Republic of the Philippines

Mindanao State University

Maigo School of Arts and Trades
Maigo, Lanao del Norte

CAST NET

Fishing gear is the tool with which aquatic resources are captured, whereas the
fishing method is how the gear is used. Gear also includes harvesting organisms when
no particular gear (tool) or boat is involved. Furthermore, the same fishing gear can be
used in different ways by different fishers. Cast-net fishing is one of the more
sustainable methods of recreational or sport fishing. A cast net is usually small enough
to be operated by one person. It is round or oval, and can be thrown, or cast, over a
large area. Weights on the side of the net help it sinks, catching any sea creatures
inside.

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Operation of Cast Net
Cast net is usually small enough to be operated by one person. It is round or
oval, and can be thrown, or cast, over a large area. Weights on the side of the net help
it sinks, catching any sea creatures inside. Cast-net fishing is one of the more
sustainable methods of recreational or sport fishing. It is a circular net with small
weights distributed around its edge. The net is cast or thrown by hand in such a manner
that it spreads out while it's in the air before it sinks into the water. This technique is
called net casting or net throwing. Fish are caught as the net is hauled back in.

Parts of a Cast Net

A cast net is composed of six parts: lead line, tuck strings, swivel, collar, mesh,
and rope. The lead line is a rope with evenly-spaced lead sinkers of equal weight. The
lead-line is the outer circumference of the net. When you throw a cast net, the lead line

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causes it to open. Tuck strings pull or tuck the net into a pocket after it’s thrown. Fish
are trapped in that pocket.

The swivel attaches to the tuck strings and allows the net to spin without tangling when
it is thrown. It should be solid brass and high quality. A swivel that doesn’t turn freely
can be a nightmare. The collar or horn is in the center of the net and is the axis around
which the net spins when thrown. opts for a solid brass collar. Mesh is the mass of
holes held together by the monofilament line. The most popular mesh size sportiest use
for baitfish ranges from three eighths to one inch (the size of the holes). You can get
them larger or smaller, depending on the size fish you’re after and the depth of the
water. The smaller the mesh the slower it sinks. The rope should be long enough to
reach not only the water, but also the bottom. More than a few shoulders have been
dislocated by nets thrown from bridges or piers with a rope that was too short. Trust me.
Also, cast net ropes should not float. Floating ropes slow the net as it sinks to the
bottom. A 3/8th inch soft nylon rope is perfect. Polyester ropes float.

When you throw a cast net (if you are right-handed), follow these eight steps:
1. Tie the rope to your right wrist, coil the rest of the rope and hold it in your right hand
as a bundle, not a loop.
2. Grasp the net and rope with your right hand, just below the ring or horn.
3. Hold your right hand at waist level and fold the net (just below the ring) until the lead-
line is barely off the ground. Hold the folds of excess netting in your right hand. Your
right hand should now hold the rope, net at the ring and net at the fold. It’s a handful. Be
tough.
4. Grab the lead-line that is away from your body with your right hand.
5. Grasp the lead-line again (using your left hand) about 3 feet to the LEFT of the part
held in your right hand.
6. Spread your arms wide and twist your body to the right, away from the target you
want to hit.
7. Pivot quickly to the left while swinging your right hand towards the target and your left
hand away from it and let go. If you have SPUN the net properly it should open in a

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perfect circle. (Think throwing a Hula Hoop.) Centrifugal force causes the net to open. If
it's not spun, it won't open. 8. Pull on the rope when the net reaches the bottom and
haul in your catch. Sounds complicated, but it's not. The most difficult part is the pivot.
Do it smoothly and the net will open completely. Practice on the lawn or water (not the
driveway, that will ruin the lead line), concentrating on getting the net to open. When
you get that down, then go for distance and accuracy.

Also, worth noting are devices on the market that make it easier to throw small cast
nets. Some work, some don't. After you've finished netting, rinse everything (rope
included) with freshwater. Salt residue left on the net will cause corrosion of the metal
parts and rotting of the rest (plus it stinks). If the net is stiff and difficult to throw from
sitting in a bucket all year, soak it in a solution of fabric softener and water. It works
wonders.

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 Types of cast nets Cast nets can be broadly classified into the three types: rapid
current, deep water, and standard. Standard nets are the most common; they spread
out into a conical shape when cast.