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Cast Netting: Big, Live Baits mean Big Fish |
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Monday, 02 April 2007 |
More often than not, big baits catch big fish. Go a step further and
add ‘live’ to ‘big’ baits and your odds of catching more and bigger
fish increase again. To coin an old phrase though, it can be easier
said than done. My preferred approach to getting fresh, live bait is
cast netting. It’s an arcane method to some. But cast nets aren’t a
'rubiks cube'. They have been around forever and with a little insight,
they can be mastered. Being proficient in the art of cast netting will
not only add to your enjoyment as a fisherman, but also give you a
better understanding and insight about the species you are targeting.
The Basic Net
The construction of the net is both simple and ingenious. Most are now made of monofilament or white nylon. But There are a lot of factors to consider when choosing or ordering yours. They come in various lengths, weights and mesh sizes. The size of the net refers to the circumference or circle when the net opens after being cast. A 10’ net opens to 20', a 12' net to 24', and so on.
Mesh Sizes
Mesh sizes are measured in the stretch of the individual opening. In its simplest form a net is a group of knots tied together in a pattern. Mesh sizes should be considered against the bait you will be targeting, the size of that bait, the water depth being fished, tide and current, local laws and regulations. Small mesh sizes are ideal for small baits and require a heavier lead line since smaller nets tend to be very light. On the flip side, there will be more drag in the water because of the tighter pattern needed to produce a smaller mesh. Additionally, smaller nets ''catch'' finer objects; debris, jellyfish, weeds. Mesh openings 3/4" to 3'' in stretch are ideally suited for larger baits. They sink faster, enable you to release the bait from the net easier, and won't have as much trash in them. Selecting the right mesh will also reduce stress and injury to your baits and provide a longer well life.
Custom Built
Cast nets feature a variety of components and variances. You can tweak some on your own or contact a specific builder and opt for a custom made net. The netting itself can be fine tuned by selecting the right weight or thickness of the material itself. For example a net builder will make smaller nets that are finer and more supple while larger nets have a thicker, more durable material. It’s similar to using 30 lbs test mono versus 15 lbs test. The 15 lbs test is thinner, creates less friction, and sinks faster and the converse for the heavier weight line. You can also select its color. Stock nets are usually some version of white. If you plant to net in the dark or during twilight hours, color will be more of a factor than in higher light periods. Certain hues like green and blues have more stealth-like qualities. If you don’t have the luxury of more than one, choose the best net for the conditions you expect to see yourself in most often. For versatility, go with a lighter color so it can be used at night or in daytime.
Net Structure
At the net’s top is a plastic or composite ring or circle which brings the net itself together. This ring containing the canal for the pull strings is called the horn. In some cases, you can customize the horn by specifying a large ring. This is sometimes helpful because as the net comes together the mesh pattern becomes tight. Add to that the pull strings and hand line and you create quite a bit of drag, reducing the sinking quality of your net. A larger circle, or horn fans out the material at its junction. So, a larger horn will lead to a better sink rate and less drag in general.
Lead lines, the weighted portion at the bottom of the net, have various shapes and are tied on with degrees of quality. Leads are one of the most critical factors in net composition, affecting the sink rate and castability of the net. The leads need to lay properly in order for the net to open to its fullest expansion.
Into the Live well
The quicker you get your netted bait into a live well or holding pen the better the survival rate. Using the right net will make it easier to unload your catch safely into your well.
Later this year, we will be posting an instructional video on cast netting here at the Outpost. In the meantime, please feel free to email me or call with any additional questions.
Tight lines!
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Captain Vinnie Calabro |
| About the author: |
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SWO Northeast Regional Contributor Vinnie Calabro began fishing from
the beaches of Rhode Island, Cape Cod and New York's Rockaways as a
child. A fisherman with over 40 years of experience, he Captain's the
Karen Ann out of her home port of Jamaica Bay, NewYork. Captain
Vinnie is well-known for being out as early as 3 or 4 a.m. to cast net
bait ahead of each day's fishing adventures.
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Last Updated ( Tuesday, 26 June 2007 )
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