Do I need a license to use a cast net in North Carolina?

Yes — a Coastal Recreational Fishing License (CRFL) is required for anyone 16 or older catching finfish for bait, including with a cast net. Cast nets are classified as recreational gear, so no separate gear license is needed. North Carolina has no mesh-size or diameter limits on cast nets, and they may be used year-round in all coastal waters.

How long does it take to learn to throw a cast net?

Most people can make a usable cast after a practice session or two. Opening the net consistently into a wide circle usually takes repeated practice and better control of the lead line.

What size cast net is best for beginners?

A 4- to 6-foot radius net is easier to control than a large one. A bigger net covers more water but is heavier, harder to load, and harder to open consistently. Start small and build technique before sizing up.

Can I throw a cast net from a pier or dock?

Yes, if the pier or dock allows it and the area is clear. Watch for pilings, other anglers' lines, people, and boat traffic that can snag the weighted lead line. Check the Avon Pier's current policy before throwing there.

How to Throw a Cast Net: Beginner's Guide

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A cast net landing open in a full circle on the water

What you need

A cast net with an attached handline — 4-6 ft radius is much easier to learn on than a big net
A clear area away from people, boats, docks, and fishing lines
Closed-toe shoes and solid footing — wet docks and shell bottoms are slick
A bait bucket with an aerator if you're keeping bait alive
A North Carolina Coastal Recreational Fishing License (16+) — see the rules below

Always loop the handline around your wrist before casting. The net will slip out of your hand at some point — that loop is the only thing between you and watching it sink.

Know the parts

Handline

The rope on your wrist that retrieves the net.

Horn

The upper center where the lines come together — where you hold it.

Lead line & weights

The weighted outer edge. It makes the net spread, sink, and close around bait — everything about a good throw comes back to controlling it.

Mesh

The netting that holds bait once the net closes.

Step by step

Holding a cast net by the horn with the weighted edge hanging clear — Hold it by the horn, let it hang, and check for tangles before every cast.

Check for tangles
Hold the net by the horn and let it hang. Shake it and inspect the mesh, braille lines, and lead line. One twist or snag keeps the whole net from opening. Do this before every cast, especially after pulling in grass or shell.
Handline around your wrist
Loop it over your throwing wrist — secure, not tight — and coil the rest in loose loops in that hand so it releases smoothly. Never wrap it tight around fingers: if the net snags something heavy, you need to be able to let go.
Hold the horn, gather the net
Lift the net so the weighted edge is off the ground and gather a manageable section of mesh. A small beginner net may only need one fold; bigger nets need more controlled loading.
Separate the lead line
Grab one section of lead line with your free hand and hold another section with your throwing hand. This separation is what lets the net unfurl in a circle instead of dropping in a pile. Keep the weights clear of your feet and gear.
Turn toward the target
Stand slightly sideways with stable feet and room to rotate your shoulders. Aim beyond the bait, not at the edge of the school — the net needs space to open before it lands.
Swing, rotate, release
A smooth sweeping motion, rotating hips and shoulders toward the target. Release upward and outward — not straight down. It should feel like a controlled sweep, not a hard baseball throw. Let the sections go in sequence as you rotate.
Let it sink
Give the lead line time to pull the edge down around the bait — a few seconds in shallow water, longer in deep.
Pull and retrieve
Pull the handline steadily. The lines draw the lead line inward into a pocket that holds the bait. Lift it clear and transfer to the bucket.

Coiling the cast net handline in loose loops — Step 2 — loose, even loops in the throwing hand

Holding two separate sections of the weighted lead line — Step 4 — separate the lead line so the net can open

Releasing a cast net upward and outward over the water — Step 6 — release up and out, not down

Common mistakes

It lands in a pile

Too much net released at once, lead line not separated, or thrown downward instead of outward. Slow down, untangle, and focus on the body rotation.

It won't open wide

The net needs momentum and separation between sections. Throwing harder usually makes it collapse earlier. Practice with a smaller net and a smooth sweep.

The handline snags

Loose, even loops release cleanly. Keep the line clear of your feet, cleats, rod holders, and gear.

It sticks on the bottom

Avoid oyster beds, pilings, rocks, and heavy grass until you know the area. Lead lines snag on sharp structure fast.

Throwing too close: cast beyond or slightly ahead of moving bait. The net needs time and distance to open before it gets there.

Where to find bait around Hatteras

Look for ripples, flashes, feeding birds, or "nervous water" — bait gathers at current seams, creek mouths, canal edges, grass lines, shallow sound flats, and under dock lights after dark. The canal behind the cottage and the sound-side flats at the Salvo Day Use Area are both reasonable places to practice. Finger mullet along the surf edge in late summer and fall are the classic Hatteras target — and exactly what the red drum are eating.

Practice on open sand or grass before throwing from a crowded dock
Never throw over swimmers, paddlers, fishing lines, or boat props
Keep bait alive with clean water and enough oxygen — a hot bucket of dead mullet is wasted effort

The rules in North Carolina (verified)

License	CRFL required, 16+
Mesh / diameter limits	None in NC
Where & when	All coastal waters, year-round
Gear license	Not needed — cast nets are recreational gear
Mullet limit	100 per person per day
Selling your catch	Prohibited

Recreational size and bag limits apply to everything you net — anything that isn't bait and isn't legal goes back. Mullet used for bait may be cut; most other species must keep head and tail attached.

How to throw a cast net.

What you need

Know the parts

Handline

Horn

Lead line & weights

Mesh

Step by step

Check for tangles

Handline around your wrist

Hold the horn, gather the net

Separate the lead line

Turn toward the target

Swing, rotate, release

Let it sink

Pull and retrieve

Watch it done