One of the best ways to catch more fish is to use the bait they eat naturally. A time-tested method for obtaining live bait is the cast net. Cast nets provide an easy way to collect a large amount of baitfish in a short time.
Using a cast net can take some practice. There is a definite technique to make the net fan out and land correctly.
Before practicing with a fishing cast net, anglers should choose the best fishing cast net for their intended purpose.
Not all cast nets are the same. Different nets can be used in different situations to catch various fish.
Many features help improve usability and make the cast net more likely to catch fish. Below is the definitive list of the best cast nets.
Top 5 Cast Nets
- Bait Buster Professional Grade Cast Net
- Betts Old Salt Premium Cast Net
- Goture American Saltwater Fishing Cast Net
- Ahi USA 200 Series Cast Fishing Net
- Calusa Cast Net
Bait Buster Professional Grade Cast Net
Bait Buster cast nets have been around for a while. They come in several sizes, from 7 feet to 12 feet, and are a great all-around net for catching bait. The braille lines are made from 100-pound test green monofilament for solid strength.
Bait Busters feature a patented dragon head swivel that helps prevent tangling and makes the net easier to throw.
The dragon head design also allows for easy replacement of braille lines when necessary.
The hand line is hollow braided with a braided wrist cuff. The lead line is 1.5 pounds per foot with round lead weights for quick sinking action. The extra weight may discourage some people, but it does provide a faster sinking net.
Overall, the Bait Buster Professional Grade Cast Net is a good option that won’t break the bank.
Betts Old Salt Premium Cast Net
The Old Salt series from Betts offers affordable cast nets in a wide range of sizes. These nets are available in sizes from 3.5-feet up to 10-feet. The smaller cast nets work well for traveling but wouldn’t be the first go-to for your boat.
These nets are made from monofilament with a nylon hand line. The hand line is lightweight and floats but does not have a wrist cuff. The net has a durable corrosion-resistant swivel to help keep it from tangling.
The Old Salt Premium nets have one pound per foot lead line weight, which is heavy enough to sink quickly. There are oval lead weights crimped to the line.
Betts is one of the best entry-level cast nets on the market. The nets are affordably priced and include instructions in the box for novice throwers.
Goture American Saltwater Fishing Cast Net
The Goture cast net also comes in multiple sizes, from 4-foot to 12-foot. However, the Goture cast net has a slightly smaller mesh size at 1/4-inch versus the 3/8-inch on other cast nets.
The handline on this net is braided poly for flexibility and easy throwing. The handline features a neoprene wrist band for comfort and to help you hold the line. The net has a 1-pound per foot weight for fast sinking action.
The leadline can’t be called a leadline on the Goture. Rather than using zinc or lead like other manufacturers, Goture uses iron coated with an outer plastic wrap. The modified materials ensure the net is environmentally friendly and will not cause water pollution.
Goture designed this cast net for easy throwing with the novice in mind. The copolymer monofilament mesh material has a softer feel for easier throws.
The Goture American Saltwater Fishing cast net is an excellent option for novice anglers. The features on this net make it comfortable to throw and environmentally conscious.
Ahi USA 200 Series Cast Fishing Net
Ahi has been making casting nets for over 50 years. The Ahi USA 200 Series Cast Fishing Net is their most popular net series.
The 200 series is available in sizes ranging from 3 to 10-feet. The mesh is a durable UBE chip monofilament with a mesh size of 3/8-inch, making the net perfect for a wide range of baitfish.
The 24-foot handline provides adequate range when using the cast net. The hand line is secured with an anodized swivel to help prevent tangling.
The lead line weighs in at 3/4-pounds per foot, making the 200 series a bit lighter than the other cast nets reviewed. There is still adequate weight to drop the net quickly and ensure a successful catch.
The Ahi cast nets are all handcrafted and built to strict quality standards. Each of the knots is hand glued to provide a non-slip design. The Ahi 200 series is a top-quality casting net and one of the best fishing cast nets available.
Calusa Cast Net
Calusa Cast nets are the top-of-the-line premium cast nets. These nets are all handmade using six-panel construction.
They are available in a wide range of sizes with multiple mesh sizes. For the serious angler or guide who wants a specific net for each circumstance, Calusa delivers.
Calusa cast nets are made with extra heavy lead lines to facilitate a rapid drop. These nets have 1.5 pounds of weight per foot.
The lead lines are attached to the mesh with a reinforced monofilament for greater strength. Unlike lesser quality nets, the lead line on the Calusa is attached to every mesh.
The mesh is a super soft, high-quality monofilament that lays flatter when thrown. The braille lines are 120-pound test monofilament making them some of the strongest available.
The horn on the Calusa cast net also has a larger diameter opening helping the net lay flatter.
All in all, the Calusa is the premium net for serious professionals. The extra cost is worth the quality.
Final Thoughts
Fishing cast nets are an excellent way to get fresh bait and improve angling success. While many of these nets will catch fish, there are some significant differences in features and quality. This list of the best fishing cast nets provides something for everyone.
For the serious guide, who makes a living out on the water, the Calusa can’t be beaten. Its hand-crafted quality with top-shelf materials makes it the best cast net.
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