How To Use & Throw A Cast Net To Catch Bait
Throwing a cast net can be a daunting challenge
and many anglers think it is impossible to get it right... Wrong.
Casting a throw net is a fairly simple exercise and once practiced,
comes naturally to anyone. A throw net is also called a cast net; it is
basically a large net with weights that opens up when you throw it and
catches fish in the net. To use a cast net you need a separate fishing
license, on top of the normal
recreational angling permit. Before I go through the steps of using
a cast net, please note the table below, these are the only fish you may
catch in a cast net and their restrictions. Also note that a
cast net can only be used between sunrise and sunset, and not in dark
hours. For more
information on
fishing rules in South Africa please click here.
| Fish Name | Size Limit | Bag Limit |
| Anchovy | None | None |
| Chub Mackerel | None | None |
| Glassy | None | None |
| Halfbeak | None | None |
| Karanteen | 15cm | 10 |
| Maasbanker | None | None |
| Mullet | None | 50 |
| Pinky | 7.5cm | 10 |
| Sardine | None | None |
| Saury | None | None |
| Scad | None | None |
Basic Steps On How To Throw A Cast Net
- Grab the end of the rope and secure it to your right hand
- Gather the rope loosely at roughly a meter at a time
- Pick up the net
- Grab the net about 30cm from the top with your right hand
- Grab the net with your left hand roughly halfway down
- Lift the net up
- Make a loop so the loop is facing forward and the sinkers are hanging behind
- Take the outer most sinker loop
- Gather half of the sinkers
- Bring your hands together and place both parts of the net in your right hand
- Grab the outermost sinker again
- Place it under your thumb
- Grab the outer loop sinker at the bottom of the net
- Throw the net gently and roll your wrist over when releasing the net
Good luck!
