How the casting network works. Casting (ring) network

Some fishermen do not use the casting net because they think that fishing in this way is considered poaching.

But this is far from the case. Yes, in some regions this method is prohibited by law, but in most cases fishing with a casting net is allowed if you use it with a diameter of no more than two meters.

To fish in this way, you need to pay for a license to the fishery supervision, and a fishing quota is not needed. It is best to treat such fishing as a sport or a favorite hobby for which you will have to pay. In order not to break the law, you can fish in paid ponds, especially if after catching the catch, you can release it back into the water.

The net must be assembled in the hand so that it can easily unfold in flight. Then it is necessary to perform a horizontal throw so that at the same time it can cover the section of water corresponding to the diameter of the network.

The parachute is pulled out by the cord only after its weighted part has sunk to the bottom. You can also fish with a casting net in the water column, for this it is enough not to wait until it touches the bottom, but in this case it is necessary to make a number of changes in its design.

Having decided to go fishing with a casting net, it is better to bypass areas with a snagged bottom, abundant vegetation, fast flow and boulders. You should also not look closely at the "edges", the so-called steep underwater slopes, this area will also not allow you to capture the fish living in those parts.

Having decided to fish with a casting net from the shore, it is recommended not to choose places with bushes, trees, as well as annual vegetation. Ideal would be a flat and clean area of the reservoir for about a couple of meters.

Moreover, you should not look for the meaning of fishing from cliffs, bridges and from embankments that rise more than 2 meters above the water. Even properly dropped casting net weights from this distance will cause the weights to converge, deforming the net from an even circle into an elongated cone. It is best to use the net in familiar places to avoid snags or other damage to the net.

Catching with a casting net is possible under various conditions and on various bodies of water. It is effective for catching various types of fish, be it bait in the form of live bait or large predatory fish.

It is best to catch large fish with a casting net blindfold. You should not look for luck in fishing in shallow water, remember, if you see a fish, then it sees you.

Having completed even the most accurate cast, the fish will not allow itself to be caught, it will simply recoil to the side. In the spring, it is recommended to fish in front of any natural obstacle, the main thing is that the bottom is flat and the depth is approximately 1.5 meters.

Casting should be carried out in the same way as with a spinning rod. First of all, it is necessary to "probe" the areas located close to the fisherman, then the areas of medium distance, and, last of all, the most distant ones.

Do not worry, using the casting net, thus, the fish cannot be scared away, it can only roll back a little lower, the main thing is to make the correct casts. Therefore, initially, the territory located from the coast and going downstream is fished.

In the spring, it is recommended to use the net for daytime fishing, but towards the end of summer, twilight and nighttime fishing is considered effective. Do not forget that in summer, aquatic vegetation in the reservoir appears in huge quantities, which significantly reduces the number of places that can be used for blind fishing.

In this case, you can go on hunting for single specimens of fish.

It is better to catch this type of fish by choosing the shallowest parts of the reservoir in which there is a shallow current and a muddy bottom. The main sign of the presence of fish in this area is the presence of bubbles rising from the bottom by disturbed fish. A tench boat is not required. The reason is that the tench mostly prefers near coastline.

The best way to fish for pike is from a boat. On hot summer days, she prefers to hunt in overgrown channels and small bays. The most effective pike fishing is during the spawning season, it is then that she forgets about caution and can let the fisherman come closer.

The only thing that can interfere is vegetation, on which hunters usually spawn. The reason is that the network, once on the vegetation, may not completely close, releasing prey into the wild.

Casting net casting technique

The casting tackle is made in the shape of a circle from a net fabric, along the edges of which a cord with weights sewn onto it is run.

In order for the skein with the net to straighten out during the throw, a special braided cord, at least 5 mm thick, is attached to the middle of the canvas.

For fishing, they take small sizes to make it easier to throw. They use different diameters for fishing, from 1.5 meters and more.

Some fishermen can fish with huge nets, but this comes with experience.

Before you start fishing, it is imperative to check the depth of the reservoir. It is necessary to take into account what territory to capture, and what kind of prey you want to catch. This is necessary in order to calculate the size of the cells.

It is very effective to catch carp with a casting net, because the fish prefers to live in shallow places. You need to take a flashlight with you, because throwing blindly is just a pointless waste of time and effort. The flashlight must be powerful to illuminate the desired area.

In general, the principle of fishing is very simple at first glance.

All matter is collected in the hand, thrown in a certain way, opens up in flight, and covers the necessary section of the reservoir along with the prey. After it completely sinks to the bottom, the fisherman pulls the cord near the base, the net shrinks and the prey is trapped. But it is very difficult to correctly calculate the power of the throw and execute it so that it turns around in time.

First you need to left hand collect the pulling cord with rings. Then, with your free outstretched hand, you need to grab and shake the net so that it is well straightened and stretched.

It is also important to make sure that the load lanyard does not loop anywhere. Further right hand the tackle is intercepted and collected in rings in the left hand.

Take the load cord by two points with your left and right hands and stretch the net to the maximum possible distance.

Now you can start casting by performing for this two or three swinging movements or one wide swing, while trying to turn the body around 1800. When making a cast, it is important to take into account the plane of movement of the net.

When unfolding, it should fly along the most gentle trajectory and touch the water, while fully unfolding. The successful execution of the cast directly depends on the correct proportion of the force required for the throw.

Before you start casting, it is important to overwhelm the loop not on the left hand, but on the waist belt to prevent it from slipping out during the cast.

Casting or slip nets are one of the most spectacular and beautiful ways to fish. The fisherman has only to make a swing, and the coil of rope unwinds into a circle of netting, which covers the surface of the water. And after a few minutes, you can pull out an amazing catch.

