Cast Net Recommendation

[justdriftin]

I'm in need of a new cast net so figured I would get some opinions.  I've been throwing a 3/8 mesh 10 ft. Calusa for a long time now for whitebait.  I'm probably going to get a Tim Wade, but interested in suggestions on size.  This would be for whitebait in and around Charlotte Harbor/Lemon Bay area.  I'm not getting any younger so was thinking I might go down to a an 8 footer.  When bait gets thin, or I don't get out as early, throwing that 10 footer 15-20 times can start to wear on me.  What are you guys throwing in this area?

[fin-addict]

8 foot 3/8 mesh is the go to around here in CH

[hurricane]

Barracuda nets have recently become a very popular brand in the Tampa area and around FL. I got one for xmas, only have used 2 or 3 times since, but Im very impressed with it. Its nice and soft outta the bucket and throws as well as any net. Seems to be built well and its the only net I've ever heard of with a warranty, if you rip it they will give you a new one for 1/2 price. You must register your new net.

[444bfd]

I used to have a cracker 10’, 1/4” mesh.  I now have a Barracuda 10’ with 1/4” mesh and it is lighter.  Barracuda inshore net has 1.25lbs per foot, compared to Calusa/ Cracker that is 1.5lbs per foot.  I do like my Barracuda and the warranty.  I use the 1/4” mesh around Bokeelia to keep from gettin small bait Christmas treed in the net!

[Lap it Up]

5 hours ago, justdriftin said:

I'm in need of a new cast net so figured I would get some opinions.  I've been throwing a 3/8 mesh 10 ft. Calusa for a long time now for whitebait.  I'm probably going to get a Tim Wade, but interested in suggestions on size.  This would be for whitebait in and around Charlotte Harbor/Lemon Bay area.  I'm not getting any younger so was thinking I might go down to a an 8 footer.  When bait gets thin, or I don't get out as early, throwing that 10 footer 15-20 times can start to wear on me.  What are you guys throwing in this area?

Call Tim Wade and he will build a net to your tastes and fishing area.  I'm just a recreational angler.  I throw a 8' 1/4" mesh Tim Wade.

[FMB MEGALOPS]

2 hours ago, hurricane said:

Barracuda nets have recently become a very popular brand in the Tampa area and around FL. I got one for xmas, only have used 2 or 3 times since, but Im very impressed with it. Its nice and soft outta the bucket and throws as well as any net. Seems to be built well and its the only net I've ever heard of with a warranty, if you rip it they will give you a new one for 1/2 price. You must register your new net.

What Hurricane said.

I have a 10 & 12' and they both have been superb. I really like the warranty because I throw a lot around bridges and have loss multiple nets in the past. 

[linesider 159]

I recently got a 12 foot barracuda for around the bridges and I will say it does open easily. Most 12 footers are a pain, but this one is easy. 

[fishmanjj]

The older I get..the better I like the brand net my fishing buddy is throwing 😂🎣👍

[Mogan Master]

Tim Wade nets are my preference. 

[justdriftin]

Thanks for the info guys, never heard of Baracuda but looks legit.  Think I'll go with Tim Wade though.  Anyone have current info for contacting him, what I found was a little old so thought i'd ask before calling.  Thanks!

[Cracker H]

I’ve got a Tim Wade 10’ net and it’s a great net, but the warranty on the Barracuda net is impressive and I’ll be trying their net soon. I spoke to a person at Barracuda and they informed me they also have a Guide Program. 

[SCFD rtrd.]

After two shoulder surgeries, I down-graded to a 8ft. x 3/8  Tim Wade. I catch more bait than I did with a 10ft. net because I can throw a perfect circle about 95% of the time, with less effort. 

Tim Wade
206 Pine Street
West Melbourne, FL 32904
(321) 729-9537 (Work)
(321) 508-2836 (Cell)  

[Attitudeindicator]

Check out Fitec cast nets.. I have a 10’ 1/4 inch mesh and so far it’s awesome... great warranty also 👍🏻

[Zlenart]

If you're not throwing in deeper water, I would get a lighter net rather than a smaller one. Barracuda makes a "Flats/Inshore" net that is lighter and I've heard great things. I have their "Pro" 10ft 3/8 and it's a great do everything net. 

[jh141]

Tim Wade. When I damage one of mine I send it back to Tim. He repairs it and ships it back. He charges so little it makes me feel like I got away with something. 

X2 on ask him what you need. He has always given me exactly what I need. 

[GlennF]

I know I'm late to this thread but I love my Moonlighters.  I have two repaired shoulders so I have to limit the number of my throws so I like a 1.5 lb per foot that always opens nicely and tangles rarely. I have two 8' foot Moonlighters in 1/4" & 3/8" that do the job around Tampa Bay.  Moonlighter also made my pushpole and I was happy with the quality of that as well.

If I'm in the keys, I'm usually getting bait on a shallow flats in super clear water so I use a Fitec. I think Fitec has come a long way in recent years. Besides because I say nice things about them they send me nice SPF LS shirts. I also like their elastic wrist band.

For me I didn't like the horn on the Baracuda (was given one at a tournament). Nice bucket with rope handle but I prefer to hang my nets when not in use.

 I threw green Lee Fisher Bait Buster nets for years cause they were priced right and durable, especially when getting hung up under the Skyway Bridge. 

Everyone says Tim Wade is the best, I just hate to wait. 

I soak new nets in a bucket of fabric softner/water overnight.

I chum with Purina fishfood with a little Bunker oil mixed in as an added attractant. 
 

[SW Skif]

I have 2 nets.  Barracuda 8’ 3/8, 1.5#.  The barracuda is nicely made and is easy to throw.  Pricey.

I also have a 6’ , 1/4”, 1.5# Big Gulp.  Similarly constructed to the Barracuda(6panel). Actually prefer the Big Gulp handline.  Opens nicely and a little easier to throw because of the size.  I throw the 6’ net 90% of the time.

The Big Gulp cost is alot less.  My next net will be a Big Gulp.