Do-it-yourself casting network: all the features of manufacturing or modifying a factory network of the Spanish and American type

Content:

• 1 What is better, buy or make it yourself?
• 2 Design features 2.1 American-style casting nets
• 2.2 Spanish-style casting networks

The casting network has become widespread in most of Russia, especially recently. Before this, it was used mainly in southern countries. To apply it, you need to spend a lot of effort. The fact is that the finished net weighs from 5 to 7.5 kg, so you can’t cast a lot of it, since the fishing technique involves frequent casting.

But the result will not take long to arrive. It can be used when catching any fish, both large and small. Small fish can be used as bait to catch predatory fish species.

Design specifics

The design used is a round mesh with weights along the edges. The peculiarity is in the cord with weights, which is tied to the edge of the tackle. Line slings are attached to it, which extend to the outside of the fishing tackle.

At the top they are assembled together, a rope with a loop is attached to them, which is put on the wrist before casting. To throw this tackle without difficulty, you need to practice.

It is much easier to make a casting net with your own hands.

What is better, buy or make it yourself?

The casting network is not cheap. At the same time, you should not buy any gear, but give preference to the one that is most convenient. After all, it will have to be abandoned quite often.

Self-production gives you the opportunity to do what you need. In any case, everyone must decide for themselves whether to buy gear or make it themselves.

Selecting a ready-made network

The choice of casting net depends on the size of the reservoir and the number of fish. If you plan to fish for small fish, then you should give preference to gear with small cells.

• If you plan to catch medium-sized fish, then the cell size should be from 25 to 32 millimeters.
• For large fish, you can take a net with large cells, up to 140 millimeters in size.
• The Spanish model net is ideal for uneven bottoms. If you have a smooth, level bottom, it is better to choose American-type tackle.
• For beginners, it is better to choose a network with a radius of one and a half meters. A gray canvas will not scare the fish. So, for fishing for pike perch, you can buy a blue net.

Red tackle can be purchased for predatory fish. The most reliable would be a net stitched with fishing line, and not with nylon, which, when wet in water, makes the tackle heavier. Most fishermen prefer an American-type net made of nylon with a large ring, four meters in diameter.

Made of high-strength material, the tackle quickly sinks in water, which is its undoubted advantage. In second place is an American model balset stitched with fishing line without a ring.

In third place is also an American with a Frisbee ring. This budget net option makes casting a net easy.

Design Features

This type of fishing tackle consists of a round net with weights attached to the edges. Although this is not an ordinary tackle, it is used all over the world and Russia is no exception. The main problem lies in the technique of its application, as well as the density of fish in certain areas of the reservoir. To master the process of casting gear, you need to practice a lot. And it consists of the following elements.

In fact, it is a piece of fishing tackle, but only round in shape. A weight cord is sewn along the edge of this circle, which includes a larger number of small weights. Directly attached to the cord are peculiar slings made of fishing line, which pass under the mesh and come out to the top through a special hole. After this, they are collected into a bundle and attached to a rope, with the help of which they cast. The length of the cord can be between 4-7 meters.

This tackle is thrown into the water, after which it is carefully pulled out of the water with the fish.

American-style casting networks

At the same time, we do not mean specific manufacturers of this product or specific countries, but the names of this equipment that have developed over many years in different countries. Apart from this, the fishing technique remains the same.

American samples are characterized by the presence of powerful slings and heavier loads located along the edges of the gear. The principle of operation is that in the process of pulling it out, the lower edges close under the action of the slings, capturing the fish. In addition, at the end of the cord there is a loop with which the tackle is held by hand.

Spanish-style casting networks

This type of gear is distinguished by the presence of special pockets that are designed for fishing. This is achieved by the fact that the loads are not placed strictly along the edges, but spread out throughout the entire tackle, due to which pockets are formed. It is believed that such gear is more catchy.

Spanish sample network

This model differs from the American one in the presence of pockets for fish, due to the fact that the sinkers are not located at the edges, but throughout the entire area of ​​the net. This network is considered more efficient than the American model.

Other features are:

• Durable mesh fabric made in Japan;
• A tight cord consists of two cords woven together;
• Additional lacing;
• Lead weights of 14 grams.

Knitting a casting net with your own hands

It is not at all difficult to make such a network yourself. The main thing here is that there is a desire and need for it. It is very important at this stage to determine that the casting net is suitable for the existing fishing conditions. It is very important that there are enough fish in the pond. But first you need to prepare all the ingredients for its manufacture.