The structure of the American-style casting network

To get an idea of the casting network, let's take a closer look at the structure of the American-style network, which consists of:

Setepolono is made from excellent quality monofilament. To give the fishing line strength and softness, it is treated with a special coating. In order for the network to be able to expand to the maximum width in production, it is stretched;
A cargo cord, which consists of two braided polyethylene cords of a smaller diameter twisted together, thereby providing increased wear resistance and strength. The connection of the sinkers occurs at the moment of pulling the catch to the shore, thereby forming a bag in which the entire catch is located;
Additional lacing with which they provide a strong connection of the cargo cord to the weights. By interweaving the cord three times, it allows you to fix the casting net from below;
Sinkers weighing 26 grams are made of lead;
The carabiner has a protective function, preventing twisting of the cord;
A horn designed for more convenient casting of the net. Made from composite material he, being inside the network, allows you to easily collect it. Usually the horn is connected to the net using glue. High Quality;
Line veins designed for casting with a lower load cord. The veins are made of thick monofilament line. While pulling the casting net, they tighten the net, thereby forming a closed-necked bag. The fish is trapped and cannot get out of there. Thanks to the veins of the thick monofilament line, the entire net gains additional strength;
The casting line is made of polyethylene, a material with increased buoyancy and does not absorb water. Due to the large margin of length, it allows you to use the net for fishing at great depths, as well as make casts from the pier, shore, boat;
Loop located at the end of the line for casting. The angler, while casting the net, fixes it on the wrist. The loop has a tight weave.

At the moment there are two large groups of casting networks: Spanish and American. For casting, nets from the American group are more convenient, they are easy to make yourself, and they are known for their effectiveness.

The nets of the Spanish group have one small advantage, they can be used to fish parts of a reservoir with an uncomfortable relief, as well as driftwood, stones, etc.

Those wishing to make an American-style casting network must adhere to several rules:

Lines or veins must be made of fishing line, while their thickness must be more than 1 mm, and the length must be slightly larger than the radius of the net. The strands need to be attached to the load lanyard often enough. In the event that the plastic sleeve has not one, but several holes, then veins are passed through each, which lead to the corresponding edge of the network, while it is important to prevent crossing. It is also advisable not to leave burrs, sharp edges and other irregularities at the edges of the holes;
Weights should be evenly planted on the load cord, the minimum distance between the centers of which should not exceed 12 cm. Depending on the dimensions of the network, the weight of the weights is selected, it should not be less than 20 and more than 35 grams. The most optimal are sinkers in the form of a highly elongated cylinder; it is highly discouraged to use spherical sinkers. If it is possible to cast the sinkers yourself, but it is important to thoroughly process each weight and eliminate any irregularities and burrs at the same time;
Special attention should be given to the formation of a node that collects veins. Ideally, it should be neat, compact and without lines sticking out in all directions.

But, no matter how simple the principle of operation of such a tackle may seem, so that the casting network with your own hands turns out to be of sufficient quality and brings you a catch, you will need to stock up on some materials:

First, you need to find the webbed. There are two options for getting it.
You can make the canvas yourself. This is a very difficult task that will require a lot of effort and time, but it is quite doable. If you are engaged in weaving linen in your free time, then you can spend several months.
You can buy a canvas. Most often it is sold in strips with different widths. Size is one of the main indicators when choosing a canvas.
Before you start weaving the net, you need to clearly understand what size of the canvas you need. Since the tackle has a rounded shape, its width will be related to the circumference. As for the diameter, it often corresponds to the width of the web multiplied by two. The formula for the circumference of a circle is known to everyone from school.
It is necessary to choose the size of the canvas based on the formula 2 * 3.14 * Width of the strip of the canvas. As a result, you will receive a number corresponding to the length of the canvas, which you will need to take.
The braided cord is also an integral part of the design. It is better to take a rope with a diameter of about 4 mm. It will act as a cargo cord. The rope will be secured along the perimeter of the entire network. The length of this rope is calculated using the same formula and it is equal to the circumference. Weights will be fixed to this rope.
Throwing braided rope is also a must. The diameter of such a rope does not exceed 8 millimeters. The length of such a cord must be taken at about 7 meters. But, often fishermen get by with a rope about 4 meters long. How more experience from the fisherman, the longer you need to take the rope. The longer the rope, the greater the casting distance and the corresponding catch. But you do not need to choose thin ropes, as when casting, you can cut your hands.
You also need to stock up on a set of sinkers. The weight of one load is from 20 to 30 grams. But the number of such weights will be large, since they must be placed along the entire length of the cargo cord. The distance between the weights is taken on the order of 10 centimeters. On average, in order for a do-it-yourself casting network to have sufficient weight, you will have to use about 250 weights.
You will also need to take about 150 meters of thick line. As a rule, a fishing line with a diameter of about 1 millimeter is used. This line is required to make lines. The slings are led out through a special ring at the edge of the net and on the other side are fixed on the load cord.
You also need to find the center ring. This ring serves as a throughput for the lines, after which they are tied to the line for casting. You can also make such a device yourself: this will require an ordinary plastic socket from an electric lamp.
To fix the lines on the throwing line, you cannot do without the special DRAGON HEAD device. Such a device is required to attach the slings to the purchased ring. If you make the ring yourself, then you just need to tie the slings into a bundle and fill with epoxy glue.
You will also need to stock up on 100 meters of lavsan threads. With their help, we will tie the mesh to the cargo cord. If there is no thread, thin line will do.
You will need some 0.4mm line. We need it a little, since with the help of such a fishing line we will connect the sectors of the canvas.

Network construction

The casting network has the following design:

A net cloth in the form of a circle of the correct diameter;
A cord located along the edge of the canvas and equipped with small, often planted lead weights;
Thick enough braided center cord;
A loop.

Each group of casting nets has slight deviations from the standard design type. For example, American-style nets the other end of the center cord can be attached to the slings extended to the load cord, and in Spanish nets to the center.

In American-type nets, the central cord pulls the load cord to the center with the help of veins, thereby giving the net the shape of a bag with a tightly closed neck. Spanish nets, on the contrary, when pulled out, form, due to their own gravity and the peculiarities of the location of the central cord, pockets, in which the entire catch is located.

American nets in the very center are equipped with a small round hole in the netting, a fluoroplastic or plastic sleeve is attached to the edge of the hole. The bushing also has one or more holes for sliding lines-veins, the number of holes depends on the dimensions of the network.

Mesh cells must not be big size and consist of twisted or monofilament.

Casting Net Casting Training

Before trying to throw the tackle into the water, you need to practice on the shore or at home on the lawn. The net must be clean and free of algae or mud, otherwise it may interfere with the process.

