This is so funny. I have been out catching bait when my net freezes to the deck between throws! My wife wouldn't get within a hundred miles of the water when it was that cold. Or too hot either! It would have to be sunny and 72 degrees all the times.

I love throwing the net and catching bait. I love seeing those shad shine when you get them up to the surface. Catching bait is a good time and it gives me a great sense of accomplishment. I know I can catch bait everytime I go out. That confidence has come at a price. Lots of trial and error and cuss words!

I'm catching shad in 6' of water at daylight, same as always for the past 20 years.

Catching the bait in 6-10' of water is a great depth with a cast net, so long as no snags on the bottom. Then you doing that for 20 years, that tells me you have good and healthy lake and being able to keep population up and not over taxed. Not all lakes have that sort of bait available for the fish, let alone for fisherman.

The 11970 made the winter deep hole difference for me. Just be aware it’s going to be heavier. You want that for the sink rate but it takes more strength to keep throwing it.

A great video on throwing the big heavy taped nets.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dJCKQDD6uuw

This is the exact method I use. One thing I was told and never forgot. Dont worry about a perfect pancake, just get it out there. Practice makes perfect. Another important point is to let it sink down before retrieving it.

I use a 7 foot Betts deep hole cast net. 5/8 mesh 1.65 lbs per foot. Good thing it doesn't take many throws, cause it will wear you out.

Thanks. I received a fitec 11970 taped net for xmas..