Inland Fisheries

8.2.3.4 Cast Net

They are well adapted for the capture of small shoaling fishes. This net is commonly used in shallow waters. This is a circular-mouthed or umbrella shaped conical net with about 2.5 cm mesh size. A strong cord or warp is attached to the apex of the cone or umbrella and a number of lead or iron cylindrical sinkers are fixed all along the circular periphery. The net is cast into the water from the margin of the tank or pond or from a boat or stakes made of bamboo or wood in such a way that a group of fishes get covered over by the net and, thus, entrapped. The hand rope is carefully pulled to close the spread skirt. The overall result of operation is such that the fishes are caught in the pocket of the net. Its operation is always in shallow water areas devoid of weeds and submerged obstructions of any sort.