Betts/Calusa/West Coast......

[Capt_John]

What's your favorite cast net for catching bait and what size? This started a long thread on another site and I was curious on what you guys think.


My personal favorite in deep water is a Bett's 12' X-tra heavy.

[Proheat]

Capt. John- I envy you man................I have a hard time using a 5 and 6 ft net!!

I can cast it one time well and then everytime afterwards.........I suck!!

[gottaflylee]

I like the Betts Super Pro. I use a 10' 3/8 for Finger Mullet, 10' 5/8" for shallow water Menhaden 12' 3/4 EH for deep water Menhaden and 8' 1/4" for Shrimp.
Some of the Calusa's nets webbing seem to stiff for me and are hard to hold but most of them throw very well.
Calusa's Mullet net for big Mullet (1' TO 1 1/4" mesh ) is the best I have found, short of a custom net.
The "Super Pro" line seems to fall in the middle ground as far as ease to throw and a good sink rate.
FWTW, I think that big nets are easer to throw than small nets once you get the hang of it...if you can threw a 5 gallon bucket of water, you can throw a 10' net.

[Capt_John]

Capt. John- I envy you man................I have a hard time using a 5 and 6 ft net!!

I can cast it one time well and then everytime afterwards.........I suck!!

I could show you a very simple and easy way if you like.

[Proheat]

I could show you a very simple and easy way if you like.

I'd like that, but there is alot of miles between your house and mine!!


Maybe you could make a video, or do you have any better ideas?

[Capt_John]

1. Take the 12' net and rope in your left hand. Pull the horn tight and make sure the braille lines are tight as well.

2. Make two overhand wraps until the net is about waist high.

3. Now grab a piece of lead on the right side of the net and pull it to the right side.

4. Now start pulling leads from the back leadline(closest to you) to the right until the net is split in half.

5. Take your right pinky finger and grab the back leadline.

6. Next take the rest of your right hand and grab the rest of the leads on the right side.

7. Stand up and balance the left side of the net on your elbow.

8. Throw the net, rope,etc. all at once like a giant frisbee.....but hold on to the lead in the pinky finger for a split second longer. This opens the net.

9. Let net sink and watch all the pogies float up.

It sounds like a lot,but it goes very quickly. I taught the guy videotaping me how in 5 minutes. He's got it down pat now.

Here's some pics of the steps and a video in full motion. This is the only way I could figure out how to post the video. Hope this is ok.

[Capt_John]

2842

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[Capt_John]

Hope this helps you there Proheat.......

[Proheat]

Thanks Capt. John............I'll try it and let you know how I do!!

[Capt_John]

I like the Betts Super Pro. I use a 10' 3/8 for Finger Mullet, 10' 5/8" for shallow water Menhaden 12' 3/4 EH for deep water Menhaden and 8' 1/4" for Shrimp.
Some of the Calusa's nets webbing seem to stiff for me and are hard to hold but most of them throw very well.
Calusa's Mullet net for big Mullet (1' TO 1 1/4" mesh ) is the best I have found, short of a custom net.
The "Super Pro" line seems to fall in the middle ground as far as ease to throw and a good sink rate.
FWTW, I think that big nets are easer to throw than small nets once you get the hang of it...if you can threw a 5 gallon bucket of water, you can throw a 10' net.

Hey Lee, have you noticed any difference between the Betts and Calusa other than the horn? Seems to be the only difference to me. Well, other than the $100.00 difference in price.