Catching aquatic biological resources with casting nets, according to fishermen, is considered unsportsmanlike and until recently was illegal for individuals. Today, this fishery is not poaching; it will be entertaining even for beginners, as it does not require special skills. If you use gear wisely and obtain the appropriate permits, you can enjoy fishing without harming nature.
This review will tell you about a non-standard method of fishing using casting nets, provide recommendations for novice fishermen on popular models, give advice on what to look for so as not to make a mistake when choosing and introduce you to the best manufacturers of casting nets.
Types, features of gear
Fishing occurs by casting; the catch, as a rule, is rich if the place is chosen correctly. It is important to note that the best “tricks” are made by hand, they have less defects, or using technology or a machine. The mesh fabric, which is the main material of the tackle, is knitted from thread (more wear-resistant) or fishing line (catch line).
This type of fishing was borrowed from South America and China and has become widespread among Russians. Casting networks, or “parachutes” as they say, are divided into two types: “American”, “Spanish”.
- The American "zakidushka" is a woven fabric with edging around the edges. The design has lead weights located around the perimeter at an equal distance from each other. The product is pierced by slings inserted into a small ring at the top. This device collects the lower part of the tackle into a bag so that the caught fish does not go back into the reservoir. The cord used to make the throw should be easy to grip, reliable, and the loop at the end adds comfort. Its length is usually about 4 meters. The net is suitable for any reservoir and catching various types of fish, including carp.
- “Spanish” is distinguished by the presence of pockets along the edges, the weights are placed randomly. When the fisherman pulls the “throwaway” with the trophy towards him by the cord, they converge in the center, tightening the pockets, ensuring the safety of the catch.
After spending a little time on training and familiarizing yourself with the functionality of the product, you can start hunting for hefty trophies. If you are fed up with your fishing rod, you should try yourself as a professional fisherman, diversifying your holiday with active fishing and discovering casting networks.
A design feature of some products is a large casting ring. With its help, handling the tackle after making a few trial attempts will be an easy task even for novice fishermen.
Casting network (American type) example
Casting networks are divided into two large groups: American type and Spanish. The American type is more convenient when casting, more catchy and easier to make with your own hands. The Spanish type has one advantage : in places with underwater terrain that is inconvenient for fishing, it is less likely to get caught on stones, driftwood, etc.
How to choose a network
Before purchasing, you need to decide which product you need. The selection criteria depend on the configuration of the reservoir, as well as the type of fish that are in it. It is important to compare the size and pitch of the cells, height, length, diameter of the threads with the intended trophy; when comparing, it is worth tensioning the tackle.
If you are hunting for a small but valuable fish, then use a product with a small mesh (20 mm); for a medium trophy, a track, a pike (25-32 mm), a large predator will require a mesh from 120 to 140 mm.
“Spanish flu” is perfect for stumpy, uneven bottom topography. If it is smoother, you need to use the “American” one. How to choose the right tackle? We list several parameters needed for purchase:
- It is important to determine the radius of the canvas. Products measuring about 1.5 meters are suitable for inexperienced fishermen. They are easier to handle than large parachutes.
- The line is more reliable, there is less possibility of breaking, and it sinks faster. The nylon gets wet, re-casting is less effective.
- Gray fabric is less flashy in the water, the fish are not scared, blue and red shades are also effective, the first option is suitable for pike perch, the second for predators, but the choice of which is better to buy is yours.
- The smaller the diameter of the thread, the more reliably it holds the catch, this is explained by its enhanced ability to compress the fish, cutting into its scales.
- Despite some advantages of thin thread, it has disadvantages: reduced wear resistance, not suitable for trophy hunting.
How to use the "trick"
It is easier to catch small fish; you need to carefully determine the place and time of fishing. Having discovered characteristic circles on the water, cast the canvas; this can be done while standing on the shore; it is not necessary to have a boat.
Experienced fishermen with more instincts are ready to hunt large prey. It is necessary to move away from the shore to a depth of 1.5 meters. It is important not to get caught by the fish, otherwise it will escape and you will have to throw the trap blindly.
In spring it is better to fish during the day, and in summer - in the evening or at night. Avoid vegetation, it will get in the way and cling to the sinkers. Description of the fishing algorithm:
- The canvas is wound around the hand and thrown along the selected line. It sinks to the surface of the water, covering it.
- The sinkers sink, dragging parts of the canvas with them to the bottom, forming a dome into which the unlucky fish should get caught.
- After some time, you need to pull the cord, tightening the net. The aquatic inhabitants are trapped, and you gain the glory of a successful hunter. We are sure that this new type of fishing will bring you many unforgettable moments!
What does a casting structure look like?
Making a casting net with your own hands involves a preliminary study of the design. The American type model is in most cases considered the most common.
This type of fishing gear contains the following parts:
The woven base itself is made from a special monofilament material. During production, the fabric is treated with a special substance so that the resulting network is soft and pliable. For correct and comfortable opening, it is pre-stretched at the factory.
Read here Balancer for perch: fishing techniques and basic tactics for using the balancer (90 photos)
The second component is a cord with weights, which helps, when pulled out of the water, to collect the net and all the prey that falls into it. By tightening the net, the fish are no longer able to escape from the trap.