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The pull cord is taken in the left hand and collected in rings. With the other hand, you need to take and shake the net well so that it straightens and unfolds.
Care must be taken that the weighted cord does not form loops.
After checking, the right hand intercepts the net and gathers it into rings in the left hand. In this case, the cargo cord must be grasped at two points, and with your hands, turn it to the maximum.
After that, you can already try to make casts. Can be cast in one wide swing, or in several swinging movements.
During the throw, the body must be turned 180 degrees.
The throw must be performed so that the net flew along a flatter trajectory, and before sinking into the water it was able to fully turn around.
The correct throw depends on the strength put into the movement.
Before throwing the net, it is best not to hold the loop in your hands, but to tie it at the belt. So it will definitely not slip out.

Casting net fishing

Fishing with a casting net is conventionally divided into several categories, which are by no means mutually exclusive:

Catching live bait.
Fishing for small schooling fish is like fishing.
Hunting for large fish.

Fishing with a casting net is a whole art. The tackle actually resembles a parachute. And in order for it to open, it must first be well laid.

Therefore, you first need to check the cape for the absence of extraneous inclusions. There should be no remnants of algae, leaves or fish scales.

If the net is clean, you can start laying. First, the tackle is placed in a clean bucket, starting from the edge to which the sinkers are attached.

The net is collected in a single, even bundle and fits into a bucket, preferably in rings. Then the main cord is laid.

When the tackle is put in the bucket, preparation for the throw begins. A skid loop of the main cord is put on the left hand.

He himself is typed on his hand (into a fist) with rings to the point where the net begins. The cape itself is folded into one ring.

Do not pull hard on the center cable. Otherwise the lines will get confused with the nets.

The lower edge with weights is conventionally divided into two bundles. The edge of one is taken in the left hand, and the edge of the other in the right. With a semicircular wave, the net is thrown so that, turning in the air, it covers as large an area as possible. When the tackle is completely submerged, a dash is made by the line. Lanyards tighten the edges, transforming the canopy into a tight catch bag.

Unfortunately, there is no consensus regarding the choice of the most optimal network size for beginners. Some people advise to start with a smaller net, which makes it easier to cast.

The rest are advised to immediately train on professional nets, since having mastered a three-foot net afterwards it is rather difficult to switch to a net of a larger diameter. Also, the choice of the size of the network directly depends on physical features angler, the higher the height and longer than an arm, the easier it is for him to work with the network large sizes.

It is quite easy and simple to catch small fish with a casting net. The main thing in this business is the right time and place of fishing.

Having spotted the habitat of small flocks of perch or roach, you can safely start casting the net. Due to the presence of a casting network, a boat or fishing is not required to get live bait.

Having carried out just one successful cast, you can send more than a dozen small fish into the bucket. But now you can start catching larger specimens of fish.

Taking into account the fact that fishing with a casting ring net, as a rule, involves fishing at a shallow depth and in the visibility zone for the fish of the angler himself, who, moreover, is forced to make sharp sweeping movements when casting the net, it naturally suggests that the fish, in any In the case of a large and cautious fisherman with clear water, he sees and is frightened.

This means spring and the flood period with its turbid water represents a lot of advantages for this type of fishing.

Firstly, this water is muddy from melt water - it is not for nothing that there is an old Russian expression “to fish in muddy water”Meaning the ease of access to something using the situation. Here, due to poor visibility in the water, we have the advantage that we can approach the fish almost closely without frightening it off.

Legalization of fishing with nets for individuals.

Article-reasoning.

What prompted me to write this article is that sometimes when I visit various fishing forums, I come across the fact that part of their audience with splashes at the mouth is trying to “run over” at me, they say, “poacher”, “grabber”, “immoral type”, “destroyer of everything alive "," down with the reservoir ... "," barbarian ", etc.

I think quite differently. Why? I'll tell you ...

What is meant by the word poacher?

According to dictionaries and wikipedia, this is someone who is engaged in poaching, that is, hunting or fishing in prohibited places, at a prohibited time or in a prohibited way, as well as carrying out illegal deforestation, picking berries, etc.

Create a legal entity face, follow the rules and catch.

So why if the network means marriage (evil and merciless).

As for "grabbing" ...

Casting network has many names: cape, cape, basting, cover, parachute ... Oddly enough, amateurs of casting net fishing and especially specialists in this fishing are quite rare in our country. There are many reasons for this. Historically, for a long time, box net fishing has been a traditional fishing method in mainly southern countries (South America, Asia). Fishermen in those parts of the world have been doing this kind of fishing since childhood and the results are amazing.

Tourists watch in amazement as the native fisherman throws away an incomprehensible bundle, which on the fly unfolds into a large round net, which soon returned from the murky waters with a rich catch. Astonishment gave way to a completely legitimate desire: we want to catch the same! As a result, the casting network rapidly began to conquer non-traditional countries for itself.

The fishing principle is as follows: The net is assembled on the hand in a certain way (so that it easily turns around in flight), then it is horizontally thrown onto the water and covers a section of water corresponding to the diameter of the opened net. After the loaded part of the net sinks to the bottom, the net is pulled out by the cord attached to the base. It is possible to fish in the water column without lowering the tackle to the bottom, but this requires a slightly modified net.

Casting network (American type) example

Casting networks are divided into two large groups: American type and Spanish. The American type is more convenient for casting, more catchy and easier to make with your own hands. The Spanish type has one advantage: in places with underwater terrain inconvenient for fishing, it is less inclined to catch on stones, snags, etc.

Casting net is a netting in the form of a regular circle, along the edge of which a cord is sewn, equipped with very often planted lead weights. A central braided cord (twisted is in no way suitable) is used to pull the net, thick enough (so as not to cut your hands when quickly fetching the tackle), usually at least 5–6 mm. Its standard length is 4–4.5 m, but many amateurs, having perfectly mastered the tackle, increase the length of the line by 1.5–2 times. At the end of the cord there is a loop with a diameter of 20-25 cm.

In American nets, the other end of the central cord is attached to numerous slings (veins) stretched to the cargo cord, in Spanish - to the central part of the net. This constructive difference determines and different jobs net after casting.

