Catching bait is essential to catching many types of sought-after game fish in both saltwater and freshwater. Catching bait fish that predator fish are feeding on will greatly increase the chances of a productive day of fishing.
Having the correct cast net for the type of bait being targeted is very important. I have thrown cast nets over giant schools of bait and caught zero fish. In general, you want the largest diameter net you can throw with 1-1.5 pounds of lead sinkers per radius foot.
The mesh netting should be small enough to catch the targeted bait but large enough to sink quickly. Having a fast sinking net is most important when catching fish that are in deep clear water. Most nets work in shallow water because there is little time for the bait to escape.
Learning how to throw a cast net is the first step. I show two videos below on how to throw cast nets. Practice throwing in the grass or in the water where the area can be disturbed is a great idea. You don’t want to be next to a school of bait you need to catch and be wondering if the net is going to open.
Selecting the Right Cast Net
Betts Morada Cast Net, 8-12 Foot
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Estimated Price: $170-$260
Betts has introduced a new 1.3 pound series to their top quality Morada cast net line. This net was designed in the Florida Keys to catch all types of baits from small pilchards to adult mullet. The mesh size can be selected from as small as 1/4 inch to catch small bait and offers up to 1 inch mesh to catch larger baits in deep water.
Round lead weights are the best type when throwing a cast net. They get snagged less in the net allow it to open evenly and smooth. The 1.3 pound option allows for a lighter overall net when throwing in shallow water. Having 1.6 pounds of lead per radius foot is a heavy net which is good when throwing in deep water to catch cigar minnow, goggle eyes, mullet, mackerel, and bunker. The lighter 1.3 series net is still plenty heavy to catch pilchards, pinfish, ballyhoo, mullet, greenbacks, and sardines. If you are looking for a cheap net, there are better options but this is a great cast net for professional fisherman.
In the video above I show the best way to throw a cast net. It’s a good method that allows you to stay completely clean!
Betts Old Salt Cast Net, 4-8 Foot with 3/8 Mesh
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Estimated Price: $43-$120
This is a great net for most users! This net comes in sizes of 4 foot, 5 foot, 6 foot, and 8 foot. The net has 1-pound of lead weights per radius foot. The 3/8 inch monofilament mesh is good for catching most types of bait.
If you are a beginner or on a budget the Betts Old Salt cast nets are great all-around nets! These cast nets are what I would call the standard or average quality cast nets. With 1 pound of weight per radius foot, the net sinks reasonably fast and is manageable to throw for long periods of time if needed. If this is the first cast net for a user, selecting a net that has a radius that is 1 foot shorter than the thrower is a good idea. This allows for the easiest and most basic throwing technique to be used. Once the user gets proficient they can throw a larger size cast net with more advanced throwing techniques.
In the picture, I am throwing a 6-foot cast net to catch mullet in shallow water in the Florida Keys.
Betts Old Salt 8-Foot with 3/8 Mesh
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Estimated Price: $80-$120
Bettes Old-Salt cast nets are also available in 10-foot and 12-foot. The PM series has a 3/8 inch mesh and the SM series has a 1/2 inch mesh size. This cast net has 1 pound of lead weight per radius foot.
I used the 12-foot version of this net in the video on this page showing how to throw a large cast net. This cast net is of average quality. It is not a high-end 6-panel net but is about half the price. The mesh is lightweight soft, easy to throw, and allows the net to sinks fast. However, the net is not reinforced at the top and bottom and is not made with heavy premium mesh material. For these reasons, it will likely not last as long top quality nets.
These large net will work great for catching pilchards, goggle eyes, scaled sardines, and ballyhoo. The 3/8 inch mesh allows for bait to be caught in shallow and medium-depth water. Although it is not top-of-the-line this is still a good cast net that will work for most recreational fishermen.
In the picture above I am catching pilchards with a 12-foot cast net in the USVI.
Calusa 10-Foot Net with 3/8 Mesh
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Estimated Price: $270
Calusa cast net comes in sizes of 8 foot, 10 foot, and 12 foot. Mesh size options are 3/8 or 1/2 inch square mesh. It is weighted with 1.5 pounds of lead weights per radius foot. The top of the net has a 1-1/4 inch horn opening which enables the net to lay flat. This net is built with 120-pound monofilament bail lines.
