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Cast Net Advice
Posted on 6/2/26 at 7:07 am
Posted on 6/2/26 at 7:07 am
I am trying to buy a cast net and looking for some recommendations on which to buy. There are many sizes with different netting/weights etc. I mostly want it for cast netting shrimp/crabs and bait. I am thinking a 6' radius/12' diameter would be a good place for me to start.
Any recommendations on which brand to buy and netting size? I don't know if its better to spend more on one like this
Bait Buster
or get a cheaper one like this for 1/3 the price
BasicGear
Any recommendations on which brand to buy and netting size? I don't know if its better to spend more on one like this
Bait Buster
or get a cheaper one like this for 1/3 the price
BasicGear
6
Posted on 6/2/26 at 7:25 am to Tadey
In Louisiana, the maximum size for a cast net is 8.5 feet in diameter, and it must be thrown by hand without mechanical assistance.
Posted on 6/2/26 at 7:26 am to Tadey
I would buy a cheaper one at first. 6 is a good place to start if you have never found one. Buy a cheaper one because you are going to get it hung up and get upset when it happens but less upset over a $50 one than a $150 one.
Posted on 6/2/26 at 8:36 am to Barneyrb
quote:
In Louisiana, the maximum size for a cast net is 8.5 feet in diameter
The max is 8.5' in radius
Posted on 6/2/26 at 8:41 am to Barneyrb
quote:
In Louisiana, the maximum size for a cast net is 8.5 feet in diameter,
Wrong 8.5 feet in radius, 17 feet in diameter.
https://www.wlf.louisiana.gov/page/recreational-crab-oyster-shrimp
quote:
Cast nets must not exceed 8-1/2 feet in radius
quote:
it must be thrown by hand without mechanical assistance.
Yeah, though the "Perfect Circle" device that helps the net open properly is allowed, it's considered a passive device.
Posted on 6/2/26 at 9:12 am to mdomingue
Posted on 6/2/26 at 11:33 am to mdomingue
That was one case that AI was wrong
Posted on 6/2/26 at 7:28 pm to Tadey
I have one of those Bait Master nets and its a pretty good net. Basically everyday, I throw a 10 foot with 3/8" mesh. It is a heavy SOB and I am a old SOB so its a shite way to start your day
Depending on what size those shrimp are and how deep you will be throwing it, will determine what size mesh to get. If you are fishing very shallow (less than 3 feet or so), Id go with the 1/4" mesh. If you are throwing deeper, you may need to 3/8". The bigger mesh will sink faster. But you dont want to be catching smaller bait with a 3/8" mesh. They will get gilled and stuck in your net and be a bitch to deal with.
My advice is to start small. I honestly can not tell much difference in a 6 or 7 foot net. Id say start with a 7 footer. Practice in your yard throwing it. A net is much easier to deal with when its dry and your not having to pull it up and down in the water. Just get a big area and work on your technique.
Be patient. Its not easy learing and make sure you watch some videos. I use two methods. This is a easy way to throw a smaller net <10 foot.
Then you have the triple load method which is what 90% of the people use. Its harder for smaller nets but works great with nets 10 foot or more
Depending on what size those shrimp are and how deep you will be throwing it, will determine what size mesh to get. If you are fishing very shallow (less than 3 feet or so), Id go with the 1/4" mesh. If you are throwing deeper, you may need to 3/8". The bigger mesh will sink faster. But you dont want to be catching smaller bait with a 3/8" mesh. They will get gilled and stuck in your net and be a bitch to deal with.
My advice is to start small. I honestly can not tell much difference in a 6 or 7 foot net. Id say start with a 7 footer. Practice in your yard throwing it. A net is much easier to deal with when its dry and your not having to pull it up and down in the water. Just get a big area and work on your technique.
Be patient. Its not easy learing and make sure you watch some videos. I use two methods. This is a easy way to throw a smaller net <10 foot.
Then you have the triple load method which is what 90% of the people use. Its harder for smaller nets but works great with nets 10 foot or more
Posted on 6/3/26 at 12:06 pm to Tadey
If you are planning to learn to throw a 6' is the minimum I'd buy....its easy to go from a big one to a small one, if you learn to throw a 3-4 foot net you may never master a bigger one. Bait Busters are good nets but they are pretty expensive for a starter net....odds are pretty high you may toss it a few times and never use it again....the learning curve is frustrating.
3/8 inch mesh and about an ounce and half of weight is a good all around net in my opinion. 8 foot. No bigger mesh than 1/4 inch for most situations.
I don't know if many people do it or not but before ever tossing it put the net and the line in a 5 gallon bucket, cover with water and add about a cup of fabric softener. It makes tossing the thing much eaasier. After a years use a good net will feel like its been soaked in this manner but even high end nets are tough to break in. When you watch tossing videos and the net is soft and pliable and drapes over the persons shoulder without any kinks or folds it is either a very expensive net, a well seasoned one or one that has been soaked in fabric softener. New nets are a pain
3/8 inch mesh and about an ounce and half of weight is a good all around net in my opinion. 8 foot. No bigger mesh than 1/4 inch for most situations.
I don't know if many people do it or not but before ever tossing it put the net and the line in a 5 gallon bucket, cover with water and add about a cup of fabric softener. It makes tossing the thing much eaasier. After a years use a good net will feel like its been soaked in this manner but even high end nets are tough to break in. When you watch tossing videos and the net is soft and pliable and drapes over the persons shoulder without any kinks or folds it is either a very expensive net, a well seasoned one or one that has been soaked in fabric softener. New nets are a pain
Posted on 6/4/26 at 10:36 am to Tadey
I just bought a new net from these guys. Local Tampa bay area. I needed a 1/4" 10' for the smaller bait right now.
Good looking net and they have great reviews.
Dropout cast nets
Good looking net and they have great reviews.
Dropout cast nets
Posted on 6/4/26 at 5:08 pm to Tadey
Someone gave me a number for Tim Wade. I called him up, mailed him a check and he sent me the best cast net custom to what I was using it for. He asked what I was targeting, the environment I was throwing, etc etc and then recommended a size, mesh and weight. I just got what he said. It was sub $100 shipped a few years ago. It feels like cheating vs all those cheap cast nets I used as a kid. I keep a couple of beaters to throw from my dock because the bottom frequently has hidden debris, but when I am on my boat I only throw my tim wade, and it is so easy.
Posted on 6/4/26 at 6:33 pm to armsdealer
Tim Wade nets are legit. I have a 14’ and have a 12’ on order
Posted on 6/4/26 at 8:10 pm to Bucktown Tiger
when in doubt get one with larger weights it will sink faster and capture the escapees
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