Pond Boss Forums INTRO Questions & Observations Cast Net Survey

I found that a cast net, even poorly thrown, is a good way to survey pond fish population.
The recommended seining method is not possible due to deeper shoreline water and structure. Fishing results will determine near shore fish population.

I’m sure many of the board responders know all of this, but it’s been fun learning.
I’ll have to improve on my cast net technique, but practice on a grassy area helps to learn.

George Glazener

George,

What size cast net did you start with and do you recommend that or larger or smaller? I've been thinking the same as you and have wanted to try it out, but wasn't sure what size to start with?

I started with the smaller 7 ft. diameter model – sizes go to 14 ft which is the legal max for use in Texas.
For two reasons - easier to handle for a beginner, and care has to be taken not to throw around structure.

It may be that each state has a different legal size limit. I remember buying one at a local WalMart. Took it home and was telling a friend. He told me it was above the legal limit for Illinois. I checked. It was. I took it back to WalMart and told them it was illegal to use in IL. She said she'd let the manager know. Still there for sale later... So be sure and check your state's restrictions.

I never got a different one so I'm not knowledgeable about them. Do they sink fast enough to capture fast swimming fish that might be deeper?

Does the size of the net, as far as state regulations, matter if you're using it at your own pond?

For instance, in PA., as a pond or lake owner, you and your immediate family can fish at your place without a fishing license, but if you have a friend over, that person needs to have a license.

I love my cast nets. Here are a few things I've learned. Smaller ones are easier to throw but not a whole lot if you know how. A larger one is heavier but catches a lot more fish so you have to throw fewer times. My cousin had a 7 foot radius and I had a 5 foot and he cought more than twice as many fish at the same skill level. I bought me a 7 footer.
As far as differnt size fish caught in different waters, it depends greatly on where you throw it. You have a better chance of catching smaller fish anywhere. You have a better chance of catching big fish in shallower water and dirty water.
In other words, the fish see it coming in clear deep water. But you can catch huge fish or bunches of fish in shallow dirty or shallow rolling water.

Sunil, that isn't quite the case in PA. Your immidiate family that live on the property may fish without a license. I own 48 acres with 3 ponds in Wayne County, but I live in NYC and I must purchase the non resident license, even though I puchased many of the fish myself.

Hey Jimmy,

Thanks for that info.

There's a publication put out by Penn State called
"Management of Fish Ponds in Pennsylvania."

Not that this makes it the law, but on page 23, it reads "The Fish and Boat Code does contain a provision allowing landowners and their families to fish in private ponds on their own lands without a license. This license exemption does not apply to guests, employees, temporary residents, or tenants of the land."

It goes on to say (which may be the issue about residing on the land) "A separate statute applies to 'farm fish ponds,' which are defined as artificial ponds on a farm holding 'water, the source of which is wholly within the limits of the farm.' On farm fish ponds, the resident owner or lessee of the farm, members of his or her family, and persons who are regularly employed on the farm, all of whom must permanently reside there, are exempt from license requirements and other fishing regulations (including season, size, and creel limits) when fishing in the farm fish pond."

Now as I read on, this may answer my original question...."Regulations require pond owners to obtain appropriate permits before using traps, seines, or chemicals for weed or fish control."

George, I used to love cast nets but can't seem to throw them any more. I have bought several over the last couple of years and they seem to hit the water like an upside down taco. Bad technique I guess.

Dave,
Your technique sounds very similar to mine...
An upside down taco cast....now I don't feel so bad. But never the less, I'm getting better with practice.
What size net do you throw?

Do you use hold one pleat of the net with your teeth, as some do?(the weighted side)
Don't forget to unclamp the teeth!

I use the right hand method. Line in right hand, then put top third of net in right hand. Then reach down to the weights on the right side with your left hand , then hold them with right fingers. then reach down again with left hand to weights on right and put them in one right finger. Each time do an arms length reach. Last go down left side of weights with left hand and hold them in left hand. Now just cast from right to left and don't try to throw too hard , just spin it to left. Distance will come with practice. And that is with an 8 foot net. Now after all that, your best bet is just get someone to show you how... . And even after a couple of zillion trys I still have the taco once in awhile. Watching the real experts is really impressive. Especially those guys who throw those 20 foot nets.

George, I bought a 6 ft. one from Wal Mart. It was supposed to be the new and improved model and even came with a video. I watched the video and went to the back yard. First cast was perfect. Never threw a good one again. Twenty years ago I could throw an 8 ft. one. No longer. I got tired of messing with it and consigned it to the garage along with the other two I own.

Anybody ever try that little frizbee looking "gizmo" that is purported to give the user a perfect throw everytime ?...my casts are about 50/50 folded taco vs. decent cast...was wondering if the "gizmo" worked as advertised...it is a little green disk with a raised lip 'round the outer edge with a handle...

Torchy

Torchy, I messed up just as many casts with the frisbee. It also takes practice.