How to Throw a Cast Net

Compared to fishing with a rod or a pole, cast net fishing requires quite a bit more effort than just sitting and waiting for the fish to bite. One doesn't just throw the net in the water in any way they want; there are proper ways of how to throw a cast net that should be learned.

When using a smaller-sized cast net, in particular one with a radius of 5 feet, the single arm throw method of how to throw a cast net works best. Assuming one is right-handed, the right arm is to be used to throw the net. The hand loop is tightened on the right wrist, after which a number of loose loops are coiled from the throw line and are held with the throwing hand.

After the loops have been made, the cast net ring is grasped by the free hand while the throwing hand holds it palm down. The lead line is then taken into the non-throwing hand and then grabbed with the throwing palm.

The net-thrower's body turns back away from the chosen target, then rotates smoothly as the net is finally cast off. If done correctly, the cast net will hit the water in a circular shape. Once the target is in the net, the line is pulled in order to close the net.

The two-arm throw method teaches how to throw a cast net of larger size (having a radius of 6 feet and above) using both arms. This procedures of this technique is very much similar to those of the single arm method, but this instruction will use a left-handed point of perspective.

Again, loose loops are made from the throw line, but are this time held by the left hand. The loops are made continuously until the thrower is able to take hold of the cast net by its horn. The thrower then raises up the net and grasps it with the free hand at pocket height.

The end of the net is transferred to the throwing hand while the other holds the whole net. With the lead line now lying on the ground, the net is then divided in half, between where the left thumb and left forefinger convene. The half of the net with the lead line is grabbed by the right hand and the other half of the net are held with the horn and hand line in the left hand.

The net held by the right hand is rolled over the left thumb and allowed to hang lose. The right hand then grabs hold of the lead line where the high and low clumps of the lead line meet. The lead line is then placed either on the thrower's front teeth or over the shoulder.

The lead line hanging from either the teeth or the shoulder is gathered up using the thumb and forefinger of the right hand. With the right palm held up, the net that hangs over the left thumb is folded into the right hand. With both hands held palm up, the net is then thrown in much the same manner as previously described.

For a number of people, cast net fishing is a preferable alternative to the tedium of stting all day with fishing pole in hand. Once one has learned to overcome the intricacies of how to throw a cast net, this mode of catching fish can only get much easier and much more enjoyable.