When pulling out the American-style tackle, the central cord with the help of veins pulls the cargo cord to the center and practically gathers it together in a compact lump, thereby tightening the net and forming a bag with a closed outlet. When pulling out the Spanish-type net, the sinkers converge to the center under the action of the pull of the cord and its own gravity, closing the exit, and the catch remains in the pockets of the net located along its perimeter.

On the American tackle, in the very center of the net there is a small round hole (5–6 cm in diameter), and the netting along its edge is attached to a plastic or fluoroplastic sleeve. One hole is drilled in the sleeve (for the smallest nets) or several (6–8 cm for the largest), through which the vein slings slide.

The netting fabric (with rather small meshes, from 9 to 15 mm) is taken from both monofilament and twisted yarn.

Tips for Making an American Style Casting Net

If someone wants to make an American-style casting net with their own hands, he should follow a few rules:

Lead weights are planted on the load cord evenly and very often, with a distance between their centers no more than 10–12 cm. The weight of the weights is from 20 to 35 g, depending on the size of the net; their shape is a highly elongated cylinder; globular weights, especially those capable of falling into the mesh of the network, are inapplicable. If you use the sinkers not purchased, but cast yourself, each must be carefully processed, eliminating all the irregularities and casting defects.
The veins (slings) are made of fishing line (monofilament, braid makes it difficult to catch) 1 mm or more thick, their length is not much longer than the radius of the tackle. Veins are attached to the cargo cord quite often, at least every 0.5 m, and, accordingly, their number grows with an increase in the size of the tackle. If not one, but several holes are drilled in the plastic sleeve, then through each it is necessary to pass those veins that lead to the corresponding edge of the network, avoiding crossing. Sharp edges at the edges of the holes, any irregularities and burrs are unacceptable.
The knot that collects the veins together is made as compact and neat as possible, without line tails sticking out to the side. Since there is torque during casting, it is best to attach it to the center line through a swivel of sufficient strength. Sometimes a plastic disk 3-4 cm in diameter with holes along the edge (according to the number of veins) is placed in front of the knot, and each vein is passed through its hole.

DIY casting network video:

What size net should I start casting with?

I advise you to first decide: why, in fact, do you need a casting network? For those who like to catch a predator with live bait, a casting net is an irreplaceable auxiliary tool. In the full sense, irreplaceable: never when catching live bait with a fishing rod or any other design, you will not start catching predators as quickly after coming to the reservoir, as if you had a compact and ready-to-use casting net in your backpack. You can start hunting for pike or pike perch faster only by bringing live bait with you, which is not always convenient.

So if you plan to use the casting network only as a little girl, buy an easy-to-learn three-foot shoe, and the problem with live bait will disappear forever. In addition, as a bonus, sometimes (especially in muddy water or when casting at night), you can also hook a large fish. But if it is assumed that the casting net will become the main fishing tool, and enough large fish, then it is better to start mastering the tackle with a net with a radius of at least 1.7–2 m. Learning to throw, of course, will take longer, but then the transition even to ten feet will not be a problem.

Casting technique

The figure shows the casting phases for both American and Spanish net types. The fisherman stands on the shore, but nevertheless, it is best to start training not on a river or lake, but on some lawn or mowed lawn. Naturally, in the field, on a pond, before starting preparation, the net is thoroughly cleaned of mud and other aquatic vegetation left over from the previous cast.

Phases of net casting

The traction cord is collected in rings in the left hand, the tackle is taken with an outstretched hand by the central part (or by the sleeve - for an American-type net), gently shaken so that the net is stretched and straightened. If the load cord has formed a loop somewhere, it must be straightened with your free hand. Then, with the right hand, the upper part of the tackle is intercepted (from a quarter to half of the net, depending on its radius) and is assembled with one or two loops - also in the left hand. Next comes the turn of the cargo cord. He is taken by two points with the same left hand and right, and the hands are spread wide enough so that the remaining free part of the network stretches as much as possible.

If you look at foreign videos, you can see how specialists sometimes, at this stage of preparation for casting, take one sinker in their teeth in order to achieve even greater stretching of the net.

The next stage is the casting itself. It is performed after two or three swinging movements or after one wide swing (while the angler's body turns almost 180 °). The most important thing at this moment is the plane in which the tackle moves. The casting net, unfolding on the fly, should fly along the most gentle trajectory and finally turn into a circle shortly before touching the water. The latter depends on the strength of the throw, the ability to measure which comes exclusively with training.

Another point in which I disagree with foreign instructors: for the most part, they recommend that the loop at the end of the line be swept over the left hand before casting. In training, it turns out well, but on a pond, when your hands are wet, the tackle can easily fly into a river or lake along with the line. It is safer to attach the loop to the waist belt.

The described casting technique is not the only one possible. Almost every fisherman, with the acquisition of experience, begins to modernize it, adjusting it to his individual characteristics and to the specific conditions of fishing. For example, you may not collect the pulling cord with rings on your hand, but leave it lying under your feet (provided that the bank is clean enough and the cord does not catch on branches, roots, driftwood, etc.). The preparation time for casting is reduced, which increases the number of throws per fishing and, accordingly, the size of the catch.

Nets of a small radius (up to 1.7 m, for the tallest fishermen - up to 2 m) can be thrown without collecting in loops upper part networks. Both hands, raised and spread as wide as possible, grasp the load cord, the excess cord is collected in loops, 2-3 in each hand, so that the lower edge of the net does not reach the ground 30-40 cm, then the net is thrown, or rather thrown on a pond with a characteristic movement, reminiscent of those with which a wide tablecloth is thrown on a table or a sheet on a bed. I even happened to see how the casting net was thrown together: they caught two short teenage boys, each of whom could hardly have thrown the tackle on their own - they took the net by the load cord, standing on either side of it, and stretched it widely in the horizontal plane and, simultaneously swinging, was sent into the reservoir.

Seat selection

Places that are too deep, with a fast current, with a snagged or boulder-covered bottom, with abundant underwater vegetation, are definitely not suitable for fishing with a casting net. Steep underwater slopes - the so-called "" - also do not allow you to capture the fish holding above them. When fishing from the shore, you should avoid places heavily overgrown with trees, bushes and even such annual vegetation as wormwood, weeds, and so on, for at least a couple of meters around the fisherman there should be a clean and level space.

