How to Catch Sardines to Eat

Many fisherman use sardines as bait to catch larger fish such as wahoo, king mackerel, grouper and snapper. Yet, did you know that sardines are quite good for you? They get their name from the Italian island of Sardinia. Also, Napoleon made them popular as they were the first fish to ever be canned. Yet, isn't fresh better? Sardines are an excellent source of vitamin B12, selenium, vitamin D, omega-3 fatty acids, protein, calcium and phosphorus. Moreover, they contain lower levels of mercury than many other types of fish. The easiest way to catch sardines is by using a net. Read on to learn more.

Step 1: Get a Good Quality Net

Go to your local sporting goods store, and purchase a net that is at least 6 to 8 feet in radius. The average size of a sardine is 6 to 12 inches long. You also want the net to have a mesh size that is between 1/2 and 5/8 inches wide. In rainy weather, you can always cover your boat with a bimini top to ensure your gear is protected.

Step 2: On the Sea

Sardines travel in schools. This means you have to wait and be on the look out for sardines that are schooled near the surface of the water. You can tell when you see signs of spray and movement over the surface of the water. You may also notice sea birds, fish and dolphins feeding.

Step 3: Get the Net Ready

Place the net's hand line loop over your wrist. This prevents you from losing the net once you cast it. If you lose the net, you won't be able to catch any sardines for dinner. Hold on to the horn collar of the net and let the weights drop to your boat deck. Then, pull the braille lines through the horn to open the net. After that, you want to gather your net with only one of your hands. Take the leading edge of the lead line at the bottom of the net along with the other. Locate the sardines in order to move your boat as close to them as possible.

Step 4: Cast

Throw your net over the school of sardines by first throwing the lead line outward so that it forms an umbrella shape. Use your other hand to help you cast it as wide as you can.

Now you want to let the net drop to the end of the hand line to help you catch as many sardines as can fit under the net. Quickly pull up on the hand line to pull the braille lines through the horn. Next, you want to close the bottom of the net around the sardines.Haul It In

Step 5: Haul It In

Immediately pull the net onto your boat deck and over a 5 to 6-gallon bucket. Pull the horn collar up and let the sardines drop into your bucket. Throw any unwanted fish or sea life out into the water. You can repeat this process until you are satisfied with your catch. If it ever starts raining, you'll be thankful you have your bimini top.

Fresh sardines taste a lot better than canned sardines. Not to mention, you'll be proud of yourself for such a catch. You can prepare them in many ways from baking to frying and grilling. Because of all the vitamins and nutrients found in sardines, they are thought to help strengthen your bones and support your cardiovascular health. Also, their omega-3 fatty acids can help to lower triglycerides and cholesterol levels. They also have vitamin D, which is shown to play a role in the prevention of various types of cancer such as colorectal cancer, prostate cancer and breast cancer. Of course, you can't forget the protein that helps you maintain strong and healthy hair as well as forming the basis of muscles and connective tissues.