These Calusa cast nets are known to be one of the most quality cast nets that are commercially available. The nets are hand-tied from 6-panel sections in Thailand. This is how custom nets are made and allows them to lay much flatter when thrown. This net also uses a stronger monofilament mesh net the top and bottom of the net where it is more likely to tear.
This high-end cast net is heavy, quality, and expensive. This is the best net for someone with experience throwing a net that needs to catch lots of bait. If I could only have one cast net this would be it but it not necessarily the best net for beginners. You should learn how to throw and retrieve lightweight low-cost cast nets first.
That being said with my video above on how to throw a cast net, you could learn pretty quickly how to throw any size cast net and catch bait. Just be careful not to get the net snagged on the bottom. Throw the net over grass, mud, sandy bottoms, or in deep water.
Custom Hand-Tied Cast Nets
These nets are very similar to custom hand-tied nets that can only be purchased locally in the USA. Purchasing local custom made nets is a great way to get and net. Expert net makers can make custom nets to match the exact user’s needs. However, if you need a net quickly and do not want to wait or do not know of a local net maker this is a great way to go. There is another net made by the same company called a Cracker cast net that is lower cost but is not built with the top-notch quality of a Calusa cast net.
In the picture below putting pilchards in a live well that were caught with a 12-foot cast net in the USVI.
Bait Buster 5-12 Foot Net with 3/8 Mesh
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Estimated Price: $170-$230
The Bait Buster professional-grade cast net has 3/8 square mesh. This net comes in sizes of 5 foot, 6 foot, 7 foot, 8 foot, 9 foot, 10 foot, and 12 foot in radius. This cast net has 1.5 pounds of lead weight per radius foot. A 25-foot poly braided hand line is used with 100-pound monofilament braille lines.
These nets come with a 3.5-gallon bucket for net storage. The 3/8 inch mesh is good for catching bait 2 inches and up in shallow to medium depth waters. This is a great cast net for catching most types of bait! A 10-foot bait buster cast net with 3/8 inch mesh is a versatile cast net to have on the boat and can catch most types of bait.
The Bait Buster cast nests also come in 1/2 and 5/8 inch mesh sizes. These mesh sizes are good for bait larger than three inches, such as goggle-eye, finger mullet, and small bunker. These mesh sizes will allow the net to sink faster which will work better in deeper water. In general, though the 3/8 inch mesh works well to catch most types of bait, mesh larger than 1 inch is really only needed to catch really large bait like large mullet or bunker.
Ahi USA 200 Series Cast Net 3-6 Foot with 3/8 Mesh
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Estimated Price: $49-$180
The Ahi 200 cast net comes in sizes of 3 foot, 3.5 foot, 4 foot, 4.5 foot, 5 foot, 6 foot, and 7 foot in radius. It has 3/4 pound of lead per radius foot. It is a 6 panel net with a double selvage stitch pattern for 2 times the strength at critical points. The braille lines are 80 pounds and the mesh netting is made with premium monofilament. A 24-foot hand line is connected to a large anodized swivel.
This is the best net for most cast net users. I love having a small 6-foot cast net to catch bait from the shore. The 3/4 pound of lead per radius foot makes it a light net that is easy and fun to throw. Typically, 1-pound of lead per radius foot is desired to allow the net to sink fast. However, this net actually sinks fast and is great for catching bait in shallow water.
Watch the video below where I am using this net to catch mullet. I catch the mullet in shallow water and near the surface in deep water. Often times it is more about cast placement than the size of the net. I can throw this net so far I could often use a longer hand line.
Ahi USA 600 Pro Series 1/4 Inch Mesh, 5-12 Foot
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Estimated Price: $82-$176
This Ahi Pro cast net has 1/4 inch mesh Size options include 5 foot, 6 foot, 7 foot, 8 foot, 10 foot, and 12 foot. It has 1.35 pounds of lead weight per radius foot. Netting material is made with premium clear monofilament mesh netting. Double selvage stitch patterns allow for 2 times the strength at critical points near the top and bottom of the net. Braille lines are made with a 100-pound monofilament. Also included is a bucket that works to store the net.
