Need help choosing cast nets

[MichaelMullis]

I am looking to start using cast nets to catch bait and shrimp, and need advice on size and weight. What would readers recommend for mesh and weights. I have been told that a 1/2" mesh with 1.5 LBS per foot of weight will be good for shrimp and shad, and I am looking to start out on a 6'er. I would like to catch shad in the 3" to 12" range and shrimp. I am thinking 2 nets would be better, 1) 1/4"mesh x 6' x1.5 lbpf,for smaller baits and shrimp, and 2) 5/8" to 1"mesh x 6' x 1.5 lbpf for the bigger baits. I don't want to gill a lot of smaller bait when I am after big boys. What do readers think? I know that there are a lot of folks here who must net bait and shrimp and would like to hear your opions. I really need some input before I spend the money. I have been looking into Betts, Bait Busters, Fitec, and Excalibur, though the Last is priced higher than I want to pay. <br />Thanks<br />Michael

 

[JB]

Re: Need help choosing cast nets

I think this is a fishing topic, salt water.

 

[flagler_beach]

Re: Need help choosing cast nets

Try here, great place for recreational or commercial netting. Be sure to request a catalog.<br /><br /> http://www.memphisnet.net

 

[MichaelMullis]

Re: Need help choosing cast nets

JB, Was not sure where to post as I do mainly fresh water, but want to start shrimping this year. I am looking for info. and recomenndations on size/type of nets and what methods are best.<br />Thanks<br />Michael

 

[AJ168]

Re: Need help choosing cast nets

Starting out it's much easier to throw a smaller net. I started on a 3 footer and have worked my way up. I use all 3/8" mesh and it still seems to gill net a lot. (They're the cheapest.) I don't know about shrimping but for catching bait a 3 footer is plenty big for most situations. I like Betts Tyzacs, and they're not too expensive either. As for weight, the lighter it is, the easier it is to throw. Most web sites have charts showing the weight that should be used for the depth that your bait is at.

 

[MichaelMullis]

Re: Need help choosing cast nets

Thanks AJ168, I have practiced with a friends 6', and his 7'. The 7 is a little more than I can handle right now, but the 6 is fairly easy. His has 1/2" mesh and has 1.0 lbspf of weight. When we net bait now, it seems we gill as many as we get clean. I also saw, when we used it at the coast, that it was not heavy enough to sink fast in current. I did find out that I cannot have smaller than 1/2" mesh by law for shrimping. Our baiting season starts in about 4 weeks, and I want to be ready to load the freezer with shrimp.<br />Michael