There is no point in fishing from cliffs, from embankments and bridges that rise more than 2 m above the water surface - the weights of the net, even if it is properly thrown, when it falls from a great height, begin to converge together, and instead of a regular flat circle, the tackle takes the shape of an elongated cone. Fishing in unfamiliar places is always fraught with snags, net damage and line breaks.

Network sampling

As soon as the load cord of the abandoned net touches the bottom, which is determined by the weakening of the traction cord, the tackle begins to be selected with a sharp jerk. This jerk allows, firstly, to quickly bring the sinkers together, closing the exit of the caught fish, and secondly, it raises the net above the bottom, reducing the likelihood of snags.

Fishing tactics

Fishing with a casting net is no less versatile than fishing, and can be used in a wide variety of conditions, on very different reservoirs and for catching fish that differ in habits and lifestyle.

Catching live bait

The easiest way to fish with a casting net is live bait and, in general, small fish. It is enough just to choose the right place and make a successful cast, sometimes only one, and if the little thing walks in dense flocks, then after the first throw three or four dozen fish are sent to the bucket; now you can move on to catching a predator with live bait. Neither a boat nor fishing for live bait is required to get live bait, casts are made from the shore. You just need to look out in the clear water, where minnows lie on a sandbank or flocks of perch or roach swim near algae.

Catching big fish

Larger fish are caught almost always blindly, in places of their accumulation. Even after seeing a flock of such fish in shallow water, it is not worth approaching them with a casting net, if the fisherman sees the fish, then the fish sees the fisherman, and the flight of the net makes it quickly recoil to the side. During the spring course of fish, it is very convenient to choose places on the river in front of any natural obstacle with a flat bottom and a shallow depth of 0.5 to 1.5 m. Casting is carried out in approximately the same way as fishing with a spinning rod: first, the net covers the nearest to the fisherman areas, then located at an average distance, then the farthest, as far as the length of the pulling cord allows. It should be borne in mind that the fish is not very much afraid of the splash of the casting net that has fallen on the water (this splash is quiet, if the cast is done correctly), the fish does not rush away, but usually rolls slightly downstream. Therefore, the section of the river chosen for fishing should always be fished, moving along the bank downstream.

Spring fishing is done during the day, but as the water clears, the best catches happen at dusk or at night. In summer, when underwater vegetation appears in large quantities of water bodies, the number of places suitable for blindfishing is sharply reduced. It is much more interesting at this time to hunt with a casting net, tracking down single specimens of large fish.

Fishing for tench is very exciting. They are engaged in it in shallow places of the river with a very slow current and a muddy bottom. A sign confirming that the tench feeds in this place is a chain of bubbles rising from the bottom disturbed by the fish. The boat is not needed, the feeding places of the tench are usually located near the coast, sometimes, if the river is not wide and the banks are steep enough, literally a meter from the water's edge. If at the fishing site there are too dense thickets of aquatic vegetation, for example water lilies, it is necessary to make several glades in them in advance, 2-3 times larger than the size of the net. Large bream also often give out their feeding places with bubbles. But catching him with a casting network is much more difficult. Bream is more careful, it feeds in deeper holes and most often manages to escape from the net descending on it.

Catch pike it is convenient on hot sunny days, going around shallow bays and channels, framed by thickets of reeds or cattails, on a boat. The boat should have low sides, from a wide bow of which it is convenient to cast. Having spotted a pike, usually frozen in half-water not far from the reed wall, the fisherman points at it to the rower, and when the boat approaches a sufficient distance, throws a net over the fish.
Spring fishing for pikes in shallow-water spawning grounds is more catchy, sometimes from the shore, but more often off the beaten track. Here you need to own long cast, it is difficult to come close to the spawning pike. Noticing the place where the fish is splashing, the fisherman throws a net on it from the maximum possible distance, and often, together with the roe pike, pulls out a couple of milkmen. Unsuccessful casts are also frequent, when the underwater vegetation, on which the pike spawns, prevents the nets from closing correctly. The spawning of a large (kilogram and above) crucian carp does not last long, one or two in the morning, but if you manage to catch it with a casting net, then the catch will be very pleasing. The place for a throw here is sometimes determined not only by splashes, but also by indirect signs: by the movement of the stems sticking out above the water aquatic plants, on the so-called "mustache", which is formed on the surface of the water by a shallow swimming large fish, on small fish jumping out of the water in all directions (the fry do not understand, a peaceful or predatory fish swims up to them).

Casting networks are no longer exotic. It's like a traditional Russian drink - Brazilian coffee. We just don't know how to brew ... It seems that everything is clear and simple, but only in the wrong hands. Whole beans, ground or instant, which one to choose?

Now casting networks are becoming more and more popular, and newcomers have a question - how to choose gear for themselves, and not throw (not small) money down the drain?

My opinion on this.

By the size of the net (along the radius), I would divide these gears into three groups:

Radius 1 - 1.5 m- this is tackle for kids. Trifle for live bait, frogs, cats, chickens to drive, to catch crayfish, where they are found. Cancer does not scatter like fish and catches are good. Large fish will still be caught, but one should not strongly hope for this.

At these radii, well, very well, tackles with a small ring behave. Easy to unravel, the easiest to cast, you can throw far from one glade in different directions, pleasure, excitement, even for guys, even for girls.

Choosing tackle with a small ring, so that fishing is a pleasure, you just need to remember - how tall, such is the radius.
I advise you to choose a smaller cell size - 12-20 mm, all for small things.
Capron does not take a lot of water here, you can not be afraid of weighting the tackle.
Dirty pond - strong nylon, clean - light fishing line.
Large rings at small radii are only needed when you want to fish from a seated position.

Radius 1.8 - 2 m is a tackle for beginners. There is already a sufficient fishing area and there will be good catches in the lured place. Do not scatter the bait on all sides, but throw it better in the net in one place, then the fish will concentrate at one point and a radius of 1.8 meters or a kopeck piece is already enough to grab the bait along with all the fish. For beginners, tackle with big ring- set the centrifugal force, and the tackle will fly apart.

