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Random Quote: Its not about catching a fish, its about catching ALOT of fish!
Last time I was in the keys, the mate threw the cast net differently than we do up north (NJ). We/I use the quick load method which is fine unless the bait is farther from the boat than I can toss the net.
He folded the net into a ball and threw it underhand almost like he was bowling. The net "popped" open and landed - perfect pancake - about 10-12 feet off the transom. I cant get the closest edge of my net more than 4 feet from the transom.
Does anybody else use this method? If so can they explain how to load the net or link a video?
Greetings, all. This is a good topic. Recently I picked up a copy of 'The Art of Castnet Throwing' DVD and have been trying his methods, with limited success. As a kid I learned to throw holding the leadline in my teeth and while this still works, I'm a little more cautious throwing that way, these days. I noticed the guy in the video isn't getting his nets to loft very well, nor are they hitting the water flat.
His technique looks like it may be fine for throwing off the bow of a boat but it doesn't appear too great for wading. These are my nets - 8' BaitBuster 1&1/4" mullet, 10' 3/4" Black Pearl, and 12' Calusa 1/2". Any suggestions? Thanks.
I didn't know there were that many ways to throw a net. I throw the way my father-in-law taught me, plus I rotate 360° the way I once saw a really good thrower do one time. . . it gets the net flying a little higher and farther.
My first mate can teach ya...if you can concentrate
__________________ Some people are like a slinky... not really good for anything, but you still can't help but smile when you shove them down the stairs.
I made this short video a few years ago. It takes a few seconds to load the net using this method. The net is approximately 11 ft with 1.5 lbs of lead per foot of radius.
FWIW - I normally dump the pogies directly into the live well....I don't know why I put them on the deck during this video.
I had not thrown the net in a year, you can see how easy it is once you learn a technique that works for you. The best place to practice is a nice flat lawn. Good luck perfecting the use of the Circle of Death.
I made this short video a few years ago. It takes a few seconds to load the net using this method. The net is approximately 11 ft with 1.5 lbs of lead per foot of radius.
FWIW - I normally dump the pogies directly into the live well....I don't know why I put them on the deck during this video.
I had not thrown the net in a year, you can see how easy it is once you learn a technique that works for you. The best place to practice is a nice flat lawn. Good luck perfecting the use of the Circle of Death.
What nets would you Keys guys recommend for a cast-net rookie? I want one that sinks fast for goggles, cigars and pinfish and also one for top feeders like ballyhoo. Thanks...
10'- 3/8"
Best for pilchards, will do for ballyhoo. Pinfish are hard to net unless you are in very shallow water. Catch gogs with sabiki. Mullet in the Keys are more common in spring. A 3/4-1" net for them.
__________________ Capt. Ron Teke, www.KeysMagic.com, charter for the middle keys- Marathon. 28' Cat w twin 225hp Yamahas.
Throwing a cast net 