The small mesh size works well for targeting minnows and shrimp that are 1.5 inches and up. A 3/16 inch mesh is the smallest mesh size they make for cast nets. Small mesh sizes make cast nets sink slower. With the heavy lead weights, this net can catch bait in shallow to medium depth waters.
This net is built with panel sections that allow the net to lay flat and open wide. Getting a quality net with a fast sink rate is important when casting into a school of small minnows in open water. If this is what the big fish are actively feeding then why not catch it and use it for bait!
In the picture above,
I am throwing a 12-foot cast net in the USVI.
Mullet Buster Cast Net 6-12 Foot with 1-1/4 Mesh
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Estimated Price: $140-$250
Bait Buster Professional Grade Cast Nets have 1-1/4 square mesh. This net comes in 6 foot, 7 foot, 8 foot, 9 foot, 10 foot, and 12-foot radius sizes. This cast net has 1.5 pounds of crimped bar lead weights per radius foot. It is built with 100-pound monofilament braille lines and has a 25-foot poly braided hand line. A 3.5-gallon bucket comes with the net for easy storage. Betts Mullet cast net listed by Bass Pro Shops is similar with 1.3 pound of lead per radius foot and 1 inch mesh.
Large schools of mullet often appear as dark areas in sandy or grassy bottoms or can be breaking the top of the water. Having a fast sinking net is the best way to catch mullets that are deep in clear water. The 1-1/4 inch mesh size with 1.5 pounds of lead per foot is good at catch bait 8 inches and up in deep water.
Manhaden also called bunker are another type of large baitfish that are difficult to catch with a small slow sinking cast net. I bet it is possible to catch large bunker with a small net. However, a large fast sinking cast net is best for catching this type of bait in deep water. I prefer round weights to bar-style weights but depending on the lead line stiffness round weights do not always work well with 1 1/4 mesh. I do not know of a commercially available net with this mesh size over 1 inch that uses round weights.
How to Catch Bunker for Bait with a Cast Net
The video above shows how to catch bunker. Even though you have a large fast sinking net does not mean that catching the bait is guaranteed. When catching bunker we back over them with the boat to send them deep where the fast swimming fish will not be spooked by the splash of the net. Then in the murky waters of New Jersey, the bait can be caught in large numbers.
The cast net I used in this video to catch bunker was a locally made custom Percy cast net that I picked up from Mr. Percy who was very helpful and showed me a method to throw the large net. The net was made from 1 1/4 inch square mesh which is 2 1/2 inch in length when stretched. The net had 1 1/4 pounds of lead per radius foot made from hand-tied evenly space 1-ounce ball sinkers. This is good for baits larger than 7 inches. Really this is a net specifically used for bunker or deep mullet. He makes nets with 1/2 inch square mesh for smaller peanut bunker.
In the picture above I caught menhaden also called bunker with a 10-foot cast net in New Jersey. These baitfish are about 12 inches in length.
Offshore Angler Heavy Cast Net
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Estimated Price: $220-$230
Bass Pros Shops makes the Offshore Angler Ocean Master cast net. This is a hand tied net with heavy 1.5 pounds of round lead per radius foot. I really like round weights which allow the net to open smoothing, have minimal splash, and sink quickly.
Something unique about this net is that it has pink mesh. This could be advantageous in clear deep water as it may appear less visible to the bait fish. The cast net come in 10 foot and 12 foot radius sizes. Mesh size options are 3/16, 3/8, and 1/2 inch. It it difficult to find a large 10 foot plus size net with 3/16 inch mesh so this is a great option when trying to catch fry fish, silver sides, minnows, small pilchards, and most notably shrimp! It is a good idea to use 3/16 or 1/4 inch mesh when trying to catch shrimp in a cast net. 3/16 inch mesh is the smallest size mesh for any cast net.
Wide Open Cast Nets 5-12 Foot
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Estimated Price: $150
Wide Open Nets are becoming more popular. These are above-average quality nets and come in many sizes from 5 foot to 12-foot radius. Mesh sizes available are 3/16, 1/4, 3/8, and 1/2 inch square mesh. The company Wide Open Nets is based in Stuart Flordia but the nets are made in China.
