I know I can find this information doing a search in the shrimping forum, but for some reason the search results are coming up as blank pages. So I though I’d post a new topic to get some basic info.
I am new to the area and would like to get involved in the up-coming shrimping seasn. My question is what is a good cast net size, brand, and mesh size for a beginer? And can you use a shrimping cast net to catch bait as well? It seems like the min. 1/2 inch mesh requirement might be a bit big for bait. Thanks, any help would be great.
There are a lot more knowledgeable people here than me but I’ll go first. As far as size is concerned, buy what you can throw. By that I mean, if you can’t get anything bigger than a 6’ net open, go with a 6’ net. If you can consistently get a bigger net to open, buy a bigger net. A fully opened 6’ will beat a 10’ taco any day. Taken straight from the DNR website: Cast nets used for taking shrimp over bait must have a minimum mesh size of 1/2-inch square (1-inch stretch). 1/2" will work fine for bait if you are limiting yourself to one net. I use a 3/8 Betts Tyzec Nylon for bait.
If you plan to shrimp in water less than 10 ft deep, a Betts Old Salt 6 ft net is a good net for shrimping. If you find that you really enjoy it and have good luck finding shrimp, you may want to get a better net in later years. The best net is the one you can fully open and hit on top of your bait every time. Cheap or expensive net, if you cannot open it and hit your target it is worthless!!
Retired - always broke – but better than working!!!
if you can, get a quality 1/2" mesh net for shrimpin and a cheapie 3/8" for bait. 1/2" will catch most stuff worth using as bait, but I tend to catch a lot of grass, oysters, crabs, etc with my bait net that I wouldn’t want tearing up my good shrimp net. I’ve also had trouble finding the smaller, cheaper nets with a 1/2" mesh - not saying you can’t, especially this time of year in SC, but they don’t seem to be as common as 3/8".
As far as brands go, I think Betts is where it’s at. I have a Betts Super Pro 8’, 1/2" for shrimping (~$140?) and a 6’, 3/8" Tyzac Wal-Mart special(~$40, also made by Betts) for bait that I won’t cry over if it doesn’t come back intact. The Super Pro is definitely a nicer net, but is it really $100 nicer? Meh, honestly probably not, but I couldn’t find anything cheaper that was the size/weight I wanted.
6 ft is about perfect for beginners - big enough, but easy enough. Going from a 6ft to 8ft wasn’t easy, and I’ve been throwing cast nets for years.
but like others have said, start with whatever (legal) net fits you and your budget and go try it!
Angler 204 FX
Yamaha 150
Thanks for all the good advice and tips. I think I’m on the right track.
I just picked up the Betts greenie 7’ x 5/8 mesh. It sinks really fast and has a nice feel to it. It opens up real nice with less effort than my el cheapo tyzak bait net. I like it so far, but after a good day shrimpin things might change.
Hopefully I can ask this without getting flamed, but does anyone admittedly use one of those perfect circle net throwers? I have a pretty good technique and I am generally happy with my aim and ability to open my net, but the “reload” time looks way shorter with that thing.
I might get one to try unless someone tells me they are total junk. I also don’t want to be that guy with the weenie wheel on his net.
Hydra-Sports 22 Bay Sport
225 Rude
quote:
I also don't want to be that guy with the weenie wheel on his net.
Skip the hoop and practice with the net 
Capt. Larry Teuton
Cracker Built Custom Boats
Marine Surveying & Repair
I have several sizes and different meshes. I personally like the Betts Sea Green. It is a 5/8" mesh net. You will still catch shrimp smaller than you probably want but I think it sinks faster than the same size 1/2" mesh net. If you are new to throwing a net and want to throw a bigger net you need to learn one of the methods that uses both hands equally. I use the Calusa method and throw an 8’ net until the shrimp show up. I also carry a 10’ net and will throw it when I feel it will be worth the extra effort it requires. Go to http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lOUkj2h2LjI and watch the video on the Calusa method. It is the easiest method I know. I’ve been shrimping it seems forever and I’m 60 yrs young and with this method I can throw for 2 to 3 hours without killing myself. I think it would be worth your time to learn this method. Good luck!
Mr Hardware
I searched Youtube for more hours than I wished looking at various net techniques. I found this one and it works really well. The best thing is you don’t put the net in your mouth or drape it over your shoulder. It keeps you dry. I watched the video twice and that was all it took. I swore after getting a mouthful of jellyfish last year in Bulls Bay that I would learn a technique that doesn’t require holding the net in my mouth!! I throw a 7 ft, 1.5 lbs per foot, “premium” net made by BaitBuster if you’re interested. It was $95. Good luck! Hopefully this Youtube link below works.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hbmcW9zvg7g&list=FL8L3X9UH31wcb_VZKn17UaA&index=2&feature=plpp_video
quote:
Originally posted by Cracker Larryquote:
I also don't want to be that guy with the weenie wheel on his net.
Skip the hoop and practice with the net
Capt. Larry Teuton
Cracker Built Custom Boats
Marine Surveying & Repair
I don’t have issues with getting my net to open or anything, I was looking at how fast I could dump, reset, and throw again. If my wheel man keeps it under 10mph between the poles this year, I will be fine without the ring ding.
I do have a cut off barrel I am using this year to unload/cull. I was unprepared last time and that was giving me fits with my timing.
Hydra-Sports 22 Bay Sport
225 Rude
for dumping and culling shrimp and other crap in the net I use 2 plastic Rubbermaid tubs fit one inside the other and drill holes in the inner tub…water drains down to the lower tub and you can easily see when there is a little tiny blue crab in there ready to pinch you…thanks to misslily for this little trick…has worked great for me for years now…
The Morris Island Lighthouse www.savethelight.org
Bonzo you are brilliant! Liesel and I must try this trick. Not to mention you can use the tubs for storage in the off season.
196 KEY WEST BAY REEF
150 YAMMIE
quote:
Originally posted by JEEPORPHANBonzo you are brilliant! Liesel and I must try this trick. Not to mention you can use the tubs for storage in the off season.
I can’t take credit for this one, but misslily is a genious…and yes, it does double as a great storage for my shrimping stuff as well…
The Morris Island Lighthouse www.savethelight.org
I picked up a cheap cast net(6’X 1/2" mesh) for 24 bucks at the Kmart on Rivers yesterday for 24 bucks.Been a while since I’ve tossed one so I figured I’d stay cheap in case I caught oysters or an old rod n reel. BTW they have a clearance sale on most all of their fishing/boat stuff in stock. Also lots of shotguns shells and hunting stuff on sale too.
17’ High Tide CC
60 Yamaha