An Art as Old as Hilton Head Island: Cast Net Throwing

Cast net fishing is one of the most basic techniques to catch shrimp or small bait fish as you prepare for a day of fishing on Hilton Head Island. Cast nets have been used for thousands of years, and certainly as long as people have lived on Hilton Head Island. This age-old technique has sustained communities for centuries — reaping the bounties of the sea to support families and livelihoods. There’s no doubt about it, cast net fishing is an integral skill for any angler to master, and we’re excited to share everything we know about it with you! 

How Does Cast Net Fishing Work? 

Cast nets are nets adorned with weights along their edges. These nets include a lead line that anchors their descent into the water. As the tide goes out, these nets are able to catch shrimp in tidal pools. This efficient and budget-friendly method provides a bountiful supply of live bait wherever aquatic life congregates.

Master Caster: Cast Net Fishing Techniques

The interesting thing about cast net fishing is that there’s no one definitive way to do it. In fact, ask any two anglers, and they may tell you two very different ways to make use of a cast net. 
In some parts of the world, cast net fishing is all about intricate hand movements and strategic net tossing. Elsewhere, the focus is on meticulous preparation of the net — ensuring that every fold and loop aligns perfectly — before throwing it in the water. And, of course, some anglers take a classic approach that combines brute force, simplicity, and experience raw power.

We spoke with one local expert, who was more than happy to share his insights into the art of cast net fishing with us. “I use an old-school method in which you hold part of the lead line in your teeth as you get a pendulum going to cast the net. But there are many other methods, including the Cuban and Long Island approaches. I grew up in Saudi Arabia and learned to cast net in the Persian Gulf,” he continued. “You would see men standing chest-deep in the waters, casting 40-foot-wide nets. That takes a lot of strength.” 

Indeed, it will come as no surprise that beyond its practical purpose, cast net fishing doubles as a rewarding physical and spiritual workout. The rhythmic motions, the connection to the ocean, and the fulfillment of a successful throw all come together to create an experience that — as any angler will tell you — transcends simply fishing. So yes, cast net fishing is a great way to catch live bait, but it’s so much more than that.