Features of the net include a 6-panel hand-tied design, large horn, and 27-foot hand line. Round lead weights are used to allow the net to sink quickly. The nets come in 1-pound or 1.5 pounds of weight per radius foot. For shallow water, 1-pound is a good option. In deep water when targeting fast swimming fish, the 1.5 pound allows the net to sink faster. It does take more effort to throw a heavy net so take that into consideration when selecting the net weight. The lead is tied on each end to secure the weights to the lead line.
Lead-Free Cast Nets
Lead-free cast nets are not as heavy per radius foot as lead cast nets. However, if I am catching bait in shallow water where the heavy weight is not needed I prefer to use the lead-free nets. After all lead can be toxic and having less lead on the floor of the boat seems like a win.
These nets typically use steel weights with vinyl or plastic covers that not only eliminate the environmental concerns of lead but also help prevent scratches on boat decks. They’re particularly good options for families with children and for fishing in environmentally sensitive areas. The slight reduction in sink rate is rarely an issue in shallow water situations.
Lead Free Cast Net: Goture
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Estimated Price: $43-$114
Goture American Saltwater cast nets come in sizes of 4 foot, 6 foot, 8 foot, 10 foot, and 12 foot. A 3/8 inch monofilament mesh size is used. It had 3/4 pounds of iron weight per radius foot. The weights have plastic covers and are lead-free. A neoprene wristband is attached to the end of the 32-foot floating hand line. This is a great net for beginners and for users catching bait in shallow water. It is good at catching bait in water less than 3 feet deep.
Being light it is easy to throw and the plastic covers on the weights help to not scratch the bottom of the boat. The targeted bait size with a 3/8 inch mesh is 3-6 inches. This same net is available with 1/4 inch mesh to catch smaller bait. It also comes with a bucket large enough to store the cast net. This net will not last as long as a high-end 6-panel net but it is easy to throw and will catch bait in shallow water.
Lead Free Cast Net: Betts Buddy Cast 3-5 foot with 3/8 Mesh
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Estimated Price: $26-$56
Betts Buddy cast nets come in sizes of 3 foot, 4 foot, and 5 foot. The Mesh size for the nets is 3/8 inch. Coated iron weights are used to weigh the net at 3/4 pound per radius foot. A bright chartreuse monofilament line is used for the netting material. This allows parents to keep an eye on their kids that are using the net. It might not be the best color net to have but it still catches plenty of fish.
I really like that this is a lead-free cast net for kids. Heavy lead weights are not needed to catch bait in shallow water. Kids probably have more fun throwing a cast net on a fishing trip than they do fishing. There is constant action and you never know what you are going to catch.
The only problem kids have is learning to throw a cast net. Check out my page on How to Throw a Cast Net for more information.
Lead Free Cast Net: Ahi USA 50 Series Monofilament Cast Net 3-7 Foot
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Estimated Price: $42
Ahi USA 50 series cast nets come in sizes of 3 foot, 4 foot, 5 foot, 6 foot, and 7 foot. Steel weights with vinyl covers are used to weigh the net at 3/4 pound per radius foot. Premium clear monofilament netting is used with 80-pound braille lines.
This is a good net to use in shallow water. It is similar to the Ahi 200 series except this net uses steel weights. For the price, this is a good net is a good value. I would recommend this net for kids because it is a lead-free option, has clear mesh, and is quite durable.
Lead-Free Cast Net: South Bend Lead-Free Cast Net 4-Foot with 3/8 Mesh
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Estimated Price: $27
This South Bend Cast net comes in sizes of 3-foot or 4-foot. The mesh is made with clear monofilament and has 3/8 inch square mesh. Steel weights are used and have plastic covers.
This is a low-cost net that is good for kids or adults who are catching bait in shallow water. A 4-foot cast net is pretty small but can still catch lots of cool fish. A three-footer is the smallest cast net they make and is more difficult to catch bait with. I like cast nets that are lead-free for kids to use.
South Bend Cast Net 7-foot with 3/8 Mesh
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Lightweight Cast Nets with Steel Weights
Estimated Price: $34-$90
This South Bend cast net has a 7-foot radius. It has clear monofilament netting with 3/8 mesh. It is manufactured in China. This is the same cast net reviewed above but has a large radius.
