The Difference Between a Chunk & a Cast Net

Chunking and cast netting are two hand-fishing methods. Using the chunk method is a questionable bait fishing technique that is illegal in some places, due to the "chumming" that proceeds it. A cast net is a tool that can be used to capture multiple fish at one time. Both of these methods are used by sport fishermen. Chunking can also be used in commercial fishing, especially for tuna.

  1. Cast Net

    • A cast net is a small- to medium-sized hand fishing net. The cast net is round in construction with a draw string around the outer edge, and a fringe of small weights that help the net to spread. With a little practice, the net can be thrown so it spreads to its full circumference. The weights carry the net down below the surface. The drawstring is connected to a cord, wrapped around the caster's wrist. When the cord is drawn in, the net closes, capturing fish inside it.

    Usage

    • Cast nets are lightweight and capable of catching small- to medium-sized fish. Since the net is limited to the length of the cord, it can be used either from a boat, from shore, or as the caster wades into the water. Its primary usage in most cases is as a bait net. It is ideal for capturing small minnows, such as shad, that can be used for bait fish to catch larger fish using other methods. A skilled caster can catch fish large enough to eat, using only the net.

    Chunk Fishing

    • Chunk fishing is a method of using freshly killed, or freshly thawed fish as bait. Fish too small to be good for cooking, and too large to be used as bait on a hook singly are cut into chunks, starting from the head. The body is then cut into four or five even pieces, leaving the entrails and insides with the meat. The head section is believed by some fishermen to be superior bait, while the tail section is typically cut up smaller into "chum."

    Method

    • The fish are attracted by "chumming" the water by scattering chopped fish and fish guts into the water. This is done for a quarter to half hour, until the fish are feeding consistently. The chunks are then threaded onto circle hooks tied to a line in a series. The line is then drug through the chumming area. The circle hooks are designed to catch the fish in the lip, hooking them securely so when the line is pulled in, more than one fish can be snagged at a time.