Subject: Cast Net (or Throw, Brail Net) Sent 24 mar 01 Cast nets are hand held nets that are cast or thrown into the water. When thrown properly, the net will open up and land on the surface of the water in a flat circular shape (similar to a large pancake). There are weights around the edge of the net which will cause it to sink quickly, trapping the fish underneath the net. There are brail lines (sometimes called tuck lines) running from the edge of the net (the leadline) to the center hole where they are attached to a handline. When the handline is pulled, the brail lines will draw up, closing the net to form a pocket, catching the fish. Then the whole net is pulled up out of the water. These nets are very popular for catching shrimp, bait fish (shiners, minnows, shad, etc.), and mullet. http://www.nylonnet.com/castnets.htm http://www.castnets.com/cart/addprod.asp http://www.newsherald.com/archive/features/nw071298.htm I have seen cast nets used effectively at the coast. I have seen it even used to ketch relatively large fish. I believe they would also be effective in fresh water steams and lakes. Has any one use it this way? Also, I am trying to determine what size would be best. The larger the mesh the faster it will drop in the water. If the mesh is two large then smaller fish can escape through the mesh. If one wants to catch only small fish then the smaller mesh is best. I currently understand that a 3 ft net opens to about 6 ft. Does anyone have any opinion on what size an average person can handle and what would be the optimum mesh size for fresh water streams and lakes? This is assuming if hungry enough we can eat quite a size range of fish. I am thinking in a fast moving stream you want the heaver professional weights so it will sink fast. I am also thinking if wading in water it may be hard to throw a large net. Any shared experience or opinions on the subject is appreciated. Cargo nets