These cast nets are just about the lowest-cost nets on the market. They are not high-end but do work to catch bait. The steel weights are considered environmentally friendly.
In some ways having a light net is an advantage. Throwing cast nets all day causes fatigue and it is just a hassle using heavy cast nets. When throwing nets in water less than three feet deep lots of baitfish will be caught even using small lightweight nets. A 7-foot net is a good-sized net for catching bait from shore. It can be thrown far away and is still large enough to catch lots of fish with each cast.
Lead-Free Cast Net: Winged Chain Bottom Cast Net 5-12 Foot with 3/8, 1/2, and 1 Inch Mesh
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Estimated Price: $60-$160
The winged fish cast net comes in sizes of 5 foot, 6 foot, 7 foot, 8 foot, 9 foot, 10 foot, and 12 foot. Mesh size options are 3/8, 1/2, or 1 inch. This is a quality elite series 6-panel cast net. It is unique because it is weighted at 1 pound per radius foot with a steel chain around the perimeter of the net. This style of net is called a chain bottom cast net. It also comes with a 30-foot hand line.
Chain bottom nets are said to open more easily and uniformly than other cast nets. They also claim to reduce tangles and close better on the bottom. I personally have not used a chain bottom net so I can not say whether these claims are accurate. This does seem like a quality net that would catch bait. My only concern would be whether the chain dragging on the floor of the boat would cause any issues. When loading cast nets with lead weights it is already quite loud and noisy. It is possible that is chain bottom net would actually be better. I also wonder if the chain noise would spook the fish or not. My guess is that these are not problems and that the net would work well.
Lead-Free Cast Net: Ez Throw Cast Next 4-Foot with 3/8 Inch Mesh
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FITEC EZ Throw Super Spreader cast net with an aluminum ring. This net has a 4-foot radius and has 3/4 pounds of weights per radius foot. The hand line is 20 feet long and is made from a polyethylene material which allows the line to float. This net works to catch bait 2 inches and up in shallow water. It comes with an instructional DVD on how to throw the net.
The easy throw cast nets with aluminum rings demonstrate the easiest way to throw a small cast net. I would not recommend buying this unless you are really struggling to throw a cast net. The ring is unnecessary and it makes it a pain to store the net. The method used to throw the net is the best way for a beginner to throw and works if the net is about 1 foot shorter than the user.
Easy Way to Throw a Cast Net
The basic method to throw a cast net starts by having the net by your right side if you are right-handed. Hold it at the horn(top of the net) with your dominant hand and pick up the lead line in one spot with the other hand. Place the lead line over the top of the horn and your dominant hand. Grab the lead line about 2 feet down the lead line with your non-dominant hand and you are ready to throw. When throwing swing the net out with your dominant hand and pull back the lead line in your non-dominant hand. The net should open right up.
With the EZ throw ring when the lead line is brought to the top of the net it is wrapped around the ring rather than the horn. This is largely unnecessary but may help with the initial concept if you have never thrown a cast net. This general approach is how I have thrown nets under 5 foot and I am over 6 feet tall. With a 6-foot net, it drags on the ground while swinging during a cast and gets caught on everything. This can be overcome by starting 1 foot down the net if the 13-inch metal ring is not on the net.
Understanding Cast Net Mesh Sizes
The mesh size of your cast net is crucial for targeting specific bait types. In almost all cases, the mesh size is given in terms of square mesh, not stretched mesh. Stretched mesh is the diagonal length between knots and is about double the square mesh value. For example, 1/4 inch square mesh is 1/2 inch when stretched and 1-inch square mesh is 2 inches when stretched.
Small Mesh Nets (3/16 inch and 1/4 inch)
These nets are primarily used to catch minnows and shrimp between 1 and 3 inches. Sometimes these are called fry cast nets.
Medium Mesh Nets (3/8 inch)
This is the most versatile net size because it can catch small 3-inch baits and still sinks fast enough to frequently catch large baits like mullet and goggle eyes. Common baits caught with 3/8 inch mesh include shrimp, pilchards, scaled sardines, threadfin herring, pinfish, speedos, finger mullet, shad, and ballyhoo.
Large Mesh Nets (1/2 and 5/8 inch)
These mesh sizes work well to catch bait between 4 inches and 10 inches. Common baits caught include finger mullet, goggle eyes, and cigar minnows.
