Guys any advice on cast nets? This year I'd like to learn how to cast net for bait. I'm looking to catch minnows, shad, or really anything, I think my kid would like playing with the bait as much as fishing. As a beginner I'm not trying to spend more than around $50. Want to be able to throw it from the kayak. Any thoughts on brand, size, weight would be great, thanks!

I've got a cheap 5' cast net from Wal-Mart, and it works great. I usually catch my bait on the shore beforehand and tow them in a bait bucket. They sell 3' nets, but i'm not sure if I could throw one from a seated position. I can stand on my kayak, but again i'm not sure if I could pull off a decent throw without losing my balance. I will try throwing from my kayak and let you know how it goes. Either way get you a cheap one from walmart and learn to throw from the shore first.

There are tons of good nets out there. In summer months the cheepo nets will do ok. In the spring and fall no chance at all. They arent heavy enough. Look at joy fish nets they are pretty good nets. I throw a banister and have used the same net for 5 years. Ask anyone else with any other net...that just doesn't happen.

Ive also heard bass pro offers a pay extra guarantee where if anything at all happens they give you a new one free.

7' is the largest legal net you can use in Texas.

id start with a 5' net from academy or something. pretty cheap, will last you awhile. Watch youtube videos and practice. Once you get the hang of it, you can spend more on a nicer net if you want. I throw sitting from my kayak. One of tese days ill be awesome enough to throw standing, but not yet...

Thanks for the advice guys, I went ahead and got a cheap one from Academy today. 5' radius, 1 lb. per radius foot, 3/8" mesh by Fitec, $26. If I can actually throw the thing then maybe I'll invest in a better one. So who's giving lessons? I'll bring the beer!

Hey I will sign up for that!!!

This is a topic that has come up a number of times.
For 50 bucks you can get a pretty decent cast net. I recommend you start with a 5 footer (radius). That is big enough to catch lots of stuff but small enough to handle easily and it doesn't require any special features or using your mouth (ucky) or laying it across your shoulder (wet).

I use this technique.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yTtGWcpf88g

Easy to teach and easy to learn.

14' my friend

I throw mine seated and can throw a 6 footer and catch bait out of the kayak, I use the Betts Blue 3/8 mesh and get them off amazon for 50-60$ each. The environmentally friendly weights make the net hang so a lot of bait gets away in water over 3 feet and clear nets can spook the bait as well so I go with the blue mono and a fold that will let me throw seated if I must. I have seen your car with the boat on it over around Ray Hubbard and I live a few minutes from paddle park there and would be able to show you how I do it.

Timely topic for me too!

I also want to consider a cast net and throw it from my kayak. I'm also minutes away from Paddle Point Creek in Rowlett.

I'll go out and pick up a net soon.

Perhaps I can get caught up in the fun too?

You're both correct. The largest cast net one can use in Texas is a 14 foot diameter. However, most nets are sold by radius size. A 14' diameter net is the same as a 7 foot radius net.

So again, you're both right.

Hey Bert, must be someone else, I don't think I've ever been to Hubbard! But I wouldn't mind getting out there! Also I wonder if there's a GTG this year? Maybe a few other guys would be interested in a cast net seminar.