fbpx

​​How to Throw a Cast Net

Photo of author
Last Updated:

Transitioning from buying to catching bait is one of the main steps in every angler’s progress. Also, the cast net is a passage rite for most of them.

Your success heavily relies on the method you follow to cast your net. However, it may come with numerous challenges of tangling and getting the spin when first trying to throw a cast net.

Here, you will learn about the tips and tricks provided with a step-by-step guide so you will know how to throw a cast net right and let go of your worries!

how to throw a cast net
Source: Canva Pro

Also, check out our list of the best cast nets!

Getting Ready in Throwing a Cast Net

You will focus the following steps on throwing a cast net using your right arm. Also, you will need to do it the other way around if you’re left-handed.

Step 1. Secure your equipment

Several throwing cast nets are designed with an adjustable hand loop that needs to be fixed on the left-hand wrist while ensuring they are secured in place. These are important to ensure that every good throw will be worthwhile. 

Next, you have to hold your cast net high in the air when it has fully extended. Move your net around to untangle its lead line at the bottom. This will direct how open it will be before throwing your net.

Step 2. Letting go

After following the first step of throwing a cast net, the next thing is to let go of everything, swing open, and hold on to the net’s hand loop.

Remember to keep it free from any attachment aside from the hand line loop before throwing.

The next critical step is to hold the net in half. Ensure that you don’t hand grab it way too low because it can stop it and end badly when the net opens.

The best spot is in the middle. In that way, it won’t be too high or low.

Step 3. Manage your coil

Using your left hand, make a few small coils on the hand line, which should be approximately 40 centimeters.

The coil’s size relies on the cast net’s size, so if you bring smaller-sized yields, you will generate fewer coils.

Hold your cast net’s horn and let your palm face upward. You can make more coils by the net just below the horn.

Step 4. Loosen up

Using your left hand, coil up your net in the backward direction. Do this carefully to ensure your yields open correctly in case you don’t manage to let them roll accurately.

Placing the lead line at the split’s bottom can make this step easier. 

After that, you now have the net’s half all over your left hand, with the net’s other half hanging downward.

Look after your catch every time to ensure no tangles happen during your casting. In the event your lead line makes a few tangles, you can stop for a while to loosen it up again.

Step 5. Untangle the bait

Split the cast net’s other using your right hand. Continue untangling and straightening it while passing it to your right hand.

And then, for the other net halfway, tightly hold the net between the leaded weights and coil’s ends. Put the lead weights on your right hand to ensure that you did everything correctly. 

Step 6. Roll your cast

Transfer half of the cast net by rolling it with your left thumb to have all the net in your left hand.

Ensure that the initial coils you have done at the start stay intact, or it will all be completely messed up, and you will have to repeat the entire process. The net’s two sets must not cross each other while transferring.

The bottom of the net’s skirt must have two separate net piles to ensure you did it right. Also, these should have distinct heights, having the pile you rolled using your left thumb a bit higher than the other. 

Step 7. Skirting the waters

After placing the lead lines in your teeth, only rope a part of the net, excluding the weights. Alternatively, the lead line should be above your left hand without using teeth before throwing cast nets. 

You first have to locate the skirt bottom, where there are piles from low to high places, before placing the line on your teeth. 

Step 8. Into the further

Hold the cast net’s part swinging on your teeth with your right hand. Use your right hand facing the upward direction while leaving it between your pinky and ring fingers to get ahold of this part.

After that, you’ve got a grasp of the top piles and lead line, initially resting using your left thumb in the preceding step, where the line’s part is now facing opposite yourself.

Also, ensure that you get a hold of the lowest points without the need to bend over.

Step 9. Prepare to coil up

After securing the lead line with your hand, roll the net’s part on your left arm and hold it firmly until it reaches your right hand.

Having all the procedures done correctly up to this step means that you have accomplished your goal of preparing and setting up your cast nets.

Step 10. Repeat

Move around your waistline with your toes to unleash, and finally, throw a cast net. Release the net as if it’s a coil. Next is to coil it to the left and left with your toes leaning in the same direction as your upper body.

What to Look For When Buying a Cast Net

We have some things to consider when choosing a cast net. It would be best if you had an idea which fish species you are after.

Nets vary depending on mesh sizes, so getting a large mesh can only catch larger fish, whether in shallow water or deep water.

Net Mesh Size

Your cast net size should be based on which species are your target. For larger-sized species like trout, carp, and pike, a mesh size of 10 millimeters is good enough.

Smaller meshes are for fish of a smaller size, like pygmy goby and stout instant fish. 

Weight of Net

Most people choose a net and a foot cast net with lower body weight to cast it in the desired location when on the water. Its weight would be around 900 to 1000 grams. 

Net Material

There are two sections to choose from for the net material, namely, monofilament and poly filament.

Monofilaments are lighter than poly filaments because they are thinner, although made with the same nylon net material. 

Practice Makes Perfect

Using cast nets can be handy, especially when there are many large and small baits to catch, but you can also bring more baitfish if you want to catch larger-sized fish.

There is no right or wrong way to cast your net, but following these easy yet practical guides can help you throw properly and achieve a desirable outcome.

You will surely go home with much fish after learning and mastering the steps on how to throw a cast net. Just do some practice, and you will gradually do it perfectly.

You can also teach your friends and family how to throw a cast net and have the best net fishing experience together!

Jon Stenstrom
Founder & Angler
Jon Stenstrom is a fishing enthusiast. He has over 25 years of fishing experience, and 6 years of spearfishing experience, and is currently learning how to boat. Jon has his Open Water PADI Certification and FII Freediver Level 1 Certification. Jon has traveled the world to fish and dive, most notably in the Great Barrier Reef, Baja Mexico, Thailand, and Malaysia. More Articles
× How can we improve it?
× Thanks for your feedback!

We're always looking to improve our articles to help you become an even better fisherman.

While you're here, why not follow us on Facebook and YouTube? Facebook YouTube