Extra Large Mesh Nets (1 and 1-1/4 inches)
These nets are used to catch mullet and bunker over 10 inches. These large baits can often evade a slow sinking net. However, in shallow water, large baits can be caught with a smaller mesh size.
Cast Net Diameter and Weight
Small Cast Nets (3-5 foot radius)
These nets are ideal for beginners and kids. They’re easier to throw and manage, though they cover less area. They work well in shallow water and for smaller bait fish. With a small net, you may need more throws to catch the same amount of bait as a larger net.
Medium Cast Nets (6-8 foot radius)
These versatile nets balance ease of use with coverage area. Most recreational anglers find these nets sufficient for their bait-catching needs. They’re manageable to throw for extended periods and can be used from shore or smaller boats.
Large Cast Nets (10-12 foot radius)
These nets are for experienced users who need to catch large quantities of bait or target bait in deeper water. They require more skill to throw properly but cover much more area with each cast. Professional fishing guides and charter captains often prefer these larger nets.
Weight Considerations
The weight of lead or steel per radius foot affects how quickly your net sinks:
- 3/4 pound per radius foot: Lightweight, easier to throw but sinks slower
- 1 pound per radius foot: Standard weight, good balance of sink rate and ease of use
- 1.5 pounds per radius foot: Heavy, sinks quickly but requires more strength to throw
For shallow water (less than 3 feet), a lightweight net often works fine. For deeper water or fast-swimming bait, a heavier net that sinks quickly is necessary.
Cast Net Size Guide
For Beginners
It’s best to get a cast net under 8 feet in radius. This is because it’s easier to learn how to properly handle a cast net without dealing with a huge one. The most difficult thing to learn is how to properly untangle the cast net. Every step of the cast net process is easier with a smaller cast net, though more throws are often needed to catch the same amount of bait.
For Kids
The best size cast net for kids is between 3 feet and 6 feet depending on the size and experience level of the child. In most cases, a 4-foot cast net is best for kids. It’s easy to throw and it’s amazing how much fish it can still catch.
For Experienced Anglers
If I could only have one net, I would probably get a 10-foot net with 3/8 mesh. This is a versatile net that can catch almost any kind of bait such as pilchards, ballyhoo, bunker, shad, pinfish, and mullet. I also really like having a small 6-foot net with a 3/8-inch mesh that I can cast far from shore in the shallows.
That said, it also really depends on what type of bait I need to catch for the day. When catching large bunker in New Jersey, it’s important to use a cast net that is 10 feet or bigger with a large mesh around 1 inch so that the net sinks fast enough to catch the bait. In clear deep water, it’s also important to throw a large net with large mesh to catch baitfish like mullet.
Cast Net Throwing Techniques
Check out the How To Throw a Cast Net page, for detailed instructions on how to throw a cast net. There are three common ways to throw a cast net.
Triple Load Method
For large cast nets, the most common method is the triple load method. This method works well but the net is placed on the shoulder. After throwing the net the first time the net is wet and the user gets messy after the first throw.
Easy Throw Method
The second common way to throw a cast net is called the easy throw method. This works well for cast nets under 5 feet in radius. This method is quick and easy but does now work for large cast nets.
In the video above I show how to throw a castnet with the easy throw method.
Clean Throw Method
This method doesn’t have an official name but is the best way to throw any size cast net. It’s fast, clean, and works well with big and small cast nets. Unlike the triple load method which is thrown mostly with the left hand, this method allows right-handed people to throw more naturally and achieve greater distance.
In the video above I show how to throw a castnet with the clean-through method. The basic method to throw a cast net starts by having the net by your right side if you are right-handed. Hold it at the horn (top of the net) with your dominant hand and pick up the lead line in one spot with the other hand. Place the lead line over the top of the horn and your dominant hand. Grab the lead line about 2 feet down with your non-dominant hand and you are ready to throw. When throwing, swing the net out with your dominant hand and pull back the lead line in your non-dominant hand. The net should open right up.
There is no right or wrong way to throw a cast net. If you can throw the net far and have it open enough to catch bait then the cast net has served its purpose. However, there are methods that make throwing the cast net less work and more enjoyable. Catching bait is very important and should be a fun part of a fishing trip.
quickly is necessary.