The fish hears with a lateral line and, when loads fall from all sides, gets disoriented, and the ring has zero buoyancy and sinks after the loads. So do not be afraid that the rings scare away the fish. And the one that left is not yours.
The size of the mesh is at your discretion, if you need live bait - take a cell smaller than 12 - 20 mm, if not needed, then a larger cell - 28 mm. Everyone understands that the larger the mesh, the faster it sinks.
At radii of 1.8 - 2 m with a fine mesh, the wetting of nylon is already beginning to be felt.
The weight increases, the arms start to get tired, but the fatigue is still pleasant and healthy.

Radii 2.4 m and more- this is tackle more serious and should be treated with respect. "I bought the tackle and already with the fish" - it will not work, you cannot easily take the fish out of the pond. The tackle itself will not fly or spin. Fly, it will fly, but it will be - how is it ... "fly, fly, your mother ..."

Since it is quite difficult to master the technique of casting a classical casting net by yourself, when mastering the casting of tackle with a large ring, at least the mechanics of actions are clear - you need to set the centrifugal force. Also, a large ring allows you to throw the tackle while sitting, or going deep into the water.

On the our YouTube channel(white boat, aluminum ring), I think, showed and explained in an accessible way - how to spin the tackle. I will try to show in the next videos, maybe even more understandable. And in words, there are only two words - for-let-those rotation !!! Twist with the whole body and twist with the hand, which is in the center of the ring.

With increasing radius, the nylon thread behaves more and more insolently, and gets wet more and more. Here you need to think about whether to choose a larger cell or take a fishing line.
And the question is - nylon or fishing line? The fish sees the nylon and does not see the line ...?
Everyone will agree with me that initially the fish sees the fisherman!

In general, the tackle is very simple to choose:

1. I played with my biceps, bulged my eyes - I want three, no less !!!
2. Grumbled, rubbed his lower back ... - Yes, and kopeck piece is nothing, and why do I need so many fish ???

Over the years of the fishing industry, people have invented many devices for catching the inhabitants of the depths. Some are complex, cost hundreds of dollars, and require the right approach... Others are very simple and straightforward, so even beginners can handle them. Among such gear is a casting net, which is easy to make with your own hands.

General characteristics and principle of operation

The casting network has many other names, For example:

Cape.
Cover.
Parachute.
Tire cover.

And although the tackle is particularly functional and cheap, only a few anglers use it for fishing. This is not strange, because for a long time fishing with the use of such a device was considered a classic of the fishing genre in the countries South America and Asia. Local fishermen knew a lot of tricks that allowed them to achieve amazing results and get trophy prey from the depths of the water.

Modern tourists are still amazed how indigenous fishermen with all their might throw a bundle of unknown origin over a long distance, which then turns into a large circular net. And only two minutes pass, as a rich catch with a wide variety of animals comes out of the muddy water. Of course, after such amazement, many had a fully justified desire to bring such a network to their homeland. Modernized casting tackle began to appear in retail outlets, which quickly gained worldwide popularity, becoming a truly amazing solution for fishing.

The principle of using the casting network is very simple and straightforward:

The net is collected on the hand in an appropriate way (so that it easily unfolds in flight).
They are horizontally thrown onto the water, after which it covers a certain section of the reservoir.

After lowering, the net is pulled out by the cord attached to the base. Fish can be caught without sinking the tackle to the bottom, but on condition that a slightly modified design is applied.

An example of an American-style casting network

Fishing shops offer there are two main types of casting gear:

American.
Spanish.

The first type is distinguished by the special convenience of casting, increased catchability and ease of independent production. But Spanish models are more effective for fishing in hard-to-reach places with inconvenient underwater relief. They are much less likely to cling to stones, drifts and other obstacles at the bottom.

American casting networks consist of the following elements:

Design features of the tackle

Regarding the design of the casting network, then it consists of a net fabric in the form of a regular circle, the edge of which is sheathed with a cord with rather heavy weights. The network is pulled out by means of a central braided cord (twisted options cannot be used) with a sufficiently large thickness, as a rule, 5-6 millimeters. The length of this line is 4-4.5 m, although most anglers will double it over time. The end of the cord is equipped with a loop with a diameter of 20-25 centimeters.

In the American version, the center cord is attached at the other end to various slings that extend to the load cord. In Spanish models, it is fixed to the central part of the net. It is this feature that distinguishes gear, defining a different principle of operation.

Pulling out an American cape, there is a pulling of the cargo cord through the veins, which is necessary to collect the device into a compact lump, from which there is no exit for fish. When the pull occurs Spanish network, then all the weights move to the central part, and under the influence of their own gravity, they close the exit.

IN American models a small round hole is made in the central part, the diameter of which is 5-6 centimeters. The netting is fixed at the edges to a bushing made of plastic or fluoroplastic.

DIY making

Many anglers refuse to buy tackle, believing that homemade cape(it's very easy to make it with your own hands) - this is a more suitable option. It is enough to follow the guide:

Optimal network size for a beginner

Some people think that it is better to learn to work with small devices. This will speed up the learning process. Others recommend switching to professional models right away. In this case it is necessary to be guided by the physical parameters of the angler: the higher his height and longer his arms, the easier it will be to cast a large net.

The first step is to make sure that you are ready to take a few hours of your time to learn the basics of working with a casting network. True fans of fishing predatory fish on live bait, such a tackle is considered indispensable, because in some cases, catch a fry float rod or a little boy is simply impossible. It also takes a lot of time and effort. But the casting network allows you to get several dozen suitable specimens out of the water in a short time.

Therefore, if you are interested in exactly catching live bait, but not big booty, then it is better to buy a simple three-foot network, and the problem of finding live bait will disappear forever. In addition, you will always have a chance to fish out big prey.

If the emphasis is on more professional fishing, and the purchased net will become the main working tool, it is advisable to immediately buy a model with a radius of 1.7-2 meters. And although the training will be much more difficult, but in the future you can easily upgrade to the ten-foot version.

