-six feet which most anyone can throw.  Most of these have 3/8 inch mesh and are well-suited for most inshore fishing adventures (catching shrimp for trout or finger mullet for flounder). 

The next most common is a ten-to-twelve foot net with a 5/8-3/4 inch mesh which will suit most people fishing offshore.  These nets are suitable for catching large amounts of big menhaden (king mackerel bait) or hard head mullets (for the grill).  The two sizes listed above are the most common nets used but there are hundreds of combinations that can meet most any need.  You can buy a six-foot net with a 1½ inch mesh for catching big mullets in small areas or even a twelve foot, 1/8th inch mesh net for gathering large amounts of glass minnows.

There are different qualities of nets.  You can usually figure on getting what you pay for.  If you are just beginning, I suggest getting a six-foot 3/8 inch Tyzac Betts net.  This net is very economical and can be bought for around twenty dollars.  I recommend getting a very inexpensive net in the beginning because you might damage the first one by throwing it on oyster rocks or pilings until you learn where to throw.  If you are only cast netting in the ocean, go ahead and buy a good net like the Betts Super Pro.

If you are right handed and using a net larger than a six -foot radius:

1..  Secure the rope on your left wrist and coil the rope in the left hand.

2.  Grab horn facing to the outside of your hand.

3.  Coil net over until you have two feet hanging down in your left hand.

4.  Divide the lead line in half with your right hand.

5.  You now have an inside lead line and an outside lead line.  Grab the inside one with your right hand palm up.  This means having all of the right half of the net in your right hand with the exception of the outside lead line which you let hang.

6.  Hold that inside lead line gently with your pinky and remember where it is.  This is what opens the net and works like holding the line in your teeth.

7.  Roll your left elbow under the half of net in your left hand so the lead is resting on the back of your bicep.

8.  You are going to twist at the waist clockwise with your left elbow up and your right palm facing up.

9.  Do it a few times without releasing just to get the feel.  You will feel the net starting to pull away from you.

10.  You are basically throwing the front of the net away from you and holding onto the back of it with your pinky.

11.  At the right time—can't say when, you just have to feel it—release your right hand with the exception of your pinky inside lead line and feel the net peel off your elbow. That resistance makes a more round opening as opposed to the banana shaped one that isn't as effective.

This cast netting method will not only yield distance, but will allow you to open up to (and yes I have done it) an eighteen-foot net—that means it opens like a parachute to thirty-six feet every time.  I only break it out when bait gets really very scarce!

About the author: CAPT. CHRIS MEDLIN is a charter captain and a third generation tackle shop owner.  He is always available for questions at www.eastcoastsports.com or ecsports@earthlink.net.  For his weekly fishing/weather report, drop him a line and ask to be signed up.