castnetting first timer
 

Thinkin bout trying to castnet some shrimp tomorrow. I have never specifically attempted this. I just called the rockefeller refuge, and found out the rules for that place. Are the rules 25lbs per boat or car everywhere? Also would it make sense to go that far, or would I have just as much luck at the roadside peirs north of holly beach? thanks in advance

on refuges its 25lbs. Everywhere else is 100lbs I think

So are the roadside piers north of holly considered refuge?

You will do well at the rock if you have a boat to get out to the weirs, I'm not sure if you will have any luck there without a boat as i have never tried that.

yes I think that is sabine refuge

I just googled the sabine refuge and tried to call, but no answer. the website does not specifically say that castnetting is allowed from those peirs. do yall know if its legal or even worth trying at those spots?

It's only allowed from a boat.

Too many people fighting and leaving trash/by-catch everywhere so they shut it down.

It seems like the sites for blue crab alley & hog island gully recreation areas say that you can cast net at the sites. I know they shut it down for a while, but do they still not allow any castnetting at the sites themselves?

not sure / just curious.

illegal to castnet from fishing piers north of holly beach, only from boat and thats restricted with in a certain distance of piers marked by signs along canal

At Sabine NR you must be in a boat to castnet for shrimp.

Yeah, I know or sure you can't at Hog Island, and 99% sure that all the rec areas north of Holly Beach are off limits.

Yep, no bank cast netting anywhere north of the beach. I tried last year and the locals do throw on occasion—However, a warden came up and told me to put the net away. He was not unfriendly but I could tell he was not happy with me and I understand some of the fellas over there can be a "bit harsh". You can cast net on Hwy 82 in Rockefeller (Price lake road is closed because of a rig and will be for the near future). You can also cast net at Joseph Harbor (very popular cast net spot) at the East End Locks. It's the next road just past the road to the boat ramp. Most guys use pogey meal mixed with flour and water to attract the shrimp to the bank. The competition is fierce for spots at times and most get there (to the gate) long before the area opens at first light. The folks wait until official sun-up then drive the speed limit to the locks... Then it's like a chinese fire drill with folks jumping out of their cars and trucks with their nets and baskets trying to get the premium spots. There will be crabbers and boaters too so the area will be very busy at first. Oftentimes I find it productive to just wait until evening when most (sometimes all) have had their day and have left. No BS then. Don't be caught in the refuge prior to sun-up! There will be a line of cars waiting for the first guy to cross the line. The same rules apply to the water.
Some folks throw at Rollover Bayou but I've had little luck there myself. There are wiers out in the marsh as well and I've had unbelieveable luck at some of these but it's seasonal and you need a boat to get to them. The last thing I'd mention to you... Learn how to throw a little bit before you go. Practice in the yard some. There is nothing more aggrevating than a net caster who constantly throws banana's (bad casts) especially when that person is standing directly next to you. I always give pointers to folks who are having trouble but most don't. And it's also quite unnerving to the guy who's throwing the net when time after time he throws the net and comes up with nothing. One more thing... The seasons change and when shrimp season is closed you can still cast net but you can only keep 10 pounds when in the refuge. Be sure of the weight or be very sorry. Bring an accurate scale. The wardens will have them and will expect you to be following the rules. You will be checked.

thanks everybody....gonna work on breakfast and head out in a bit