Suitable casting techniques

There are several casting net casting techniques., which differ in phases and other features. The traction cord must be assembled in rings in the left hand, and the tackle must be taken with an outstretched hand by the central part (or the sleeve), easily shaken and straightened. If loops are formed in the process, they need to be straightened with the help of your free hand.

Next, you need to grab the upper part of the tackle with your right hand and collect with one or two loops in one hand. At the next stage, a cargo cord is used. It needs to be taken by two points with both hands, and spread them wide enough.

The next step is the casting itself. It is done after two or three swinging movements or after a wide swing, during which the angler turns his body almost 180 degrees. Particular attention is paid to the plane on which the tackle moves. When deploying on the fly, the casting tackle should follow the most gentle trajectory, finally deploying shortly before contact with the water surface. It is important here to show a certain power of the throw, practicing and acquiring the necessary skills.

There are many other equally interesting and effective solutions. Almost all anglers have their own unique techniques... For example, it is not at all necessary to collect the traction cord with rings on your hand, you can leave it lying under your feet, provided that there are no obstacles on the shore that could impede normal movement. This significantly reduces the preparation time for casting, increasing the number of throws, as well as increasing the size of the catch.

Small nets can be cast without collecting the upper part in a loop. Both hands remain raised and spread as wide as possible, since they need to take a load cord and collect the excess in loops, 2-3 in each hand.

A promising place for fishing

Start fishing in places that are too deep where there is a fast flow, it is useless... It is better to abandon areas with snags or abundant vegetation, steep underwater "edges" and other obstacles. If you are fishing from the bank, rather than from a boat, it is best to avoid places where there are too many trees and bushes, as well as various annual vegetation, including wormwood and weeds.

Fishing is ineffective from cliffs and embankment bridges that rise more than two meters above the water surface. Fishing in unknown places increases the risk of snagging and damaging the net.

After the cord with the load is at the bottom, the tackle must be selected with sharp jerks. With their help, you can quickly bring the sinkers together and close the exit for the caught prey. The net also needs to be raised above the bottom to minimize snags.

Catching live bait and any other small prey in this way is very simple. All that is required from the angler is it is the right to choose a promising area and perform an accurate cast... In most cases, small things are found in large schools, so at one time you can get a huge amount of fish from the depths. It is not necessary to use a swimming device for such purposes, it is much more convenient to throw the tackle from the shore.

Large representatives lead a solitary lifestyle, giving preference to areas remote from the coastal zone, where there are snags, stones and other obstacles. It takes a lot of effort and effort to catch them.

Fishing with a casting net is really interesting, and for some it is a new activity that requires proper preparation and effort. A responsible approach and adherence to the basic rules will allow you to achieve good results in this difficult but exciting business.

The principle of fishing is as follows: the net is assembled on the hand in a certain way (so that it easily turns around in flight), then it horizontally pounces on the water and covers the section of the reservoir corresponding to the diameter of the open net. After the fenced part of the net sinks to the bottom, the net is pulled out by the cord attached to the base. It is possible to fish in the water column without lowering the tackle to the bottom, but this requires a slightly modified net (see Fig. 17).

Rice. 17.Casting network (American type):1 - central traction cord;2 - slings; 3 - net fabric;4 - cargo cord;5 - swivel; 6 - bushing
Casting nets are divided into two large groups: tackle of the American type and of the Spanish (the little one, traditionally used in our Caucasus, belongs to the Spanish).
The American type seems to me to be more convenient when casting, more catchy and easier to make with your own hands. Although I fully admit the bias of this opinion: it was with American casting nets that I began to catch ten years ago and have been successfully using them to this day.
I also tried the Spanish type and I have to admit at least one advantage of this tackle: in places with an inconvenient underwater relief for fishing, it is less inclined to catch on stones, snags, etc.

Tackle design

Casting net is a netting in the form of a regular circle, along the edge of which a cord is sewn, equipped with very often planted lead weights.
The size indicated on the packaging of the factory nets does not refer to the diameter, but to the radius of the circle. On American-made nets, it is often measured not in meters, but in feet, and ranges from 91 cm (three-foot net) to 3.04 m (ten-foot net).
European manufacturers, for example Finnish, use the metric system, but the sizes of their gear generally correspond to the American ones. Chinese tackle ... Sometimes even the fisherman's own hand-made modification does not save the Chinese, and it is better not to risk it: chasing cheapness, you can become the owner of an inoperative network.
A central braided cord (twisted is in no way suitable) is used to pull the net, thick enough (so as not to cut your hands when quickly fetching the tackle), usually at least 5–6 mm. Its standard length is 4–4.5 m, but many amateurs, having perfectly mastered the tackle, increase the length of the line by 1.5–2 times. At the end of the cord there is a loop with a diameter of 20-25 cm.
In American nets, the other end of the central cord is attached to numerous slings (veins) stretched to the cargo cord, in Spanish - to the central part of the net. This constructive difference also determines the different performance of the net after casting.
When pulling out the American-style tackle, the central cord with the help of veins pulls the cargo cord to the center and practically gathers it together in a compact lump, thereby tightening the net and forming a bag with a closed outlet.
When pulling out the Spanish-type net, the sinkers converge to the center under the action of the pull of the cord and its own gravity, closing the exit, and the catch remains in the pockets of the net located along its perimeter.
On the American tackle, in the very center of the net there is a small round hole (5–6 cm in diameter), and the netting along its edge is attached to a plastic or fluoroplastic sleeve. One hole is drilled in the sleeve (for the smallest nets) or several (6–8 cm for the largest), through which the vein slings slide.
The netting fabric (with rather small meshes, from 9 to 15 mm) is taken from both monofilament and twisted yarn.
If someone wants to make an American-style casting network with their own hands, he should follow a few rules:
1. Lead weights are planted on the load cord evenly and very often, with a distance between their centers no more than 10–12 cm. The weight of the weights is from 20 to 35 g, depending on the size of the net; their shape is a highly elongated cylinder; globular weights, especially those capable of falling into the mesh of the network, are inapplicable. If you use the sinkers not purchased, but cast yourself, each must be carefully processed, eliminating all the irregularities and casting defects.
2. The lines (slings) are made of fishing line (monofilament, braid makes fishing difficult) with a thickness of 1 mm or more, their length is not much longer than the radius of the tackle. Veins are attached to the cargo cord quite often, at least every 0.5 m, and, accordingly, their number grows with an increase in the size of the tackle. If not one, but several holes are drilled in the plastic sleeve, then through each it is necessary to pass those veins that lead to the corresponding edge of the network, avoiding crossing. Sharp edges at the edges of the holes, any irregularities and burrs are unacceptable.
3. The knot that collects the veins together is made as compact and neat as possible, without line tails sticking out to the side. Since there is torque during casting, it is best to attach it to the center line through a swivel of sufficient strength. Sometimes a plastic disk 3-4 cm in diameter with holes along the edge (according to the number of veins) is placed in front of the knot, and each vein is passed through its hole.

