I'm no expert, but I've tried a few due to losing them over the years for reasons unrelated to the nets. Namely by throwing them into unmarked net eating hazards. I like the Bett's "Blue" nets for their good quality, but I like their Bett's "Old Salt" w/ 3/8 mesh, 6ft dia. and 1 lb/ft lead better than their blue nets because I find them easier to throw for a long time. The Betts Blues are heavier to throw and make you cry a few more tears when you rip or lose one. I'm 5'6" and tried a 7 foot in the past and have trouble opening it, so I go w/ 6. I figure if I get a 6 ft 90% open, it's better than a 7@50% open. The Blue has 1.2 lb/ft, so should sink faster, but will wear you out faster if you're thinking of getting a limit of shrimp. But if you are just looking for bait, then maybe get the Blue. Now there are other brands, Calusa is good from what I read, has 1.4 lbs/ft of lead but starts about $139 I think. I'm sure others on this board have better experience than I and throw bigger nets, but this should get you started. I also keep a smaller 4 ft emergency backup in the anchor locker for when you lose your primary live bait net, which can ruin a trip counting on live bait. The kids will find it easier to throw a smaller (5'?) net to start so I might suggest a dual package like I have, one for them that also doubles as backup for you until they can advance to a larger size. Oh, and ditto on the LEAD weights. Don't EVER buy a cast net with the plastic coated steel BS. You can get Bett's on the internet, Amazon is how I got my last replacement.
|