Choosing the right Cast Net – by Jeff Perez

So you want to catch your own bait, but don’t know exactly which cast net to use? Let me help you out. Depending on the bait and the size of the bait you’re after, having the correct size mesh net will greatly increase your chances of catching them. The chart below will give you a good idea as to which Mesh Size net to use. Proper Mesh Size is important because you do not want your bait getting stuck on the mesh causing a “Christmas Tree” effect and damaging good bait.

Now what about the size of the net itself? Ask yourself, how much bait do I want to catch? How fast do I want to catch it? There are cast nets out there ranging from 4’ to 14’. The bigger the net, the heavier it will be and the faster it will sink. It all comes down to what you are going to feel most comfortable throwing. There are many varieties of brands out there on the market, which brand you choose is up to you. Do your research on what brands other anglers are using and go from there. Hope this helped in clearing up what size and more importantly what mesh size net to use.