How to Shrimp With a Cast Net From a Kayak
- 1). Tie a 5-to 6-foot length of marine rope to the handle on the 5-gallon bucket. Until you begin catching shrimp, store the bucket in the fish well or on the kayak deck. Tie the other end of the rope to a deck bungee or around the cockpit combing.
- 2). Bring the kayak to a flat area of grass or ground. Practice throwing the cast net from the kayak on the ground before heading out to sea. The cast is done from the abdomen. Turn to one side, holding the cast net at chest height, and then swiftly swing to the opposite side, releasing the cast net as you move to the other side. Practice this movement until you get efficient cast where the net opens fully and goes at least 10 feet from the kayak.
- 3). Tie the cast net retrieve line to the side of the kayak, making sure to include a dummy snap between the cast line and the kayak. A dummy snap is a small, metal-hinged gate. If the net gets tangled or snares something that threatens to flip the kayak, pull the tab on the dummy snap so it releases the line, keeping you safe and alive. Dummy snaps are found at marine supply stores, fishing gear shops or through outdoor outfitters.
- 4). Head out to sea on the shrimp-filled waters. Once in the location to shrimp, drop the bucket into the water and let it fill with water. This acts as an anchor as well as a live-well for any shrimp caught in the nets.
- 5). Cast your nets as practiced on shore. Retrieve and pluck out your catch from the nets, placing the shrimp into the bucket. Make sure the bucket top is on while continuing to cast net fish. Pull the bucket up and drain when ready to paddle to shore. When at shore, transfer the shrimp into buckets without holes and add some sea water to them to transport them to your storage area or barbecue.
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