What is needed for this?

• Naturally, to make such gear you will need a mesh fabric. In this case, there are 2 options for purchasing it.
• You can knit the mesh fabric yourself, but this will take a lot of time. Among other things, you need to master the technique of knitting nets. This option has one, but significant advantage. The knitting technique will allow you to obtain a solid mesh, which can significantly affect the effectiveness of fishing.
• There is another option, which is based on purchasing a ready-made network. The only problem is that the mesh fabrics are sold in strips of varying lengths and widths. The only task is to acquire a network of suitable sizes, with the appropriate cell size, which is not always possible.
• You should very carefully determine the size of the mesh fabric in order to make the tackle of the right size. Since casting nets are round in shape, their size does not refer to the diameter of the net, but to the length of its circumference. As a rule, the diameter of the tackle is equal to two sizes of the mesh in width. Therefore, the size can be calculated based on the following formula.
• Network size = 2x3.14 x network width.
• Approximately this amount of mesh fabric needs to be cut along its length.
• The second, no less important part of the design is a braided cord, the thickness of which can correspond to 4 mm. This is the so-called cargo cord, which is located along the perimeter of the future gear. Its length is selected depending on the size of the network. You can determine the size of the load cord after laying out the prepared network segments. Weights are usually attached to this cord.
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• You also need a braided cord, 7-8 mm thick, to throw the net into the water, and its length should be about 7 meters. Although it makes sense to use a shorter cord to start with. After the application technique has been mastered, it makes sense to increase the length of the cord. The further the casting net is thrown, the greater the chances of catching fish. Be that as it may, the fish may be frightened by a net falling into the water. At the same time, the cord should not be too thin, as it will cut your hands when casting.
• Set of weights. The weight of each load is selected within 20-30 grams. Weights are attached around the entire circumference, at a distance of about 10 cm from one another. It is not difficult to calculate that a lot of them are needed - up to 250 pieces. Therefore, it is not difficult to calculate how much the finished network will weigh. You can make weights yourself.
• You will need a center ring. The design assumes that lines will be output through this ring, which will then go into a mount connecting them to the casting cord.
• You need up to 150 meters of fishing line, up to 1 mm thick, from which slings should be made. The slings are connected at one end to the load cord, and at the other end to the throwing cord.
• You need a DRAGON HEAD device to connect all the lines at the point where they are connected to the main cord. Although you can do without such a device by tying all the slings and cord with a secure knot. For greater reliability, the assembly is impregnated with epoxy glue.
• You will also need lavsan threads (up to 100 meters) to attach the cargo cord to the base of the net. Alternatively, you can use a similar fishing line.
• Fishing line, up to 0.4 mm thick, for fastening parts of the mesh into one whole.

Casting net manufacturing technique

• If you have a mesh fabric 3 meters wide and 60 meters long, then it should be cut into segments of the required size. This is done as follows.
• The cutting angle should be about 45 degrees. The number of segments is chosen to be an even number, for example, 6, 8, 10 wedges, etc. To understand the manufacturing process, you should give preference to 10 wedges. If you add the long sides of the wedges together, they will give the circumference of the future network. After the final cutting dimensions, the network is cut into separate fragments, according to the figure. After this, the resulting blanks are folded together. At this stage, you can determine the length of the weight cord.
• The spread out blanks (wedges) are tied together using a 0.4 mm fishing line. The result should be a circular network or something similar to a circle. In any case, the shape of the network can be adjusted.
• Now you can work on the sinkers. They are not at all difficult to make yourself, especially since you will need simple and affordable materials.
• To begin with, you will have to buy a little construction plaster in the store and mix it, adding the required amount of water. The mixture should not be too thick, but it should be stirred until smooth. After this, the mixture is laid out in a pre-prepared form. A sample of the sinker is then taken and the appropriate shape is pressed into plaster. It is necessary to ensure that there is a hole for air to escape.
• After this, a hole is made for pouring lead. In order for a hole to pass through the center of the sinker, a nail is installed in the center of the form.
• After complete hardening, the form is generously covered with shampoo. The workpiece should be placed in a container with high sides. The sample should fit halfway into the mold. After this, the sample is again filled with plaster, after which everything should dry well. If you do not arrange exit holes, then the lead will not be able to completely and efficiently fill the mold.
• The result should be loads that have an elongated shape with a through hole passing through the center of the load.

