Cast Nets explained

[wacco_fozzy]

Could some one please explain the differences between cast net types. I'm confused about top pockets, bottom pockets, drawstrings etc.

What type is best for me if I want to net herring and poddy mullet for live baiting? Also, as a newbie when it comes to chucking the things is mono the best, and what size?

Cheers,

Dave

[Ben_Gray]

Mate i cant tell you much, but this is what i know. I purchased a 4m max spread nylon net from the mart witha K on the weekend for $60, was $40 cheaper than the tackle shop ???. It has pockets on the bottom, my mate showed me a technique which i could throw ok 90% of the time , we caught herring, whiting, mullet, flathead and bream in it (all were released bar the herring and mullet). I didnt like the technique he showed me cause you get really wet once you have thrown it a few times, i like the tips on how to throw them on this site check the above menus, i will be practicing to throw it one of those ways. Hope that helps

[Maria]

Basically, the differnce between the nets is one has both a top pocket and a bottom pocket, whilst the other has only a bottom pocket. A net with a top pocket as well has a flared pocket similar to the bottom pocket, about 20cm beneath the swivel. Both nets will work fine to catch baitfish and the likes, but if you wish to use your net for gathering prawns, then a net with a top pocket is the choice as this is where most of the prawns will be caught up due to the way they react when the net is thrown over them.

As I said though, either net is fine for baitfish etc. Don't throw your net where you don't know what lies on the bottom.

Ben

[wacco_fozzy]

Thanks guys. If I understand the principles correctly, due to the design of the nets do most of the fish/prawns etc end up in these pockets as the net settles around them, or are they sort of drawn into the pocket as you haul up on the lanyard?

Dave

[mini696]

The pockets are there to help prevent the bait sliding down the net as its retrieved. But most fish get tangled in the net (usually by their head stuck in the holes up to their gills) before they reach the bottom pocket anyway.

Another version of the net is a drawstring one. These have strings about 8-10 of them (usually similar to 80lb mono) running from the swivel to the bottom of the net (where the sinkers are attached). You cast these exactly the same as the pocket nets, and when you retrieve it the strings pull the bottom of the net up into itself creating a large bag which the fish cant escape.

Mickk

[cod_botherer]

I've tried about 5 different ways to throw a net over the years.

IMO this link is the best all round method. Less effort, no getting wet, fast to set up and easy to learn.

http://www.ausfish.com.au/castnet/castnet1.wmv

Cheers

[wacco_fozzy]

Thanks Cod_Botherer. It looks pretty straightforward compared to some methods I've seen. One video I saw on the web from a guy in the US (www.calusa.com) had him putting the rim of the net in his gob as part of the method. I'll bet he gets a nasty surprise from time to time!

Dave

[Girella]

I'm another rap for Nugget's instructional video on this site.

I was really inconsistent before, but after viewing the video I'm yet to throw a bad one.

Thanks Nugget