Questions about cast nets....

[Hawkeye]

I'm shopping for a cast net. I've been looking at the different radius nets and I can't decide on the size of the net or the mesh size I should buy. The local guys are all pretty much using 8' nets with 1" mesh. Our bait tends to run pretty big in the river... They tell me the larger mesh size allows the net to sink quicker in the current, and that the net doesn't require as much weight to get it down due to the lowered resistance. I can throw a 6' net, but never tried an 8... I guess I can learn.
I'd like to hear what you all are using....

Also, a few of the guys are using gill nets for bait... any thoughts on using a gill net to catch bait?

Thanks

[mudd_catt]

Gill nets are WAAAYYY to much trouble to use to be worth the effort.

I would use the 8 foot if you can throw it. I like using the smaller mesh, due to the smaller baits that we use sometimes, but if you don't have small bait or don't want to bother with them I would use the larger mesh. Personally, I used to use a 10 and sometimes a 12 foot when I lived on the coast (shrimp you know). But that is a little overkill for catching bait, especially in a boat.

[Catfish]

If you can throw a 6' , you can throw an 8' -- I wouldn't worry about getting to fancy ... Shad are not difficult to catch ..

[metalman]

Hawkeye,
be sure to check your local fishing regulations. Here in Indiana there are regs governing the net radius/diameter and the mesh and believe it or not there are different rules for different parts of the state...W

[redneck]

If you can throw a 6 you can throw an 8 with a few throws practice. Always use the biggest net that the law will allow in your area, saves a LOT of throwing.


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Redneck's Juglines for Jug Fishing (http://www.juglines.com/)
Redneck's Catfish Guide Service
The Texas Catfishing Resource - WhiskerKitty.com (http://www.whiskerkitty.com/)

[NightTrain]

Just get a 6',7',8' castnet...the one I throw presently is a 7'.DON'T BUY A PRICEY ONE...you WILL snag it and tear or lose it at some point.