There is also a carabiner on the net that prevents the gear from twisting.
There is a horn that helps collect the top of the net.
Another component is the casting cord. It is made of polypropylene, which after casting remains on the surface due to the buoyancy properties of the material.
Rating of quality casting networks for 2021
Our review is based on real reviews, it takes into account the opinions of customers who purchased the product, who are able to suggest which trap company is best to look at.
Inexpensive
Casting network, American, nylon, big ring
Bronze is a high-quality “American” made of nylon with a large ring, the diameter of the product is 4 meters, the mesh is 20 mm. At the bottom of the trap there is a cord equipped with galvanized weights. On all sides of the trap there are slings, collected in a ring at the top.
The tackle is made of durable material, has little windage, sinks quickly, which has a positive effect on the catch, and can be used from the shore and boat.
Technical indicators:
| Options | Characteristics |
| Type | American |
| Material | Capron |
| Diameter | 4 m |
| Ring | Big |
| Cell | 20 mm |
Casting network, American, nylon, big ring
Advantages:
- with a large ring, easy casting;
- affordable price.
Flaws:
- the nylon gets wet and becomes heavy.
“Balset”, American, fishing line, without ring
In 2nd place is the tackle of an American design; its fabric is pierced by special veins that help the fisherman tighten the trap, forming a bag with an exit closed with sinkers. The result of successful actions of the trophy hunter will be a caught fish, securely locked inside the “parachute”.
The braided cord that helps make the throw is made of polyethylene, its diameter is 7 mm, the color is light blue. The design provides a weighting cord, the size of which is 5 mm, with weights evenly spaced on it, 26 grams each. In general, the “American” will appeal to outdoor enthusiasts who want to try themselves in a new method of fishing.
Technical indicators:
| Options | Characteristics |
| Type | American (without ring) |
| Line diameter | 0.3 mm |
| Mesh, mm | 16 |
| Mesh material | fishing line |
| Breaking load | 5.6 kg |
| Diameter, m | 2-8 |
“Balset”, American, fishing line, without ring
Advantages:
- low price.
Flaws:
- not wear-resistant design.
"Balset", American, nylon, Frisbee ring
The winner among budget products is . The trap has a large ring that allows you to cast to different distances with the best efficiency while standing on the shore or sitting in a boat. The “parachute” has a radius that provides the “American” with every chance of an excellent catch.
If you want to save time and increase the likelihood of successful fishing, you can pre-feed the hunting area. It is important to note that to prevent snagging on an uneven bottom, you should pull the cord with which you threw the tackle, the knot on the sling should come undone, and getting the trap out will not be difficult.
Technical indicators:
| Options | Characteristics |
| Material | Nylon thread 250den/3 |
| Color | Brown |
| Diameter, m | 3.6-4.6 |
| Height | 180-210 cm |
| Opening diameter | 360-420 cm |
| Ring | 47 cm |
| Weight | 2.8-3.1 kg |
| Cell | 16 mm |
"Balset", American, nylon, Frisbee ring
Advantages:
- Convenient for throwing from a boat.
Flaws:
- not detected.
Middle price segment
FindFish, Spanish
4th place is occupied by the “FindFish” model, which has a small ring and reliable, high-quality fabric. The design is equipped with weights “tightly” mounted around the perimeter of the trap. The tackle is not large in size when folded, which is convenient for transportation; two modifications are made:
- “FindFish” is made of Japanese fishing line with a diameter of 0.3 mm, the popularity of the model is ensured by its versatility, it is used on lakes, rivers with a small current, where there is no snags or sharp stones;
- The trap is made of impregnated nylon with a diameter of 0.535 mm, has a reliable design, resistant to ruptures, unlike the first option, it can be used on reservoirs with complex bottom topography. The weights are spaced evenly, every 15 cm. A wide cuff for gripping the cord adds convenience; the “parachute” is easy to throw.
Technical indicators:
| Options | Characteristics |
| Cell | 12 mm |
| Cord with weights installed, diameter | 8 mm |
| Weight | 2500 gr |
| Aluminum ring size | 30 cm |
| Tightening straps | Monofilament line diameter 0.8 mm |
| Diameter | 3.6 m |
FindFish, Spanish
Advantages:
- low weight of the product;
- doesn't get tangled.
Flaws:
- not detected.
"Kippik", American, fishing line
The “American” “Kippik”, which has a well-thought-out design, has bronze. Its use does not require much experience; you can hone your casting skills within one day. The specialists working in the company produce only high-quality components and strive to provide their consumers with catching gear. Kippik products can be identified by their branded packaging; the weights are stamped with the abbreviation “PIK”.
Technical indicators:
| Options | Characteristics |
| Diameter: | |
| fishing line | 0.3mm |
| tightening sling | 0.8-1.0mm |
| bottom cord | 5mm |
| Approximate weight | 1.7kg |
| Network radius | 1.00m |
| Cell | 16mm |
"Kippik", American, fishing line
Advantages:
- reliable design;
- mobile;
- convenient for casting.
