After a fishing trip Sunday on Lake Waco, I'm pretty much convinced that a cast net is going to be a necessity. I know TPWD restricts the diameter to 14', but even that for a beginner is,in my opinion, a little much. Can someone recommend a good brand and recommend a size? I looked at Academy and the nylon material used in their nets appears to be a little stiff and unwieldy. Recommendations, anyone?

Learning to correctly throw a castnet is the important part. A quality seven footer is easier to throw than a smaller cheap net. Just castnets.com is a good supplier. Lee fisher are good nets

I like the ones that have panels in them, they open up better. I also don't like them to be lighter than 1#ft. Tom is right, a better built 7' is easier than a poorly built 5'. Some say a soak in fabric softener make them more limber, I don't know.

3-4 footer for me. I catch from the bank so throwing it very often not so tiring

Bait Buster is what i use. Im a short guy and I learned to throw a 7 footer. 1.25-1.50 weight per foot is a good cold water net.

Tom is right. Learn to properly throw the net first. Id suggest learning to throw on at least a 6' radius net. I think a lot of people try to learn on a smaller net and then work there way up. While this may sound great, they are really developing some bad habits that will in the future make it very difficult to open a larger net. Start with a 6'-7' net and when you can open it time after time, then either go up in diameter (if the law allows) or go to a heavier net.

All good advice! I wouldn't go any smaller than 6' and at minimum 1lb of lead per foot, the net that I primarily use is a Ultra Spreader cast net 7' with 1 1/2 lb of lead and 3/4 mesh and even though it's got some good weight it will get down to get my bait in deeper water. In the winter you need a good net like this when bait is balled up deep. If you are throwing in shallow water then you won't need this much weight and a pound per foot will work. I've used the academy nets before and for the price they are okay. I prefer real lead and I don't much care for the plastic coated weights unless I'm throwing in very shallow water. Wal Mart online has some good selections that can ship to your door or the nearest store so you might want to check them out, the ones they carry in the store are not very good in my opinion. Another good sight to check out is by googling clearance cast nets and it will take you to Fitec website where they have demos and clearance cast nets for real good prices, that's usually where I will order my backup or creek nets from.

I took these guys advice and got a Baitbuster. Couldn't believe the difference. Go with the 1.5 lb per foot you will be amazed at the different catch rate. As far as size whatever you are comfortable with. The more you use it the bigger you will want. I went with 1/2 in. mesh. Experience guys go for bigger mesh for deeper water in winter months. Try Amazon

I use Betts brand nets with lead ..... I have 7 8 & 9 ft nets /

You can learn how to throw a net just by going with someone that knows how... Just learn their techniques..oh and practice in an open area on land...then take your skills to the boat