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Fresh bait is one of the most important ingredients if you want to make your fishing adventure a success. However, instead of buying it in the store, it’s a much better option to catch it yourself. With the best cast nets, this will be incredibly easy to do even if you’re a beginner angler.
A good cast net should be heavy enough to sink fast and trap fish, but still light enough that you can throw it properly. To help you choose, this article will take a close look at the net design and discuss how each feature affects its performance. In addition, we’ll also present the best bait cast nets available right now, guaranteed to maximize your catch on every throw.
Best Secure Cast Net
UGM Saltwater Fishing Cast Net
- What Makes This Cast Net Stand Out
- Heavy-duty sinker prevents the bait from escaping
- Long hand line (43 feet) for casting further away
- Hand strap makes the casting motion more comfortable
- Handmade 0.3mm mesh won’t tear or damage easily
Best For: Easy Net Casting
Radius: 4, 6, 8, 10, and 12 feet
Mesh Size: 3/8 inch
Thickness: 0.3 millimeters
Material: Copolymer Monofilament
Weight: 4.3 pounds
Best Cast Net For Heavy Loads
Yeahmart American Saltwater Fishing Cast Net
- What Makes This Cast Net Stand Out
- Tight bottom seal keeps the bait in the net
- Aluminum frisbee for picking up the net faster
- Heavy zinc weights for faster sinking
Best For: Heavier Loads
Diameter: 4, 6, and 8 feet
Mesh Size: 3/8 inch
Material: Copolymer Monofilament
Weight: 3.52 pounds
Best Panfish Cast Net
Goture American Saltwater 3⁄8-inch Fishing Cast Net
- What Makes This Cast Net Stand Out
- Eco-friendly iron sinker with plastic wrap
- Anodized hand line swivel prevents tangling
- Wrist strap for precise bait net casting
- Great for fish that measure 3 to 6 inches
Best For: Panfish, Shad, Threadfins (3-6-inch Long Bait)
Radius: 4, 6, 8, 10, 12 feet
Mesh Size: 3/8 inch
Weight (Per Foot): 1 pound
Thickness: 0.3 millimeters
Material: Copolymer Monofilament
Best Shallow Water Cast Net
Betts Buddy Cast Net
- What Makes This Cast Net Stand Out
- Neon color for easier visibility on the water
- 3-foot radius makes it very beginner-friendly
- Quick-Throw ring ensures perfect throw every time
- Durable double-tied knots with epoxy glue
- Perfect to catch fish in shallow water
Best For: High Visibility
Radius: 3 feet
Mesh Size: 3/8 inch
Weight (Per Foot): ¾ pounds
Material: Copolymer Monofilament
Best Shell Fish Cast Net
Noa Store Fishing Bait Foldable Cast Net
- What Makes This Cast Net Stand Out
- Best casting net for catching shrimp and crab
- Foldable design prevents tangling while stored
- Carry bag included for easier transportation
- Side zipper for emptying the net easily
Best For: Shrimp, Crab, Lobster, Crawfish
Diameter: 35 inches
Mesh Size: 1/8 inch
Material: Copolymer Monofilament
Weight: 0.99 pounds
Best Durable Cast Net
Fitec Super Spreader Nylon Fishing Cast Net
- What Makes This Cast Net Stand Out
- Triple-stitched line greatly improves strength and durability
- Super Spreader design ensure it lands flat on the surface
- Weights are completely eco-friendly and don’t pollute the water
- User-friendly instructions on fishing with a cast net
Best For: Net Durability
Radius: 3, 6, and 9 feet
Mesh Size: 3/8 inch
Weight (Per Foot): 0.75 and 1 pound
Material: Nylon
Weight: 2.7 pounds
Best Small Bait Cast Net
Betts Saltwater Fishing Cast Net
- What Makes This Cast Net Stand Out
- Excellent design for catching the smallest bait fish
- Rugged utility box for hooks, lures, and other gear
- Professional-grade mesh for extended durability
- Lightweight and easy for beginners to use
Best For: Small Fish
Radius: 5 feet
Mesh Size: 3/8 inch
Weight (Per Foot): 0.75 pounds
Material: Clear Monofilament
Weight: 1 pound
Best Fast Sinking Cast Net
Bait Buster Professional Grade Cast Net
- What Makes This Cast Net Stand Out
- Six-panel mesh design results in a much better spread
- Fastest sinking compared to all other cast nets
- Heavy-duty 0.28mm monofilament mesh
- Strong 25-foot braided hand line for retrieving the catch
Best For: Fast Sinking
Radius: 6 to 12 feet
Mesh Size: 3/8 inch
Weight (Per Foot): 1.5 pounds
Thickness: 0.28 millimeters
Material: Copolymer Monofilament
Weight: 18.95 pounds
Best Saltwater Cast Net
Goture American Saltwater ¼-inch Fishing Cast Net
- What Makes This Cast Net Stand Out
- Tight bottom seal prevents the bait from escaping
- Hand-weaved mesh lasts for a long time
- Comfortable wrist band makes fishing net casting easier
- Eco-friendly iron weight (safer than lead weights)
Best For: Saltwater Fishing
Radius: 4 to 12 feet
Mesh Size: 1/4 inch
Weight (Per Foot): 0.75 pounds
Thickness: 0.2 millimeters
Material: Copolymer Monofilament
Weight: 3.31 to 10.58 pounds (depending on radius)
How To Choose The Best Cast Net – Buying Guide
Cast Net Diameter
Choosing the right diameter will mostly depend on your throwing experience. While a larger cast net will result in a bigger catch, it’s also more difficult to throw. If you’re a beginner throwing off a small or regular kayak, we advise that you go with a 6 to 8-foot cast net.
Half Mesh Size
This represents the density of a cast net and can vary greatly (from 1/4 inch and 1/2 inch to 5/8 inches). A denser net will sink slower but pick up smaller fish, while a less dense net will sink quickly but let small fish escape. For the highest level of versatility, we suggest a half mesh size of ⅜ inches.
Cast Net Weight
The net weight represents the amount of weight that is added to the perimeter of the net to help it sink at a faster rate. The most common cast net types weigh 0.75 pounds, 1 pound, or 1.5 pounds per radius foot. A heavier cast net will sink faster (traps more fish), but it will also make fishing with a cast net a lot more difficult.
Ease of Use
Regardless of the bait catching net you choose, you’ll have to do a little practicing before you master the fishing net throw. This being said, additions like wrist straps, rings, and discs can make fishing with a cast net a lot easier, especially if you’re a beginner.
FAQs
Q: What Size Cast Net Is Best?
While this really depends on the type of fish you’re after and the conditions on the water, most anglers use a ⅜ inch mesh with a weight of 1 pound per foot as a universal net.
However, if you want to catch smaller fish in shallow water, go with a lighter and denser mesh (0.75lbs, ¼in mesh). On the other hand, if you want larger bait that’s in deep water, go with something heavier (1.5lbs, ⅝in mesh).
Q: How Do I Clean My Cast Net
While both have their advantages, it’s generally considered that monofilament cast nets are better. Monofilament sinks faster and is less visible than nylon, increasing your chances of a good catch. On the other hand, nylon tangles a lot less.
Q: Where Do I Store My Cast Net When I Don’t Use It?
This can happen for several reasons – they can get stuck on the net side, have their gills constricted, or even die of shock. Whatever the reason, there is little you can do about it when net fishing.
Globo Surf Overview
Equipping yourself with the best casting net can make a huge difference when trying to catch fish. Getting the right net size and weight and practicing your throw will directly determine your success. We hope that our reviews have pointed you in the right direction, so you can get the best cast net for your needs.
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