Cast Net Advice

[harry_h01]

I am after some advice on cast nets.

What is the prefered size for use in both a boat, off the shore, and from a pier etc?

Secondly, what type? There are top pockets, mono, double, single, all sorts.

I've been looking at the different brands also. Is there a better brand to buy, or are they all about the same.

Thanks in advance.

Harry

[snakecatcher]

Start off with an 8ft net as that is a good all round size and easy to throw - once you have mastered the art of chucking it you may want to consider getting a bigger one. Top pocket nets are mainly for prawns as they swim to the top of the net once caught and this makes it easier to get them out but I find a bottom pocket just as good and better for bait fish.

Unless you plan on throwing the net in very snaggy areas I would go for a single mono as they are lighter and therefore easier to throw - I have had an 8ft Jarvis Walker net (came in a square bucket) for about 3 years now and it is still going strong, cost about $35 bucks from memory.

[Rod_Bender]

I personally use a citer draw string net. few different sizes between 8ft-10ft. Smaller the easier to throw. I find the draw string catches more and because it doesn't have any bottom pockets, it can release the bait, rubbish or leaves without much fuss. You will find you can throw this type of net 3-4 times while a person is still picking bait from the bottom pockets of other nets. Hope that helps mate

[saurian]

Harry , I use 10 ft off bank & boat.
It is nylon ( grey) and has bottom pockets.
Probably start with 8 ft or so , bottom pocket if you are learning and
change size/style of net when you then know which net is best for you.
Ta.

[rick_k]

decide what you mostly want it for and select a type optimised for that.

Prawning, top pocket is an example, but you'll still catch prawns in a bottom pocket and a draw string.

It seems you get what you pay for. A very cheap 8' net probably will measure 8' from swivel to floor when held vertical, but may not open up as much as a more expensive 8' net. The rope on dearer nets is better; less tangles, more easily managed etc. That said, I've never owned several hundred dollars worth of custom Australian made nets. I can say $80 -$90 is a big step up in quality over a cheaper net.

You can get mono or 'thread' nets. Mono are easier to throw because they are lighter, and they are probably less visible to fish. Mono comes in single mono or double or more mono; each 'diamond' of mesh is made of single or multiple mono strands. Don't know about this, much, but the guide in Darwin threw a multi strand mono net over oyster covered rocks where I wouldn't throw my 'thread' or single strand mono net. Then again, he walked over those same rocks in bare feet. Knew what he was doing.

Some mesh sizes catch livies behind the head, which tends to make them deadies. Talk to a tackle store you trust on this. Get them to show you how to throw it, and when you forget, find some kids who are doing it well and ask for some tips. At least, that works for me now I have hit middle age

[rick_k]

me again. You asked about offshore. If you are bait gathering offshore you may find bait jigs better. There are some interesting cheap options to keep bait jigs tidy offshore; tubular rods where the line, and thus the jig goes up/down the guts of the rod