Advice on Cast Nets?

I'm looking to buy a cast net to catch my own bait fish.  Any adivce on size, type and brand to purchase?  I've seen a wide price range $20 on up to $150.

Thanks, Darryl

I use a 6 foot cast net which opens up to 12 feet.  It's an AhiUSA's 200 series net with 3/8" square mesh.  I bought it for about $19 at the Outdoor Pro Shop at the Oakland Embarcadero.

I can throw it just fine, but a 4 or 5 foot net would have been a little easier to handle.  If you can find a net with smaller than 3/8" square mesh, it would be better for anchovies and small jacksmelt.  The bigger square mesh catches their gills and usally kills them.

I wouldn't recommend spending much more money on a better net considering the constant risk snagging on rocks.

Making bait with a cast net is a lot of fun and very cost effective.  I estimate that my $19 net has already produced over couple hundred dollars worth of bait.

Hey Chuck,

Will you hae time, one of these evenings, to demonstrate proper technique?

Here's what I use (unfortunately - I now have a hole in my net - ripped from a reef)

Fitec Cast net

http://www.castnets.com/cart/products.asp?category=4

http://www.castnets.com/throwinghelp.asp

Jonathan, I'd be glad to give you or anyone a lesson on the simple throwing technique pioneered by InsaneDuane (aka: The FishingMasterBaiter).  The best time to make bait is during high tide, so pick a time and let me know.  We can meet at one of our productive spots across from the Oakland Airport.

... and don't forget to bring your biggest bucket and aerator

Thanks for the tips and info.  I am also interested in seeing how to throw the cast net.  I live not too far from the Oakland airport/ Alameda site that you launch from.  Is this the location that you make bait also?

Darryl

I live not too far from the Oakland airport/ Alameda site that you launch from. Is this the location that you make bait also?

I usually make bait at Arrowhead Marsh within Martin Luther King Park which is about 5 miles east of the the Oakland Airport launch site.

I need a throwing lesson bad brother! Count me in when you go next time.

Chuck hows it going fellow yakster.I have a net and am willing the be a student anytime your going to give a lesson.I can be reached at (650)892-7554 and can drive within the the bay area .Hope to see you soon.

Hey Lonny.  Just let me anytime when you want to score some bait.  I can take you to our favorite spot near the Oakland Airport.  There's usually jacksmelt and shiners there at high tide.  I'll call you before the next time I go.

You guys can always practice by standing on a 5 gallon bucket and throwing on the lawn.  

You may get some grass in it (and strange stares) but at least you wont rip it.

Stuart

I did the backyard thing, worked like a charm. Once I figured out my problem I was throwing like a champ. Now I just need to find the right time and place to use it.

Yes count me in! I have a cast net that i haven't thrown in quit a while. Need a refresher. I also have my original instructions for throwing the net if anyone is interestede. I could make copies for free...

Lonny i got your message i'll call you latter!.