• Having prepared the loads, you can continue making gear. Before attaching the weight cord, you need to attach weights to it. You can simply put them on a cord and then secure them with a hammer blow. A weight is also installed at the junction of the cord and clamped in the same way as all the others. The distance between them can be about 10 cm.
• At the next stage, the load cord is attached to the outside of the future tackle. To begin with, it is laid out along the entire perimeter of the network and, finally, securely tied along its entire perimeter.
• The next step consists of forming a central hole where the slings will pass. To do this, take the prepared neck and attach it in the center to the mesh fabric in the same way as the cargo cord is attached. You can use part of a light bulb socket as a neck. The central part can be strengthened by cutting off part of the mesh fabric and placing it in the center so that it extends about 10 cm beyond the neckline. The applied patch should be well secured with fishing line around the entire perimeter.
• After the network is almost ready, you can begin installing the slings. As mentioned above, 1 mm thick fishing line is used as slings. The slings are tied to the cargo cord every 40 cm. All slings are passed through the central neck and tied to the main cord.
• At the other end of the main cord, a loop is formed, which serves to securely hold the gear with your hand.

Modernization of a factory-made casting network

If you buy gear, you can save quite a lot of time, especially since for a fisherman time is worth its weight in gold. At the same time, the casting network quickly wears out due to active use. After all, the fishing technique with this tackle involves constantly throwing it in and out of the water.

1. As a rule, the weight cord wears out and the loads lose their fastening strength. Alternatively, the weights can be flattened with a hammer. As a result, loads will stop moving along the cord and wearing it out. In addition, all nodes with which the net is tied to the cargo cord should be impregnated with waterproof glue.
2. If holes appear in the network, they should be sealed with appropriate threads or fishing line. If there are large holes, it is better to seal them with a net of the appropriate size.

​​​​​​​Mesh network

The algorithm for making a casting net from mesh fabric with your own hands is as follows:

1. Make a pattern of wedges. You can cut it by stretching the canvas and folding it the required number of times. Then cut diagonally.
2. Make sure that all sides are the same. To do this, you need to immediately check this: Fix the top of the canvas and stretch it in the corners. Incorrect wedge marking will skew the mesh.
3. Turn each wedge over with the narrow part facing up. Sew all the wedges together.

Nuances when cutting the mesh fabric:

• The number of wedges must be a multiple of two. For example, six, eight, ten and so on;
• The fabric for the wedges must be cut with a margin;
• In the lower part of the tackle, 2500/4.2 = 595 cells are required;
• On one side of the canvas you need to count 12 cells, on the other - 67.

Cut 25 meters from the load cord and attach weights to it. Sew the ends of the cord, attaching a sinker. Flatten all the weights with a hammer.

Attach the weight cord to the bottom of the net. Then divide the cord into ten sectors and attach the edges of the wedges to it.

Pull the cord on one of the sections and distribute the fabric and tie it with a shuttle to the cord, and do the same with the remaining sectors. Unwind the fishing line for the slings, which are tied after 70 centimeters to the cargo cord. Pass the “dragon head” through the inside of the net to the outside. Tie the throw cord.

Fishing technique

The fishing technique is such that it is unlikely that you will be able to cast it the first time. It should be collected in the hands in an appropriate manner, after which it is thrown into the water. Thanks to the presence of loads, the edges of the net sink to the bottom much faster, covering a certain area. After this, they carefully and slowly begin to pull her out of the water. As a result of the action of the slings, the net gathers at the bottom, covering the place where the fish exit. Fish that are in the area of ​​the net will not be able to leave the net.

Such gear is not recommended for use in areas where there is a fast current or in areas of a reservoir where there are underwater “surprises”.

Application of casting net in fishing

Such gear is used only privately. Despite this, it is also used in industrial fishing. The technique for using it is as follows. Using a device such as an echo sounder, a school of fish is located, after which the school is surrounded with the help of vertical nets and the space is gradually compressed, increasing the density of fish. After this, fish are caught using a casting net.

Naturally, such a network is effective if there is a high density of fish. Otherwise, one cannot expect serious results from it. And, nevertheless, if you practice well and learn how to throw a net correctly, then you can catch fish in your ear. As a last resort, you can get used to it and catch live bait.