Cast net opinions

dodger31

I currently have an 8 ft cracker 1/4” cast net. Looking to upgrade. I net bait on the beach a lot and get little pilchards stuck more than I want.  Prob looking for an 8 or 10 foot higher quality net. Thanks in advance for any opinions. 

CaptainBly

I have Barracuda 1/4 x 10 and 3/8 x 10.  I went with the pro model or whatever they call it with a little more weight per foot.  They also have a nice warranty.  If you trash your net, as long as you can salvage the horn and the weight line, you can get it replaced for 50% off.  The also had a great sale somewhere around black friday last year for 30% off or something.

BUT.  if you are getting christmas treed with a 1/4" net, that is some small bait.  3/8 might let them swim through which will save the hassle of picking them out but might have the same issue there with the middle size baits.

It is always hit or miss for me this time of year when the bait is smaller but last couple times out it has been much nicer size.

1/4 doesn't sink as fast either so also depends on the depth you are throwing in.

Good luck...

kmagnuss

You could find a 3/16" net (stretched, not square).  They're hard to come by but a few companies make them.

dodger31

I guess my next question is do all companies make them out of mono?  Or are some nets made with any different materials?  Thanks for replies so far!

kmagnuss

There's a company that makes a net out of braid if you have more money than sense.

NoreastSalt3295

That must be some tiny bait getting gilled in 1/4" mesh! 
I have a barracuda 10' 1/4 flats, 10' 3/8" flats and 10' 3/8" custom. They're all great, the custom kills my back after a dozen throws though.

1outlaw

I have 3 Barracuda nets. 6,8 and 10. 
They throw fine and are reasonably priced and i like the warranty. Im a member of salt strong and get a member discount aswell so that really helped on price point!

dodger31

Thanks for the replies.  Gonna look hard at Barracuda and Calusa.  I've really liked my Cracker but its pretty beat up.  I found out that Calusa also makes Cracker which I didn't know.