Flaws:
- not detected.
“Kipp+”, American, nylon
The American-type Kipp+ casting trap takes silver from mid-priced products. Let us indicate the technical features of the “parachute”:
- nylon is made in Russia;
- the lower double cord made of polypropylene, with high-quality hand stitching of each lead sinker, contributes to less tangling of the trap cells when throwing it;
- cell 20 mm;
- a double carabiner attached to an all-metal cord, which reduces the number of breaks and loss of gear;
- all dimensions are clearly maintained in relation to the declared ones;
- The frisbee is solid, which prevents its deformation during casting.
Technical indicators:
| Options | Characteristics |
| Brand | "Kipp+" |
| Diameter | 4.0 m |
| Ring | Large plastic FRISBEE |
| Ring size | 29*6-22mm |
| Production | Russian |
| Material | Capron |
| Type | American |
“Kipp+”, American, nylon
Advantages:
- excellent quality of all parts of the product;
- the slings are located evenly around the entire perimeter;
- the trap does not get tangled.
Flaws:
- high price.
"Fishtex", American, without ring, fishing line
The winner in the mid-price segment category is the classic American design, made in Russia. It is perfect for fishing in reservoirs of various configurations. Let's look at some of the product's features:
- there are 68 lead weights on the trap;
- “Fishtex” is fully equipped with everything necessary, after unpacking it is immediately ready for use;
- No special skills are required to operate it; a few hours of practice will allow you to start fishing.
The mesh mesh is quite small, about 10 mm, which makes it possible to hunt live bait. In general, the quality of this “parachute” is suitable for the most picky user.
Technical indicators:
| Options | Characteristics |
| Material | fishing line |
| Total weight | 2.1 kg |
| Sling thickness | 1mm |
| Weight of weights | 26 g |
| Cell | 16 mm |
| Line diameter | 28 mm |
| Dome | 3m |
| type | American |
"Fishtex", American, without ring, fishing line
Advantages:
- can be cast from a boat or shore;
- high-quality assembly.
Flaws:
- price.
Premium class
"Kippik", American, nylon
3rd place went to the “American”, which includes an additional cord for throwing a 10-meter long trap. This reliable, high-quality casting net made of nylon is ideal for beginners and experienced trophy hunters. “Kippik” is based on mesh fabric from Thailand. Strong nylon slings for tightening the trap, a flat cord for casting, and evenly spaced weights create a wear-resistant design that any angler will like.
Technical indicators:
| Options | Characteristics |
| Network type | American type casting network |
| network radius/network diameter, m | 2,0/4,0 |
| Cell size, mm | 28 |
| Mesh thread diameter, mm | 29tex*6(0.66) |
| Sling line diameter, mm | 0,8-1,0 |
| Cord at the base | Polypropylene with core |
| Throw cord | Polypropylene flat |
| Weight, kg | 3.9 |
| Package | Special container "Kippik" |
"Kippik", American, nylon
Advantages:
- additional cord included.
Flaws:
- not detected.
"Kippik", American, without ring, fishing line
Silver takes the product completely ready for use when unpacking; in one day you can easily learn how to throw it. The owner of the Kippik brand is located in Russia. The “parachute” is made by hand, which adds quality to all components; the materials are reliable and designed for long-term use.
“Kippik” deservedly occupies the niche of the strongest nets, confidently surpassing Chinese-made traps in terms of wear resistance. The cord at the base of the structure, the throwing cord, is made of dense polypropylene, it does not unravel, and fits comfortably in the hand for throwing.
Technical indicators:
| Options | Characteristics |
| Type | American |
| Canvas | fishing line |
| Cell | 16 mm |
| Blade diameter | 0.30 mm |
| Sling diameter | 1mm |
| Opened canopy size | 5.4 m |
"Kippik", American, without ring, fishing line
Advantages:
- handmade.
Flaws:
- not detected.
Tips for making an American-style casting net
If someone wants to make an American-style casting net with their own hands, they should follow several rules:
- Lead sinkers are placed on the load cord evenly and very often, with a distance between their centers of no more than 10–12 cm. The weight of the sinkers is from 20 to 35 g, depending on the size of the net; their shape is a highly elongated cylinder; spherical loads, especially those capable of falling into a network cell, are not applicable. If you do not use purchased sinkers, but cast them yourself, you must carefully process each one, eliminating all unevenness and casting defects.
- Veins (slings) are made of fishing line (monofilament, braided makes fishing difficult) with a thickness of 1 mm or more, their length is not much greater than the radius of the tackle. The veins are attached to the load cord quite often, at least every 0.5 m, and accordingly, their number increases with the size of the gear. If not one, but several holes are drilled in a 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 on the edges of holes, any irregularities and burrs are unacceptable.
- The knot that brings the veins together is made as compact and neat as possible, without the tails of the fishing line sticking out to the side. Since there is a torque when casting, it is better to connect it to the central pulling cord through a swivel of sufficient strength. Sometimes a plastic disk with a diameter of 3–4 cm with holes along the edge (according to the number of veins) is placed in front of the knot, and each vein is passed into its own hole.
