Cast net suggestions?

[SMA]

What size and brand of cast net do you guys recommend for catching shad? Thank you!

 

[mdfetz]

I just get those from Walmart or academy. Some have blue netting and some are white netting. I use a 6 ft. its pretty easy to throw with a little practice. Some I have seen are expensive and sometimes I get mine hung in the rocks and tear them.

 

[SMA]

Thanks for the advice!

 

[Jerry]

I don't remember where I got my net, but I use a 6 foot net for shad. Don't spend too much money on the net. I lost my first net below Chick Dam the first time I tried to use it. I stuck it on the rocks. However, once you buy the net. Perhaps you'll need to learn how to use it. I have tried a half dozen different ways--refusing to use my mouth no matter what. I finally found a real nice video, and the approach works well for me. I learned in about ten practice casts and do well at getting a full circle. Look at utube (there are a bunch of different methods there). The one I like is "Best Way to Throw a 5+ ft. Cast Net Consistently."

 

[EricM]

I wouldn't get one smaller than a 6' radius (12' diameter). 3/8 mesh is great for shad, although very small shad will get gilled. A cheap net is harder to use because of stiffness, but until you learn how and where to use them, the price is right. Once you have some experience, move to an 8' or even a 10' net to cover a MUCH bigger area and a high quality net is worth every penny ($150-200). Just expect to occasionally tear one up or even lose one on the bottom rocks or stumps.

 

[foodsaver]

I second what EricM said. I have a nice net to use in deep water with few obstructions and cheap nets to use close to shore with lots of obstructions. There is definitely a sense of satisfaction that comes with opening a giant net pancake flat and pulling up a giant load of shad!

 

[SMA]

Thank you both for your input.