re: What size cast net do you throw?

I started with a 6 foot net and now throw an 8.5. The comment above about larger being easier isn't full disclosure. 6 or 7 is easier than a tiny net, like a 4. No doubt about it. An adult sized net is easier to throw than a kid net. But as you get above 7 foot (which is 14 feet across, by the way), other factors come in. Larger nets are much heavier. In an 8.5 foot net you generally should also increase the weight per foot to get a serviceable sink rate on the spread net. For anything 8 or above you also need to upgrade the make of the net to a multi panel net with a heavier thread. I found the step from a 7 to a 9 (18 feet across) with heavier webbing and more weight, to be a substantial step in terms of effort required to throw. Now, if the shrimp are running you can get a much larger haul in a 8.5, but again, weight and fatigue are more prominent.

Also, keep in mind that 8.5 is the largest cast net legal in Louisiana inland waters.