REMAINING RATHER UNCHANGED for thousands of years, cast nets appear to be simple tools. Toss atop a school of baitfish and haul in your bounty. However, cast nets are available in a variety of sizes and styles comprising minute differences to suit a host of species and water conditions. Delivery is important, but it is the sewing of panels, lead line weight and mesh size that determines a net’s performance.
When researching to purchase a cast net there are many factors one must take into consideration that will determine sink speed and ability to effectively capture the intended quarry in any venue. Cast nets are measured from the horn, a round plastic piece at the very top of the net where the netting is tied, to the lead line at the bottom of the net. A 6-foot net stretched to its maximum capacity canopies 12 feet. Advance to a 12-foot cast net and you can double your coverage area to 24 feet, but it’s not advised you start with such a large net.
Though 100 percent handmade cast nets are painstakingly time consuming to create, they feature zero seams or panels and open with ease. Nets produced in mass for recreational anglers are constructed with individual skirts or panels that are then sewn together. Skirt nets feature seams around the net in a bullseye pattern. Panel nets are far more popular, profitable, easy to repair, and assembled in a pie shape configuration.
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A Whole Different Animal - Wild Cats that Got the Cream
MOST ANGLERS HAVE STRONG BELIEFS ABOUT WHAT HULL TYPE IS BEST. Running hard in rough water requires a seaworthy platform with the strength and stability to keep you safe, comfortable and dry. Among the different trends that have consequently become evident from the evolution of center consoles, boat builders are cornering a new niche of complex and competitive catamarans harnessing more outboard power than ever before. Breaking the barrier with innovative hull designs and deck layouts, the newest catamarans offer unobstructed fishability while providing increased fuel economy and speed per applied horsepower.
Pulley Ridge 2.0 The Jig Is Up
WE’RE FORTUNATE TO HAVE SOME of the most rewarding bottom fishing north of the equator. If the Sunshine State’s countless reefs, wrecks and ledges aren’t enough to keep you entertained, then you should know about a unique deep-water coral community that exists within a day’s boat ride from Key West. For adventurous anglers lucky enough to have experienced these rich waters, the area has proven to yield a bottom fishing bonanza beyond anyone’s imagination. However, the approach at Pulley Ridge has changed dramatically since we first started exploring the depths nearly a decade ago.
The Lotus Effect - Exploring The Science Of The Shine
THERE HAVE BEEN COUNTLESS TECHNOLOGIES AND INNOVATIONS inspired by the animal kingdom, with the science of emulating nature known as biomimetics. Evolution has perfected natural designs and environmental approaches over hundreds of millions of years, providing chemists, biologists and engineers with a perfect platform to advance modern materials and manufacturing processes. Learning the way of the lotus leaf has revealed remarkable self-cleaning properties resulting from the unique flora’s ultrahydrophobic surface architecture producing water droplets in nearly perfect spherical shape.
Everglades Enlivened
Ailing Florida Bay Shows Promising Signs of Life
Yellow [Fin] Fever
Amid the Confines of Pristine Natural Habitat, Tuna Aplenty Defines This Pacific Island Hideaway
Secrets Of Sargassum
EXCLUDING FRAGILE CORAL REEFS, aging shipwrecks and massive seamounts, the ocean is a rather featureless expanse. Off the coast of Florida and across much of the tropics, fish migrations are largely dictated by prevailing currents. Caught in the same gyres, floating ecosystems of sargassum seaweed are the basis of life that provide structure and sanctuary for a host of predators and prey.
Organized Chaos
Tips for Maximizing Rod Storage and Usage
Full Steam Ahead
I RELOCATED TO FLORIDA FROM MARYLAND about a year ago and cherish the year-round opportunities to enjoy the outdoors. Although I have fallen in love with saltwater fishing, I miss crabbing in the Chesapeake Bay. What is the most effective method to catch blue crabs in Florida and what are the rules and regulations for recreational harvesters setting traps here?
Mesh Network
REMAINING RATHER UNCHANGED for thousands of years, cast nets appear to be simple tools. Toss atop a school of baitfish and haul in your bounty. However, cast nets are available in a variety of sizes and styles comprising minute differences to suit a host of species and water conditions. Delivery is important, but it is the sewing of panels, lead line weight and mesh size that determines a net’s performance.
Henriques Yachts
BRINGING OVER FOUR DECADES of yacht building excellence to the table, Henriques Yachts has established itself as one of the most reputable manufacturers in the industry with an extensive collection of offshore fishing platforms trusted by big game anglers around the world. Included in the impressive lineup is this well-equipped express with a newly designed deep-V hull, delivering dependable performance and fantastic fishability
Triple Layer Coconut Cake
This epic layer cake with a thick, buttery coconut icing will be the centerpiece of your Easter table this year.
GETTING TO KNOW CHEF FRANCISCO ALEJANDRI VAZQUEZ
He left behind the kitchens of some of the best hotels in Mexico and journeyed to Canada. Founder of acclaimed Toronto restaurant Agave y Aguacate (now closed, as he recently moved back to Mexico), he sat down with us to talk about his journey.
Gear Up Your Green Thumb
Whether you have acres of abundant backyard or a small apartment windowsill sitting in sunshine, these beautiful gardening tools and accessories will help you get growing.
bits & bites - 3 WAYS WITH CHICKPEAS
This superstar ingredient is a favorite among vegans, vegetarians and meat-eaters alike for its affordability, versatility and delicious, nutty flavor. The mighty chickpea takes center stage in these simple and nutritious Mediterranean recipes, each accompanied by a healthful dip or drizzle.
TAKE A TRIP TO FROM YOUR KITCHEN
Add some Latin flair to your cooking with these Mexican dishes in honor of Cinco de Mayo. We’ve got some favorites on the menu, plus new dishes that are so worthy of going outside the comfort zone, they’ll have you cheering, ¡Qué sabroso! (translation: how tasty!). Our acclaimed Mexican chef also shares his key ingredients and cooking hacks for the full authentic experience.
The Dutch Art of Doing Nothing & the Norwegian Love for Nature
First, there was hygge, the Danish concept of mindful, comfortable conviviality – think warm fires, fuzzy slippers and overall contentment. Now, two similar concepts, from the Dutch and the Norwegians, respectively, are gaining traction: niksen and friluftsliv.
Countryside Wellness with Marika Blossfeldt
Meet Marika Blossfeldt, founder of Polli Talu (Polli’s Farm), an Estonian wellness retreat by the gentle Baltic Sea. Guests practice mindfulness, yoga and a diet of whole, real foods. We sat down with Marika to find out how you can bring the beneficial magic of Polli Talu into your home.
TRIED AND TESTED HOTEL: ME Cabo, Cabo San Lucas, Mexico
BEST FOR World-famous views of El Arco with a beautiful stretch of beach and oceanfront pool
MICROBIOTA AND THE MIND
Did you know that chronic stress can lead to changes in your gut microbiota that can prompt depressive symptoms?
TRIED AND TESTED HOTEL: W South Beach, Miami Beach
BEST FOR Playfully chic interior décor and a happening pool scene