What size net should I start casting with?

A question that has no unambiguous answer. On the one hand, the smaller the radius of the net, the easier it is to cast, and the learning stage is much faster.
However, having perfectly mastered the casting of a three-foot net (mainly suitable for fishing live bait), it is quite difficult to retrain for a large tackle. Much also depends on the physical parameters of the angler: the higher his height and the longer his arms, the easier it will be to learn how to cast a large net.
I advise you to first decide: why, in fact, do you need a casting network? For those who like to catch a predator with live bait, a casting net is an irreplaceable auxiliary tool. In the full sense, irreplaceable: never when catching live bait with a fishing rod or any other design, you will not start catching predators as quickly after coming to the reservoir, as if you had a compact and ready-to-use casting net in your backpack.
You can start hunting for pike or pike perch faster only by bringing live bait with you, which is not always convenient.
So if you are planning to use the casting network only as a little thing, buy an easy-to-learn three-foot shoe, and the problem with live bait will disappear forever. In addition, as a bonus, sometimes (especially in muddy water or when casting at night), you can also hook a large fish.
But if it is assumed that the casting net will become the main fishing tool, with large enough fish, then it is better to start mastering the tackle with a net with a radius of at least 1.7-2 m. will be.

Casting technique

Coming to this section, I understand perfectly well that the task of teaching fishing with a casting net in words, even with the help of drawings, is difficult to fulfill. It is better to personally get a few lessons from a specialist, or at worst try to repeat what he shows in the video. But let's try ...
In fig. 18 shows the casting phases for both American and Spanish net types. The drawn fisherman stands on the shore, but nevertheless, it is best to start training not on a river or lake, but on some lawn or mowed lawn. Naturally, in the field, on a pond, before starting preparation, the net is thoroughly cleaned of mud and other aquatic vegetation left over from the previous cast.

Rice. 18. Phases of net casting
The traction cord is collected in rings in the left hand, the tackle is taken with an outstretched hand by the central part (or by the sleeve - for an American-type net), gently shaken so that the net is stretched and straightened. If the load cord has formed a loop somewhere, it must be straightened with your free hand.
Then, with the right hand, the upper part of the tackle is intercepted (from a quarter to half of the net, depending on its radius) and is assembled with one or two loops - also in the left hand. Next comes the turn of the cargo cord. He is taken by two points with the same left hand and right, and the hands are spread wide enough so that the remaining free part of the network stretches as much as possible.
If you carefully look at foreign educational photos and videos, you can see how specialists sometimes, at this stage of preparation for casting, take one sinker in their teeth in order to achieve even greater stretching of the net. In training, this is still possible, for not very squeamish citizens. But on a pond with tackle, soiled with silt and mud ... I do not advise. You can earn a whole bunch of gastrointestinal diseases.
The next stage is the casting itself. It is performed after two or three swinging movements or after one wide swing (while the angler's body turns almost 180 °). The most important thing at this moment is the plane in which the tackle moves. The casting net, unfolding on the fly, should fly along the most gentle trajectory and finally turn into a circle shortly before touching the water. The latter depends on the strength of the throw, the ability to measure which comes exclusively with training.
Another point in which I disagree with foreign instructors: for the most part, they recommend that the loop at the end of the line be swept over the left hand before casting. In training, it turns out well, but on a pond, when your hands are wet, the tackle can easily fly into a river or lake along with the line. It is safer to attach the loop to the waist belt.
The described casting technique is not the only one possible. Almost every fisherman, with the acquisition of experience, begins to modernize it, adjusting it to his individual characteristics and to the specific conditions of fishing. For example, you may not collect the pulling cord with rings on your hand, but leave it lying under your feet (provided that the bank is clean enough and the cord does not catch on branches, roots, driftwood, etc.). The preparation time for casting is reduced, which increases the number of throws per fishing and, accordingly, the size of the catch.
Nets of a small radius (up to 1.7 m, for the tallest fishermen - up to 2 m) can be thrown without collecting the upper part of the net in loops. Both hands, raised and spread as wide as possible, grasp the load cord, the excess cord is collected in loops, 2-3 in each hand, so that the lower edge of the net does not reach the ground 30-40 cm, then the net is thrown, or rather thrown on a pond with a characteristic movement, reminiscent of those with which a wide tablecloth is thrown on a table or a sheet on a bed.
I even happened to see how the casting net was thrown together: they caught two short teenage boys, each of whom could hardly have thrown the tackle on their own - they took the net by the load cord, standing on either side of it, and stretched it widely in the horizontal plane and, simultaneously swinging, was sent into the reservoir.
Well, now, assuming that after much trial and error, you still mastered the basics of casting technique, we take a casting net and go fishing.

Seat selection

Locations that are too deep, with a fast current, with a snaggy or boulder-covered bottom, with abundant underwater vegetation, are definitely not suitable for fishing with a casting net. Steep underwater slopes - the so-called "edges" - also do not allow to capture the fish holding over them. When fishing from the shore, you should avoid places heavily overgrown with trees, bushes and even such annual vegetation as wormwood, weeds, and so on, for at least a couple of meters around the fisherman there should be a clean and level space.
There is no point in fishing from cliffs, from embankments and bridges that rise more than 2 m above the water surface - the weights of the net, even if it is properly thrown, when it falls from a great height, begin to converge together, and instead of a regular flat circle, the tackle takes the shape of an elongated cone. Fishing in unfamiliar places is always fraught with snags, net damage and line breaks.