Cast nets are the most effective way for anglers to get the bait they need whether they be a charter captain or the weekend warrior.
When I first started fishing I was like every other angler I see today, heading out with some heavy spinners with massive treble hooks to get bait. Even from the very start I of course said, “There has to be a better way.” And there is, it’s called a cast net. When I was a beginner I wasn’t very tall and I still am not, which some people say makes throwing a cast net more difficult, but when I first learned it was tough but what isn’t? After being taught the proper load and throwing technique I got better very quickly, I was able to get a good circle but wasn’t getting the net spread 100%. To be effective, you need to be able to get the net spread 80%, 100% of the time.
When choosing a cast net it is important to know exactly what you need. Buying a custom made net is the best way to 
ensure you are getting the net that best suits the type of bait and where you are going to be fishing. East Coast nets is one of the best custom net manufacturers in the northeast. Charlie can make a net exactly to your needs. Most of his nets have a little less than 1.5lbs per ft total lead weight, any more than that creates to much of a parachute effect in water over 15 ft. These nets are hand tied ensuring that your nets last longer. The great thing about buying a custom net is that you can also choose how long you handline is. Some people may never have to throw in water deeper than 10ft so the choose to only have their handline about 15 to 20ft long. But here on the north shore of long island is isn’t very uncommon that we throw in 25 feet of water so we prefer a much longer line.
Charlie will also give you a free castnet lesson should you pick the net up yourself. These are high quality nets and last a very long time even with the extreme abuse we put them through on our charter boats.
Frequently Asked Questions
Cast nets are highly effective for catching bait because they allow anglers to quickly and efficiently capture multiple baitfish at once. Unlike using heavy spinners or hooks, cast nets can cover a wide area and are especially useful for various fishing environments. This makes them ideal for both charter captains and weekend anglers.
East Coast Nets is known for their high-quality, custom-made nets tailored to the specific needs of the angler. Their nets feature hand-tied craftsmanship and optimal lead weight to reduce the parachute effect in deep water. Additionally, customers can customize the length of the handline and receive a free cast net lesson when picking up their net in person.
Getting the net to spread fully, ideally 80% to 100%, is crucial for effective casting. A properly spread net covers the maximum area on the water, increasing the chances of catching more bait in one throw. Mastering the correct loading and throwing technique is essential to achieve this spread consistently.
The lead weight of a cast net should be balanced to avoid creating excessive resistance, such as the parachute effect, especially in water deeper than 15 feet. East Coast Nets suggests using about 1.5 pounds per foot of net, as heavier weights can hinder the net's performance by reducing its spread and sink rate.
Handline length should correspond to the typical depth of the water where the net will be thrown. For shallow waters, a shorter handline of 15 to 20 feet is sufficient, whereas deeper waters, like those 25 feet deep common on Long Island's north shore, require longer lines to effectively retrieve the net and catch bait.
Purchasing a custom-made net from East Coast Nets ensures the net is tailored to specific fishing conditions and bait type, improving effectiveness. The hand-tied design enhances durability, and the option to customize handline length adds convenience. Customers also receive a free throwing lesson, boosting their skill and success rates.
