What mesh size, net size and weight do I need for catching bait offshore? I have a 4’ net and threw right on top of some huge schools last thursday - nada! I assume that the net is too small and probably too light and the bait runs out from under it.
Cape Horn 24OS
twin 150 Optimax
Your net is too small and light for deep water. For offshore work: 8 foot minimum, 1/2" square net size minimum, and 1 1/5 pounds per foot lead minimum. I have a Cracker, but their quality has really gone downhill. I threw a Bett Superpro last year and liked it. Black Pearl, West Coast, and Calusa are others. For a decent net that satisfies the above is going to run well over $100, but will be worth it in the long run.
Iain Pelto
Edgewater 185CC “Jumpin’ Bean II”
Native Manta Ray 14
Throw the biggest net you can comfortably open every time. Get a higher end net with 1.5 lbs per foot of radius. I would say at least a 6 or 8 ft net. The 1/2" or 5/8" mesh will sink faster than the 3/8" also. Casting for bait I use a much larger net than i throw for shrimping because i know i’m only gonna have to throw it a couple times. But again, if the net is so big that you can’t consistently open it, it doesn’t matter how fast it sinks.
quote:
Originally posted by Bolbie…the harbor was slick as an eel pecker.
Thanks a lot! I knew as soon as I threw the net that it was too slow. These were huge schools popping the surface. Are they menhaden?
Cape Horn 24OS
twin 150 Optimax
Yes, they are menhaden if they are flipping and popping on the surface. Lots of time you won’t see them on the surface due to wind and waves, but search the same areas and look for clouds of bait on your fishfinder. As soon as you see them on the finder throw the net and let is sink while keeping the line just tight enough to feel the pull of the net. When the net is on the menhaden you will feel it vibrate. Pull the net closed when you feel them so they don’t get wise and swim back out.
Anybody can open a big net with the right technique, teacher, and practice.
Iain Pelto
Edgewater 185CC “Jumpin’ Bean II”
Native Manta Ray 14
Go on line to see how to throw a big cast net or stop by Haddrells and they will teach you.
big dog
quote:
Originally posted by hairballYour net is too small and light for deep water. For offshore work: 8 foot minimum, 1/2" square net size minimum, and 1 1/5 pounds per foot lead minimum. I have a Cracker, but their quality has really gone downhill. I threw a Bett Superpro last year and liked it. Black Pearl, West Coast, and Calusa are others. For a decent net that satisfies the above is going to run well over $100, but will be worth it in the long run.
Iain Pelto
Edgewater 185CC “Jumpin’ Bean II”
Native Manta Ray 14What Hairball said. It will last you many years since you will not be throwing over shells.
big dog
Until you throw it on a Shark! Thats always fun, Its kinda scary when the net first takes off and you don’t know exactly what to do. Then once the tension gets on the rope its game over for your net usually.
Lol! I’ve seen Hairball net a shark and a stingray. Net survived. But it was a good net.
21’ Sea-Pro CC
Yamaha 150
“Aquaholic”
2008 Dodge Ram Mega-Cab 4x4 6.7 Cummins
“There is no hunting like the hunting of man, and those who have hunted armed men long enough and liked it, never care for anything else thereafter.”
Ernest Hemingway