Castnet

              This gear can be found in most fishing villages in Thailand and therefore there are many variations in the basic design.  The size ranges from 2.5 to 5 meters in the depth and from 8 to 12 meters in the circumference of the net.  The net is hand-made, of nylon 210 d/3-6, or attached to the bottom edge, to act as a sinker.  Every 25-40 cm the chain is tied 10-15 meshes above the edge, so that small pockets are formed at the bottom of the net.
              The size of twine depends on the target fish, as does the mesh-size.  Castnets for shrimp generally have a smaller mesh-size (20-25 mm) than the fish castnets (over 25 mm).

Squid castnet

              The largest of the traditional castnets were found suitable for squid-fishing.  A modern squid castnet is 6-8 meters deep and 15-20 meters in circumference.  It is hand-made, of nylon 210 d/4-6 netting, with 25-30 mm mesh size.  A lead or iron chain is attached to the lowest meshes of the net.  A heavy ring made of lead, 30-40 mm thick and 15-20 cm in diameter is used to block the escape of the catch.
              The operation requires skill, but can be carried out by on e man on a small boat, usually on a dark night, using a kerosene or electric luring light.  Apart from squid, the catch consists of cuttlefish and some fishes.  Many squid castnet fishing boats can be seen in Prachuap Khiri Khan and Chonburi province.