how you figure

I throw a 4ft net the same as I do a 7ft , 8ft , and 9 ft. I dont put weights in my mouth and don't do the throw net over the shoulder...especially on light weighted nets. It all about technicue and timing. Throwing a net is like swinging a golf club. The harder you try ( swing) the worse the result. Less is more.

the op is trying to LEARN to throw a castnet.the 4ft is lighter and wont wear your shoulder out like a 6ft or larger net will thus more practice.i can throw my 4ftr 50 times compared to 25 times with my 6ftr.i think your hurting shoulder will turn you against using one faster than not catching AS MUCH bait with the 4ftr compared to the 6ftr

+1

Guys y'all are making this harder than it is. The instructions in the academy/ Walmart nets is pretty much how I throw . You got to figure out where your comfortable choking up on the net. Its like throwing a Frisbee . So easy but so hard for people to grasp. Most YouTube videos show guys throwing 10ft plus nets. That technique doesn't work on small nets.

Someone beat me to the next question on where to find shad?

On Buchanan I have several bait holes that usually hold bait year round. Some are better than others. Threadsfin typically like the clear water and for the most part you have to get them while its dark. Green lights on boat help with this. Gizzards are easier and you can catch them just about anytime. I look and listen for them to flip. Pay attention to your surroundings. For example if you see an old man( Herring) walking he bank you might want to check it out. He is a better fisherman than all of us.

I can catch a ton of threadfins. I just need to improve my gizzard finding skills.

Cool bud. Okay, that 7 foot net that is too heavy is most likely your money net, but you have to find a method of throwing it that works for you and you need to at least be able to throw it 2 to 3 times in a row with decent spread. If you just can't sell it or sumpin, and don't worry about that net. Bump down in weight but not size.

But heres what I know you can do and what I think you should do.
1.) Figure out how to throw that heavy net 2-3 times in a row with decent spread ( YOU CAN ) technique, follow thru and form is very important
2.) Find you a lighter net the same size that you can throw well also
( this is gonna be your probing net ). Your probing net is the net that you will always start with on a bait hunt and use until you start catching shad (If you don't have good electronics on your boat that you use to find bait). It's also your backup net if something happens to your good net.
3.) When you start catching shad with your probing net, you pull out your good net move down the road a bit and throw it 2-3 times in different spots. No bait... no more throws until you have taken a good break, looked up at your surroundings ( wind, water, wake & birds ) and reacessed the situation. Then, make a move!

But when your out there remember this...
1.) catching bait with a cast net is not for everybody. At times it can be easy and at times it can send even the best over the edge.
2.) Your gonna go thru money and cast nets until you have probed out all the bad no-throw areas, and there is gonna be times you just can't hardly catch those slimy suckers. It happens to everybody until the time has been put in. And then, it still happens.
3.) If you catch your bait or throw your net from the bank at a lake it's gonna be hard to be somewhat consistent and to me just seems like a very hard way to consitantly catch bait but it can be done. ( for me this is just not an option, but thats just me )
4.) If you throw your net from a boat, a good fish finder is one of your most important bait catching tools. Just truly unbelievable when you start using it along with an awesome cast net.
& 5.) The people that consistently catch their own bait all year round with a cast net have most likely done their time in the jail cell. They have researched and learned a bunch about cast nets, and they have researched and learned a bunch about the species of bait they go after. They're not your average Person. They're tough, they don't give up, and they don't stop trying until they get it figured out and get it down. It takes years and years to become a seasoned bait catching professional and for the people that get there, well... they just realize it's something they have to do and they dig in like an Alabama Tick. Anyways, a lot of good stuff has been said here and as we can all see I had to repeat some but Good Luck Bud. Glad everythings all good. Hope you get it down and figured out. If not, try to find a guide to help you out. Some can save you ton's of money and time when getting started.

If you want to try a cheaper option before you hire a guide, Chad has some great information.

http://www.learntocatchcatfish.com/landing/catching-shad/

You are buying a net and learning at the absolute best time of year, for the next couple of months it is HERO time catching bait.

Get a couple of 6ft cheap nets and go to town....don't waste your time with a smaller one and don't waster your money on a bigger one right now.

Buy two because you might lose the first one on the first cast...but you won't lose the second one on the second cast because you won't ever throw where you threw the first time LOL

The next couple of months bait will be moving shallow, like 3ft and less much of the time, birds on the banks will lead the way, backs of coves and pockets where wind is blowing in can be good as well.

If you get into it then come about June you can look at bigger nets, heavier nets, specialty nets blah blah blah

Does anybody know where I can buy a net that doesn't rip and never snags?! I've lost 3 nets in the last month! Never throw on low water boat ramp! Thank god for cheap Academy nets. Since I do all my throwing from the bank I would never buy an expensive net. If you're bank throwing then use the least expensive nets you can buy because you will inevitably lose a few. Or a lot!

Grasshopper buddy, you have got to just buckle down save your money and get you a boat!!!! You are a fisherman who takes SELFIES while holdin 40 pound Bleucat for cryin out loud! LOL!

Just enjoying the moment my friend! I really would like to get a boat, it's just not in my budget right now. My wife and I talk EVERY DAY about wanting a boat, but times are hard. So if anyone has an old boat they'd like to DONATE to a great cause.....

To be honest I love to bank fish. It's a challenge, but that's part of the fun. When I o fishing I like to set up a campfire, kick back and enjoy an 18 pack while soaking up the outdoors. It's how I spend my days off from working. I don't stress myself out with moving around, etc. I might move ONCE all night.

I know I'd be a more successful fisherman if I were out on the water, and hopefully one day I can get my boat. Then I can have the option available depending on my mood that day. And hey, a selfie with a 40 pound fish is nothing to be ashamed of!! Lol. By the way, the pic in my signature was a selfie, too. I had a digital camera set up on my cooler on timer. Haha! I always catch my big fish when my wife stays home and I'm out by myself.

LOL!