How to Throw a Shrimp Net

All images and illustrations by Daniel Ray

Providing fresh shrimp for your table is a great incentive for learning how to throw a shrimp net. Throwing a cast net is not difficult--it just takes practice. There are a several different sizes and ways to throw a cast net. A good shrimp net will have ½-inch mesh and can be from 6 to 8 feet long. The method described below does not require the lead line to be put in your mouth.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

Shrimp net
Shrimp net

Step 1

Slip the cast net rope over your left wrist and neatly coil the rope in your left hand. Grasp the top ring of the shrimp net with your left hand. Divide the net in half with your right hand then grab the net at this location with your left hand.

Step 2

Throw net over left shoulder

Pick up the lead line with your right hand. Throw enough of the net over your left shoulder so that it will stay in place. Tuck and hold the lead line under your thumb so that your fingers are free.

Step 3

Start flipping the net, just above the lead line, into the palm of your right hand. Continue until about half of the net is now held in your right hand. The net is now ready to throw.

Step 4

Ready to throw

Stand with your feet about shoulder width apart and your right leg pointing to where you want to throw. Twist your upper body to the left and then rapidly unwind to the right while throwing the net up and out from your body.

Step 5

When you throw, release everything in your left and right hands, making sure that the lead line in your right hand is last to leave your hand. Let the net sink and then close the net by pulling in the rope. Open the net over a bucket to release the shrimp.

Tips & Warnings

Check your state fishing regulations before shrimping. Remove your watch and wear a buttonless shirt to eliminate snags when throwing the net.

Check your state fishing regulations before shrimping.

Remove your watch and wear a buttonless shirt to eliminate snags when throwing the net.

Be aware of obstacles when throwing a cast net.

Resources

Bass Pro--Source for Shrimp Net

Article Written By Daniel Ray

Daniel Ray has been writing for over 15 years. He has been published in "Florida Sportsman" magazine. He holds an FAA airframe and powerplant license and FCC radiotelephone license, and is also a licensed private pilot. He attended the University of South Florida.

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