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CAST NETTING MADE EASY
by Terry Lacoss

Al Fernandez, both a skilled saltwater angler and cast net builder, definitely has not only sharpened the cast netting skills of several saltwater fishermen, but has also replaced their worn nets with cast nets that really catch bait fish. Fernandez, a resident of Cape Coral, Florida, spends time at most of the major Southern Kingfish Association tournaments and fishing shows, demonstrating the correct method for throwing a cast net, particularly the larger, 10-12 foot nets. More than likely, you have you have seen Al toss his net at demonstrations, or met him at a major SKA tournament. If you have been lucky enough to witness his cast netting skills, he always tosses a perfect circle when tossing a cast net. I have yet to see him misfire, when it comes time for him to load and toss a net of any size. He begins to load a big net with a systematic procedure, which when loaded, is as dependable as a cruise missile!

Al is also an excellent instructor and often teaches his students the art of tossing a cast net with only a few minutes of valuable instructions. However, Al is the first to admit that his cast netting methods are not meant for every saltwater angler.

"The two methods of tossing a net, which I have incorporated into my instruction classes, are the "Double Load" and the "Triple Load" systems," instructs Al. "The double load system is used by many commercial and sport fishermen alike. However I like to teach the triple load system to fishermen that are just beginning to learn how to toss a cast net. The triple load system is almost a bullet proof technique for tossing cast nets, particularly the large, 10-12 foot cast nets. I also understand that a lot of cast netters are self taught and are quite satisfied with the way they load and toss a cast net. In most cases I am more than willing to learn any new tricks when it comes time for improving the way I teach saltwater fishermen how to load and toss a net. However the 'Triple Load" system is the easiest technique that I have come across in teaching fishermen how to load and toss a big net."

My son, Terry David Lacoss, is a prime example of a self taught cast netter I have tried for several fishing seasons to help Terry David toss a net. T.D. really struggled with the art in cast netting and in many cases, tossed several blanks before the net would open up enough to catch nearby live baits. I think a major problem surfaced with T.D. being left handed. And whenever T.D. watched myself or anyone else toss a net, he actually had a difficult time employing these same skills, because he was left handed. T.D. finally taught himself and today, he can toss a net quite well. Most of the time! "I believe a lot of fishermen are intimidated by the size of large, 10-12 foot cast nets. Not only does the size of the net scare them, but the weight of the heavy net also acts as a handicap when fishermen try to toss a large net. However once I show a student how to load and toss a big net with the "Triple Load" system, they immediately begin to gain confidence. Keeping in mind that confidence is the key in successfully loading up and tossing a big net."

Al Fernandez incorporates twelve steps when using the Triple Load cast net method. If you follow these twelve easy steps, you will also begin to grow confidence in loading and tossing 8-12 foot cast nets.

#1 - Attach the loop of the cast net rope to your left wrist. Make even coils with the remaining rope and place the coils in the palm of your left hand.

#2 - With the thumb of your left hand pointing straight up, place the crown of the net in the palm of your left hand, The crown of the net is located just under the top ring of the net.

#3 - Divide the net into one or two coils, depending on the size of the net, by grabbing the net with the palm of your left hand, while keeping the thumb of your left hand pointing straight up. With your left arm hanging straight down, the led line of the net should just barely touch the ground.

#4 - Find the backside of the net with your right hand and gather a third of the net. The backside of the net is located where the thumb and fingers of your left hand join.

#5 - Now bring your right hand under your left arm and place the first third of the net on your left shoulder. Raise your left elbow so the net stays on your shoulder.

#6 - Next, grab the lead line which is located under your left elbow.

#7 - Divide the remaining two thirds of the net by fanning one third of the net over the right shoulder.

#8 - Gather the net on your right shoulder by placing your right hand, palms up under the net and holding the net, palms up.

#9 Drop both arms to your waist while holding the net away from your body.

#10 - Begin a pendulum swing back until the lead line reaches its highest point. The right hand then fans one third more of the net over the right shoulder. The net is then allowed to fall off from your right shoulder and gathered In your right hand, palms up.

#11 - Swing the leads parallel to the ground and across the body.

#12 -Release the net directly in front, allowing the net to open up naturally. If tossed properly, the tail end of the net should hit the water first.

Al also has some solid advice when purchasing a cast net.

"If you fish mainly inshore waters, with water depths less than fifteen feet I would recommend a 6-8 foot cast net," says Al. "However if you are a deep water fishermen and plan on catching plenty of live baits from deep water, I would certainly recommend a larger net, from 10-12 feet. Larger nets will sink faster and catch plenty of bait fish in a hurry."

One of the more popular cast net sizes, for all around cast netting, is the eight-foot rest net, with a half inch mesh.

"Fishermen will need to also take good care of their cast net, if they plan on getting excellent service from their net," instructs Al. "Never wash your net with detergents. Simply rinse your net out with fresh water and allow to dry. Cleaning liquids will remove the natural oil from the monofilament net, which ultimately drys the net out. I would also recommend soaking a clean net in a bucket full of fresh water and fabric softener. This will put needed oils back into the net."

"Finally, always allow your net to dry out before storing. Never hang your net, this only tightens up the knots in the net. Simply lay the net on a flat surface and allow to dry. After the net has completely dried, place the cast net in a bucket and store."

For more information on cast netting and "West Coast Nets", call Al Fernandez at (941) 549-4590. You will never toss a blank!