Let's talk about cast nets....

[skeetbum]

I’ve seen a 12’ net thrown by someone that knew how, and he was all of 5’4” tall. It’s all technique. He threw perfect circles. He also got wet from throwing a portion of the net over his shoulder when he set it all up. Quite interesting.

[FurFlyin]

Yeah they make em that big. I don't think I'd want to try and throw one of those.

[Ketchn]

the pet shop carries cheap bait if you cant find minnows and you like live bait . rosey reds are cheap in the pet shop ….fyi
cast nets are fine if you want to pitch them but most folks i know only use them for striper bait and catfish bait ...my 2 cents

[yobuck]

12' radius is huge. How on earth would one throw that, it's bigger than a bass boat is long.

Actually as nets go thats considered pretty small. Most of the guys in the keys are using 10 foot nets, and some use 12'.
You could find some videos of guys like Scott Walker throwing a 12 footer. I never used a net till I moved to the keys.
By then I was too old with too many issues to even start, especially with larger nets. A good 10' net will be very heavy due to all the lead.
Fact is a smaller net thrown even fairly well will produce better than a larger one thrown poorly. Also remember that with the larger ones, after the first throw you will get wet when using them due to how you have to load it.
There are numerous ways to throw them and lots of how to videos on you tube. I would at least start with a smaller net of say 5' and go out on the lawn and practice. Some of the videos are more of a watch me throw a net thing than having much detailed instruction. But some are very good and will have you throwing well enough to catch some bait.
Id be curios as to how many here use grass shrimp? That would seem far easier than throwing a net to me, and no doubt an effective bait.

[Potatoe]

I bought one for catfishing, has worked well after I figured how to throw and locate shad. I would suggest a 6' or so, to big and it is a pain to throw. I watched some videos and practiced in driveway. The shad are thick in my area, last time I went out I caught 30 in one throw. It is actually kinda fun to learn the technique and catch something. I did a little research and bought Betts cast net, also gave them a call and they were helpful

https://www.google.com/aclk?sa=l&ai=...Q9aACCFY&adurl=

[FurFlyin]

Thanks for the info. My son and I did a little catfishing this summer. We'll definitely do more next year. If I don't get a freezer full of skipjack this spring, I'll get a cast net.

[crappie wrangler]

If you are using the net for crappie bait the 1/4” net is the ticket. I don’t use bait but some of my guest do. Shad up to 2” works far better than minnows. I throw a 6’ net and find it to be more than adequate for me. Being as there are a lot of Striper guides on Texoma cast nets are easy to come by in this area. I pay around $55.00 and the net last me about 3 years.

[GreenLine]

What brand of cast net is considered top quality?
Also which material is best ?
Mono ?


Sent from my iPhone using Crappie.com Fishing mobile app

[Potatoe]

The research I did ended up with Betts cast net. I went with mono and always rinse it out and dry it after I am done with the day. Hole size also makes a difference how fast it will sink. I might try this for Crappie also, I was out the other day and found small shad swimming all over, once you buy one you will be looking like you are a hunter. I always keep mine in the boat ready.

I am no expert just started using one two years back, it is fun and with your son can be a blast to catch your own bait.

[yobuck]

Betts seems to be a popular brand name, but ive not used one.
The very reasonable ones feel like they are made with wire compared with the better ones which are softer and easier to throw. Same as comparing very cheap mono line to very good mono line for casting.
Guides tend to use custom made nets not only because of the quality, but for other reasons such as getting them repaired when they get damaged. Also they might have specific uses and opinions as for weight etc for their type use.
Tim Wade is very well known on the east coast, but there are others who are no doubt as good.
In Fellsmere Fl which is on the doorstep of Stickmarsh/Farm 13 and Garcia, there are 2 bait shops. One is called the Bait Bucket, run by a nice guy who also makes and repairs nets. He always has one hanging there on display and they look to be of excellent quality. He could answer lots of questions, especially if you speak Spanish. lol
So could Tim Wade, 321 508 2836 cell.