What size throw net do you use? I'm just now getting decent with one, what is a good common size to get?

I'd have to say that a 5' radius is a great all around size. They're readily available, are small enough to be easy to throw but big enough to catch what you need. The availability comes into play because that means they're usually cheaper.

I throw a 5' Diameter castnet and it works well for me in fresh and saltwater.

It all depends on your size:) I am a short guy, so 4.5' works perfectly. Mike

It also depends on where you are throwing from. If you have a good sized boat, with a good platform, you can throw a big net. I fish out of a canoe, so I throw the net 90% of the time while wading. So anything bigger than a 6 foot net is tough to throw.

Try different sized nets before you buy. It sucks buying a net and then realizing it is either too big to throw reliably or too heavy to throw more than a few times. I started with a 6' net and it was way too big, especially trying to throw it from a boat. I ended up having to buy a smaller net. Now use a 5'.

I like the 7 footer.

they are made of different materials and different "hole" sizes.
When would pick one over the other?

If your target bait is minnows, the small 1/4" mesh in nylon is great, but for the larger bait like bigger threadfin and gizard shad, the 3/8" mesh is great and to me easier to toss. I prefer the mono nets, seems to me they open easier and untangle from sticks and debree easier. I prefer the 5' for all around use boat and dock and banks. I bought a 3' nylon for use on crowded boats, I found this the hardest to throw of them all. The Ring type are easier to learn to throw for the novice, But they wear me out (bad Shoulders) faster than the regular nets.

Heycods is right about the size of bait you target. The larger the mesh the faster the sink rate with weights being identical.

I had a 3.5 (radius) mono and upgraded to a 5' (radius) nylon. I'd probably prefer a little smaller one, as a five foot net is a lot to handle. I'm 5'11" and that thing will wear you out.

Go with nylon though, I really like it better. If you do get a big net and have trouble throwing it, get a mop stick/handle and use it in your throwing hand (right if you're right handed). Tuck the end of the stick under the outer rope, (where the sinkers are) and give it a whirl. I tend to throw farther when I don't use a stick, but for up close throws it's much neater and more open with the stick.

Oh yeah, a tip based on a recent mistake I made... if you're throwing from a boat, be very careful with each throw to make sure your rope doesn't get wrapped around anything (trolling motor, feet, tackle box, etc). I accidentally had mine wrapped around a rope cleat on the bow of my boat and tried to throw it. To say the least, it didn't go anywhere. However, it ripped a giant hole in the net near the cleat and where my hands were holding it. A one-hour patch job later, I'm back in business but it could have been avoided.

I wnet from a 3.5 footer to a 7 footer. I could not throw the 7 footer from my boat to save my life. I now have a 5 foot mono and do much better. I still throw a taco from time to time but am getting much better at finding bait.

We got ours at WalMart - 5' I believe. Blue Mono. Works great and cheap.

I think you will find that a 5' mono is just about right. I have thrown them all & anything larger will wear you out. Another consideration..cost ! I'll guarantee that you will tear it up, lose it on a submerged something or other..it just happens. If I can get two seasons out of one, I feel like have got my moneys worth.
Roger

Go with the 7' net. Learn to throw and you will catch more bait per throw. Practise, practise, practise, you can spend a lot of time and energy throwing a 3 or even 5' net and wear yourself out more just from having to throw a lot, throw a 7' and learn to make it open all the way and you will spend less time catching bait and more time fishing. I get all my nets from memphis net a twine, best nets around especially for the price. Throw great and sink fast. Check out this link, it has nets and books and videos. Good luck. https://www.memphisnet.net/category/nets_cast_mono

Does the mono sink faster than the nylon? I guess I got that mixed up when I picked mine.

BTW, I frequently see the nets on sale at Academy. I got my 5' nylon there for $22 this summer.

I bought my recent net there and it was $19.99. I nearly bought two but wanted to make sure the 5 footer was what I wanted.

I've been practicing with a 5' net. I also have a 7' laying around. I bet I could make alot of tacos with the 7'. Welcome to "Taco Bell" I will eventually practice with the 7' for the heck of it...

Anyone use an umbrella net? I have tried a cast net two different times without much luck. I fish mostly at night with a submersable light and was thinking an umbrella net would be the way to go, I could lower it in the water and when the shad or minnows get around the light then raise it up. Anyone thoughts would be appreciated.

Go to catusa cast nets, they have a vidio on another way to throw a net, that will not wear you out, I believe it, but I have not tried it yet.

Good info guys..thanks a bunch..

georgia mike
I looked at the umbrella nets online and they looked like an easy alternative, if they don't scare the shad away. At night the shad are on the surface... hopefully someone has more info.

I learned to throw my net from youtube. tried different methods till I found one that worked for me. The hard part is remembering exactly how when you get to the lake.

The umbrella nets will catch some shad, but mostly very small, Or thats the luck I have had with them. As with a cast net, Have some one unplug your drop lights when you pull up the net, It makes the shad boil to the top and you catch more. We usually dip some of the small 1" shad when crappie fishing under lights, stick a couple of them on a hook and send it to bottom, I guess the fish think its a dead cripple from feeding fish above, Sometimes its a nice cat laying in wait down there.

I Bought a 7 footer this summer, I used it once in Galveston. It worked great. I didn't think about my bad back, a hour later and about 50+ mullet, shrimp and blue crabs. I was laid out for 2 days. Anyone looking to trade up to a bigger net, I like would like to try a 3-5 footer, Or the first $20. Chris