Casting Nets
A casting net is a small round net with about two pounds of weights distributed along the outer edges of the net. The net is spread out and thrown into the water. The net sinks, trapping fish and as the net is being pulled back in the fist are caught. Often fishermen construct their own nets and may need cast net supplies.
Fishing nets are usually a mesh formed by knots, using thin thread. They are often made with artificial materials such as nylon. Organic materials such as wool and silk have also been used to create fishing nets.
If you are making your own net you will need a few items. First you will either need premade net or you will need to purchase the nylon to make your own. You will also need at least two pounds in weights to sink your net. Finally you will need a hammer to pound the weights closed. You will also have to know how to do two types of knots if constructing your own netting; a widener knot and a reducing knot.
A widener knot simply makes a loop over the top of the knot instead of being made into the next loop. A reducing knot is formed by skipping the next loop to be tied and going on to the next loop.
To make a net, first you want to tie a loop in your rope material. Build on to the rope using the sheet bend. The gauge of the rope you use will form a mesh double the gauge size. Line up the guage top to the knot bottom and make a loop. Your first loops may look funny, but with practice they will improve.
If you are an avid fisher and use a casting net to collect bait, add 2-4 pounds of additional lead weights to your lead line. This will cause the net to sink faster, collecting dozens of fish compared to just a few. The first row is hardest to construct, however it gets easier after that. Just determine how wide you want your net to be and stop there on the first row and move on to the next.
Remember to make the loop a bit larger than you want, as the knot will make the mesh smaller. Make the end loops a bit larger on one side of the net. If you misjudge the size of the net you can then add to one side. Be vigilant in checking the knots. Knots made first will begin to slowly untie themselves and you need to keep retightening the loose ones.
Casting nets are ideal for catching bait and small fish. This type of net has an outer edge with weights attached, causing the net to sink rapidly. They are often made out of nylon, but also have been made out of wool or silk.
Bottom of Form et used to the light net first!!!