How to Throw a Casting Net

A cast or throw net is used to catch scores of fish at a time.  It is round in shape with small weights attached to its circular edge.  The weights help the net to sink when thrown into the water.  A casting net is thrown by hand and it takes a special technique to do it right.  Read further to learn how to master this technique.

Know Your Net

• Swivel – metal rings that are attached together
• Hand-line – one end of the rope is attached to the swivel and the other is attached to the throwers wrist
• Horn – indented ring where the top of the net is tied
• Lead-line – rope with weights attached
• Throw-line – attached to the swivel and lead-line

Material Required

• 5’ radius net or smaller
• Bucket or bait well

Instructions

1. Bind rope to right wrist and coil in right (throwing) hand.
2. Hold the net at your side.
3. Ensure the weights are resting on the ground.
4. Use throwing hand to hold the net at waist height.
5. Use left hand to hold the lead line at a position straight down from the end of the right thumb.
6. Place lead line between thumb and forefinger.
7. Now grasp the lead line with your free hand at a position where it’s one arms length from your other arm (net should be ¼ open).
8. Rotate the body to the right pivoting backwards then quickly rotate to the left pivoting frontwards.
9. At this point release the net slightly upwards into the air and in your desired direction.
10. Once the net hits the water allow it to sink then pull on the throw-line to close it.
11. Haul the net from the water, hold the horn, then release the throw-line
12. Empty fish into bucket or bait well.

Tips

• Soak the net overnight in a mixture of water and fabric softener.  A softer net makes throwing easier.
• Inspect the net for damage prior to each use.
• After use rinse the net in water and hang with lead-line downwards.
• Once you’re comfortable with your current size net you can opt for a bigger one if desired.