Cast Net Storage
Lee Fisher Joy Fish Basket
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This Lee Fisher Joy heavy-duty fish basket can be used for multiple purposes. In this case, it works perfectly for storing large cast nets. Color options are blue or green and similar baskets come in orange. These baskets are commonly used to transport, shrimp, crabs, lobster, and fish that are caught by commercial fishermen.
These work great for cast net storage because the holes in the basket allow the cast net to dry. A large cast net should ideally be rinsed and hung up each day. This basket allows the cast net to be easily rinsed with fresh water. Ideally, the case net would not be stored in the sun so placing the basket in a shading area is a good idea.
Fish You Can Catch with Live Bait
Catching live bait is very important when fishing in the ocean. Common fish caught on live bait include.
Saltwater Fish
- Mahi-mahi
- Tuna
- King mackerel
- Striped bass
- Tarpon
Live bait is typically best, but in many cases, fresh-cut dead bait works very well. On some days lures work great to catch fish. However, the most consistent way to catch fish is by using live bait. Inshore fishing and reef fish both heavily rely on live bait. Common Saltwater Bait Fish used to catch these fish include, pilchards, mullet, bunker (Menhaden), goggle eyes, ballyhoo, threadfin herring, pinfish, and scaled sardines
Freshwater Fish
- Bass
- Catfish
- Crappie
- Hybrid striped bass
Freshwater fishermen often overlook using live bait. It is important to check the local regulations when using cast nets in freshwater. Sometimes creek chubs work really well to catch bass, especially in ponds. Also, hybrid striped bass are frequently caught at night using alewife which is a type of herring. Check out the different types of freshwater baitfish.
Cast Net Care and Maintenance
Taking care of the net will make it perform better and last longer:
- Store it in a cool dry location out of the sun
- Use a commercial fishing basket for storage – it’s open to the air and has holes in the bottom which allows water to drain
- Once a net is dry, it can be stored in a bucket for long-term storage
- Occasionally soak the net for a few hours in fabric softener to clean, wax, and loosen it
Many charter fishing companies rinse and hang the cast net each day to keep it in good condition. The cast net should definitely be put away clean, without holes, and untangled each day.
Cast Net Repair Techniques
It’s common for a cast net to have braille lines break, netting get torn, and have large fish punch holes through it. A new cast net is not needed each time this happens.
Repairing Holes
The easiest way to repair a hole or tear is by tying knots in the mesh with 10-30-pound test fishing line. I use a 30-pound test monofilament fishing line and tie a uni knot. A knot should be tied about every 1-inch along the hole or tear.
Fixing Braille Lines
If a braille line breaks, it’s important to fix it or the cast net will not close properly. Locate where the braille line broke and use a 60-80 pound test line to repair it. Often times a double uni knot is needed to add extra length back to the braille line.
Lead Line Repairs
It’s unusual for the lead line to break, but the mesh along the lead line is a common place for the net to tear. This can be repaired the same way as the mesh netting with a 10-30 pound fishing line used to tie knots every 1-inch.
Cast Net Mechanics: How They Work
A cast net is a circular mesh net with a 6-24-foot diameter. Along the perimeter of the net are lead or steel weights. The weights are connected to the lead line which is connected to 16-26 braille lines that are evenly spaced and tied along the lead line. A hand line is connected to the braille lines using a large swivel. Mesh netting is connected to the lead line on the bottom and horn at the top. The horn slides over the braille lines as the cast net closes.
The net is thrown by a single person and opens in a circle. As it sinks, it traps most types of baitfish. When the hand line is pulled up, the bottom of the net is closed because the braille lines pull the net together. This results in trapped bait that can be quickly emptied into a live well.
Captain Cody has worked on charter fishing boats in the Florida Keys, Virgin Islands, and Alaska. Growing up in Pennsylvania Cody has also done extensive freshwater fishing including bass fishing tournaments. Cody strives to provide detailed information about the best fishing gear and tactics to help both novice and experienced anglers have a more productive and enjoyable time on the water. Cody also has a background in aerospace engineering and neuroscience but really only takes pride in being good at one thing and that is fishing!
