What size cast net do you throw?

Counter to what one might assume, larger cast nets are actually easier to throw. I wouldn't get anything under 5' and personally like 7-8' cast nets. I have used 3.5' in the past but they are only practical if being used in tight spaces IMO.

I'd say 7' is a good size. Anything under 6' just seems like it's made for a child.

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.

If I threw that thing, I could catch every shrimp at the mudhole

Personally I like a 4 ft net. They store easy, are light so you can throw them for long periods of time and consistently open with minimal effort.

Why not do the easy way from the beginning?

I throw a 7'

I use an 8' net, but this...

quote:

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12'

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...is on a whole other level.