Cast Netting and Live Lining Bunker Raritan Bay NJ May 2025

Welcome aboard the maiden voyage of the Buona Vita II! Today marks an exciting milestone as we put this incredible vessel through her sea trials. Our focus for this voyage is not only testing the boat but also diving deep into the art of cast netting and the highly effective fishing technique known as live lining. Whether you're a seasoned angler or just starting, mastering these techniques can significantly enhance your fishing experience. One of the key highlights in today's video is the demonstration of proper cast netting technique. Throwing a cast net successfully is all about precision and patience. Taking your time to set up correctly is crucial; ensure your net isn't tangled, and your stance is stable and balanced. Proper preparation makes all the difference between a good catch and coming up empty-handed. By following the simple yet effective techniques we'll demonstrate, you'll significantly increase your chances of capturing baitfish effectively and efficiently. Speaking of baitfish, today's chosen live bait is bunker, also known as menhaden. Menhaden are an incredibly important species, often dubbed "the most important fish in the sea" due to their critical role as filter feeders and their position as a keystone species. Their presence supports the health and stability of marine ecosystems, influencing the populations of countless other marine life forms. For those interested in learning more about this fascinating fish, we highly recommend the insightful book by H. Bruce Franklin, which explores their ecological significance in greater depth. In our demonstration, we utilized live lining, a highly effective fishing technique where baitfish are presented in the most natural way possible to attract predators such as striped bass and bluefish. Our preferred hooking method involves placing the hook carefully through the dorsal fin of the bunker. This method allows the bait to swim naturally, making it irresistible to predatory fish. The natural movements of the bunker entice aggressive strikes, leading to exciting and productive fishing sessions. Tonight's trip aboard Buona Vita II was indeed fruitful, as we landed numerous striped bass and bluefish using these proven techniques. Each catch provided thrilling battles and reinforced the importance of proper technique and bait presentation. We hope our video inspires you to give cast netting and live lining a try on your next fishing adventure. Stay tuned for more fishing tips and techniques as we continue to explore and share our passion for the sea aboard Buona Vita II. Thanks Capt. Rob How to Easily Throw a Cast Net "Hi, everyone. I'm Capt. Rob, today I'm going to show you how to cast a net like a pro so you can catch all the baitfish you need for a successful day of fishing. This technique will work with most casting nets. For this demonstration, I'm using an 8-foot net with 3/8 mesh. The 3/8 mesh works well for catching Menhaden or Bunker. Let's get started!" Proper preparation of the casting net is essential for an effective throw. It is important to thoroughly inspect the net and ensure that none of the weights or brail lines are tangled. With your primary hand loosely placed line from the horn around your dumb. Make sure it's not too tight on your wrist as this can cause issues if the net gets caught in the propellers or on a submerged log. "Start by holding the handline securely in your dominant hand. Gather the net in your other hand, making sure it's not tangled. This will help you control the throw." Place your primary hand at the halfway point of the net. Then with your secondary hand take 1/3 to ½ of the weights and bring it up to your primary hand. Then go to the bottom of the lead line in place that led between your thumb and finger in your primary hand. Now take your secondary hand go to the bottom of the lead line and pick it up and grab a small handful of lead. "When you're ready to cast, swing the net out in front of you in a smooth, circular motion. Aim to throw it like a frisbee, using your wrists to spread the net as wide as possible as it flies through the air." "As the net sinks, gently pull on the hand line. This closes the bottom of the net, trapping the bait inside." "And there you have it! With a little practice, you'll be casting like a pro and catching all the bait you need for your fishing adventures." "Thanks for watching! Don't forget to like, subscribe, and hit that bell icon for more fishing tips and tricks. See you next time!"