95Bayliner
Seaman
- Joined
- Jul 13, 2011
- Messages
- 59
Looking back at last year, I spent alot of money on bait. I usually buy around 1-2 dozen medium size shiners and a dozen or so minnows each trip. I try to hit the lake at least twice a week and that really adds up. Thinking ahead... I figure it's probably worth investing in a casting net. I primarily fish the lakes in Nashville (Percy Priest and Old Hickory) for hybrid bass, large/small mouth bass, and catfish. I've even caught an alligator gar off a shiner. Shiners have proven to be successful, I don't know that I've caught anything using minnows. I've been really looking forward to start crappie fishing this year and I've heard minnows are the choice of bait.
I've been looking online for a decent casting net and could use some help/testimony from y'all in picking out the right net. Here's the guide that I've found on many sites.
BAIT SIZE MESH SIZE
1" - 3" ?"SQ
3" - 6" 3/8" SQ
6" - 9" ? " SQ
9" - 12" 5/8" SQ
I *think* I need to start off with either a 4' or 5' radius monofilament net with 1lb per foot weight, in either a 1/4" or 3/8" mesh size. I've read the 3/8" mesh size is the most versatile but wouldn't a 1/4" do about the same or better???
I'd like to hear some stories from anyone that has experience with 1/4" or 3/8" mesh size. I wanna catch bait fish (minnows, shiners, threadfin shad) large enough entice larger fish such as hybrids but also small enough for crappie. If no one net can do both, I guess I could purchase minnows - - they are ALOT cheaper than the shiners!
Looking forward to advice and recommendations. Thanks all!!
I've been looking online for a decent casting net and could use some help/testimony from y'all in picking out the right net. Here's the guide that I've found on many sites.
BAIT SIZE MESH SIZE
1" - 3" ?"SQ
3" - 6" 3/8" SQ
6" - 9" ? " SQ
9" - 12" 5/8" SQ
I *think* I need to start off with either a 4' or 5' radius monofilament net with 1lb per foot weight, in either a 1/4" or 3/8" mesh size. I've read the 3/8" mesh size is the most versatile but wouldn't a 1/4" do about the same or better???
I'd like to hear some stories from anyone that has experience with 1/4" or 3/8" mesh size. I wanna catch bait fish (minnows, shiners, threadfin shad) large enough entice larger fish such as hybrids but also small enough for crappie. If no one net can do both, I guess I could purchase minnows - - they are ALOT cheaper than the shiners!
Looking forward to advice and recommendations. Thanks all!!