Cast Fishing Nets – Also Known as Throw Nets

Cast Fishing Nets are a simple yet highly effective way to catch bait fish in both saltwater and freshwater. Designed as a circular net with small weights around the bottom edge, they spread out when thrown, sink quickly, and trap fish as they are pulled back in.

Also called throw nets, these nets have been used worldwide for thousands of years and remain the go-to method for catching bait fish that are otherwise difficult to target with hooks.

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How Cast Nets Work

1. The net is held by hand and thrown into the water.

2. It spreads out into a circular shape as it lands.

3. Weighted edges sink the net around the fish.

4. The attached landline is pulled in, closing the net and trapping fish inside.

5. The fish are retrieved directly into a bucket, boat, or onto shore.

Why Use Cast Nets?

• Effective for Bait Fish: Especially for garfish/piper, herring/yellow-eyed mullet, and pilchards.

• Efficient & Simple: Quick way to catch large amounts of bait.

• Durable Design: Constructed from strong mesh panels with evenly distributed weights.

• Versatile Use: Suitable for both recreational and light commercial fishing.

Japanese-Style Cast Nets

• Feature a bottom pocket to hold fish more securely.

• Popular in commercial fishing, but also used recreationally.

MPI Rules for Cast Nets in NZ (2017)

• Minimum Mesh Size: 25mm for bait fish species like garfish, herring, and pilchard.

• Set Net Rule: Only one set net is allowed on a vessel unless the second net is less than 10m long and has a mesh size of 50mm or less.

• Cast Nets Count: A cast net falls under this rule when applicable.

Always ensure your cast net meets MPI requirements before fishing.

Choosing the Right Cast Net

• Net Size: Beginners should start with a 5-foot radius net (kids) or 6-foot radius net (adults).

• Weights: Heavy round sinkers (1–1.5 pounds per radius foot) ensure fast sinking.

• Mesh Size: Small enough to catch bait fish, large enough to sink quickly.

• Practice: Try casting on grass or in shallow water before targeting schools of fish.

Why Cast Nets Improve Your Fishing Success

Catching bait fish that predator fish naturally feed on greatly increases your chances of landing game fish. With the right cast net, you’ll spend less time chasing bait and more time fishing for the species you want.