What nets do you at CF prefer. I currently throw a betts super pro, and I can tell the difference between a betts pro and a regular betts net. I presume with this much difference within the same mfg. there must be great differences between brands. Please share your thoughts.
Ken
Tim Wade 7 ft. x 5/8" Mesh over bait. Betts blue 6 ft. x 1/2" mesh freecasting in shallow water. Walmart 5 ft. for catching bait.
spec
1980 Skandia 21 w/ '93 JohnRude 150 gas drinker
Love my 8’ Betts Super Pro, but don’t have much basis for comparison. Have a cheaper 6’, and I got what I paid for.
Roger
I used the super pro for years. The Tim Wade nets open flatter.
spec
1980 Skandia 21 w/ '93 JohnRude 150 gas drinker
I use a 10ft bait buster for years and it’s finally had enough gar and shells I retired it. I ordered a Tim wade 10 and 12 foot net last year, prop fouled 10 on second trip…we were shrimping and gator hunting so we were in a different boat he wasn’t use to. That being said I sent it off for a new panel 48 bucks and it’s on the way back now. I ordered mine with 1.2 to 1.3 lbs of lead per foot. If you order one from Tim be sure to get small horn.
I use 5/8" mesh champion from Memphis Net Co. 6’ most of time, 7’ with good boat driver & low wind, 5’ for friends learning to cast, and 8’ taped for deep-holing for bait in November and December.
Rob
Triumph 17
Honda 75
Thanks guys.
Have a couple of Betts SPs but want to explore some of the other nets.
Ken
Good luck in a couple of weeks.
There’s nothing wrong with Super Pro’s. Wade’s nets have an edge over SP, in my opinion, but not a huge edge. The SP’s load faster because the huge Wade horn seems to get “buried” in the net sometimes.
spec
1980 Skandia 21 w/ '93 JohnRude 150 gas drinker
The biggest problem I’ve had with the Betts SP is the knot tags on the lead line catching in the mesh and having to fight that when resetting to throw. I’ve started melting those back and it seems to do a lot better, so that’s what I’ve stuck with. So how is that Memphis net Rob? I’ve heard good things about those, but never tried one. I think I’m going to try the Tim Wade next though. Get the small horn, huh? The braille lines don’t knot up with that smaller hole?
Key West 196;150 Yammie
Life Is Good…Gotta Love It!!!
I’d talk to Tim Wade about the big horn. I did a few years ago, and he talked me into the big horn. I really don’t know why, but he has a reason for it.
The big horn does make the net harder to “reload” after a cast, and you do lose some shrimp through the big horn opening. The Wade nets seem to catch more shrimp because they open easier/better. I’ve never tried a Wade net with the small horn. I’ve never tried the really high dollar nets, but the Wade nets are reasonable.
spec
1980 Skandia 21 w/ '93 JohnRude 150 gas drinker
I called Tim last saturday and ordered a 8ft, 1/2" mesh. Grand total was 147.80. I know ive spent that on way lesser nets. Ready to give tims a try. I hear only good things. I will update when i get it.
I have a few of the Tim Wade nets. You will not be disappointed.
Matt, what size horn did Tim recommend?
spec
1980 Skandia 21 w/ '93 JohnRude 150 gas drinker