Cast Net Definitions by Black Pearl Cast Nets

 Below, please find the useful cast net definitions and terms used to describe the parts of cast nets.

Cast Net Horn

The very top of the cast net which is a round plastic piece where all the netting angles together and is tied. Braille lines of your cast net will also run directly through the center of horn. Some horns being completely open and some having dividers. An larger open horn will allow your braille lines to run smoothly through it. If the horn is too large then bait will escape out the horn. Having dividers in the horn is great, this allows you to have a larger horn but keep bait from escaping. 

Cast Net Hand Line/Throw Line

The hand line of your cast net usually ranges between 20-30 ft and is used to hold on to after throwing your cast net. After your cast net sinks over top of the live bait that you’re after, you’ll then use this hand line to retrieve your casting net. A 30 ft length is perfect so you can use it in water up to 30 ft in depth.

Cast Net Hand loop

A hand loop is the beginning of the hand line, this part of the hand line will go around your wrist. This hand loop helps to avoid losing your net when throwing your cast net.

Cast Net Braille Lines

Braille lines are strong monofilament lines that pull the net closed upon retrieval. The cast net with more braille lines closes better because it has more lines. A cast net with more braille lines catches more bait because it closes stronger and therefore trapping your bait.

Braille lines attach to the cast nets’ lead line and are separated every few feet from each other. Braille lines angle upward and attach at the top swivel. Braille lines range from 16-24 lines on a typical 8 ft cast net.  

Cast Net Swivel

The swivel on a cast net is simply used to merge both your hand line and braille lines together so they continue in one continuous length.  A hand line attaches to one end of the swivel and the braille lines attach to the other end of the swivel. The best cast net swivels are brass swivels because brass swivels do not rust. 

Cast Net Selvage

Selvage is the point where the net attaches to either the horn or the lead line. Selvage can be either a single or double selvage. Double selvage means that the cast net has double the netting material at this particular location. Double selvage ranges 1-2″ wide and is stronger because it has maximum doubled strength.

Cast Net Lead line

The lead line is the base of a cast net which consist of a rope that has a series of weights and netting attached. A leadline has less leads for shallow water and has more leads attached for deep water use. The netting is attached to the top of the leadline.

The Black Pearl invisible cast net lead line “Invi Series” is made by using a durable yet flexible rope that has interior beads of leads. Hidden lead enhances performance dramatically because it does not have any exterior cast net leads. Exterior leads tangle on a standard exterior lead style cast nets because they interlock. Leads of a cast net interlock because they stick out and catch on each other.

Cast Net Lead Weight

The lead weight on a net will determine how fast that a net sinks. Heavier cast nets sink faster than lighter weighted cast nets. Cast nets with smaller mesh sink slower. Cast Nets with larger mesh sink faster because there is less material in the water. More lead is needed on smaller mesh sizes being that more mesh causes a net to sink much slower. Larger mesh sizes sink faster than smaller mesh sizes.

Cast net weight is measured in Lb. per Ft.  Example:  A 10 ft net with 1.5 lb per ft should have 15 lbs of lead. 

BLACK PEARL Cast Nets are weighted correctly. Black Pearl Nets has the additional feature of using hidden internal lead which increases sink speed. Speed increases due to no exterior leads causing drag.

Cast Net Netting Material

The two most common forms of netting is clear monofilament and white nylon. Years ago, nylon was much more popular but as time passed, fishermen began to realize how much more effective the monofilament cast nets performed.

Clear monofilament cast nets have 3 main advantages over white nylon cast nets. Serious cast netters are now exclusive to mono series cast nets. See below.

Monofilament Cast Nets are better because:

1). Lighter in weight being that they don’t absorb water like nylon cast nets, therefore making it much easier to throw after the cast net becomes wet.

2). Sink faster being that it is usually a thinner material and also has a slicker finish.

3). Less visible in the water versus a white color nylon that looks like a big white sheet when sinking, therefore the monofilament cast nets will catch considerably more live bait.

Cast Net Definitions/Terms – In conclusion, We hope that this helps you understand a little more in detail about the specifics of cast nets and their definitions / terms of each part of a cast net. For more information on Why Black Pearl “Invi Series” Cast Nets, click here  https://www.blackpearlcastnets.com/why-black-pearl-cast-nets/