Throwing a Cast Net

Cast netting is something you'll see quite a lot of, live bait being one of the best options to hook some of the larger and generally much fussier species. Although it may take a little practice, if you follow these step by step instructions you'll soon be blending with the experts.

To start with, make sure the net is free of tangles and debris then lay it on the ground in a horizontal line away from you. Make a loop in the draw string of the net and place it around the wrist of your throwing arm. Commence measuring off roughly metre long loops of draw string and lay them into the palm of your hand until you get to the top of the net. Next, measure off one loop of net (for a 6-7ft net) and lay that too in the palm of your hand. For a net 8ft or over you'll need to make two loops of the net. The bottom of the net should now be lying on the ground at a slight angle away from you.

At this point (bottom left) the palm of your hand should be holding the loops approximately level with your knee to lower thigh region. Now with your left hand, grab the bottom of the net, or leadline, and place it into the palm of your right hand (which is still holding the loops). The net is now divided equally in two, either side of your right wrist.

With your left hand (above right) reach over to your right hand side (with the back of your hand facing away from you) and grab the right hand side lead line. Place the lead line in the cradle between your thumb and forefinger and walk your fingers along the 'inside' of the net and gather about ten handfuls of net.

Next, as in below left, lift this gathered handful up and place it under your right hand thumb.

Now you must gather the left hand side of the net (top right) by grabbing the leadline again in your left hand and holding it in the cradle between your thumb and forefinger with the back of your hand facing away from you.

Gather ten handfuls along the 'outside' of the net and hold in your left hand. Next lift the net off the ground and stand fully erect. You now have an equal amount of gathered net in each hand with a small excess of netting still remaining in between.

To cast, hold the net like you're holding a bullfighter's cape with your right arm fully extended and parallel to the ground. Your left arm should be parallel to your right, but slightly back and lower. Your technique will determine the equal spread of the net.

When you throw, your feet should be roughly one metre apart for balance and the left foot in front of the right. The casting action is more like a flicking of your arm from the right hand side to your left shoulder, similar to a forehand tennis shot. Release the net - both hands simultaneously - about a third of the way through the cast. When your net hits the water your right hand should have met your left shoulder.

Once the net sinks to the bottom, slowly pull the draw string in towards you. This will close the net and trap the baitfish. Next, carefully retrieve the net and proceed to remove your catch and place them in a container of water drawn from the immediate area. To preserve the life of your cast net, remove any debris from the webbing and dunk it in a bucket of fresh tap water before storing it away. Avoid leaving it out in the sun for extended periods.

Author: Greg Lacey
Source: www.fishingnoosa.com.au