Frequently Asked Questions

The right size depends on two things: where you're fishing and how much bait you want to catch. Smaller nets (3–6 ft radius) are easier to throw and great for tight spots like docks, bridges, and shallow flats. Larger nets (7–14 ft radius) open wider and catch more bait per throw — ideal for open water and experienced throwers. A 6–8 ft net is the most popular all-around choice for beginners and intermediate anglers.

Mesh size determines what size bait or fish your net will catch — smaller mesh catches smaller bait, larger mesh lets small bait escape while holding larger fish. 3/8" mesh: Best for small baits like glass minnows, sardines, and anchovies. 1/2" mesh: The most versatile size. Ideal for medium baits like mullet, shad, and shiners. Great all-around choice. 5/8" mesh: Good for larger baits like pogies (menhaden) and larger mullet. 3/4" mesh: Best for large baitfish like blue runner or when targeting larger fish directly. When in doubt, go with 3/8" or 1/2" — they cover the widest range of fishing situations.

Monofilament nets are made from a single strand of clear plastic. They are lighter, sink faster, and are harder for fish to see, which increases your catch rate. They work best in clear water and warm conditions but can become stiff in cold weather. Nylon (or multifilament) nets are made from braided strands. They are more durable, more flexible in cold weather, and tend to hold up better in rocky or rough environments. They are slightly more visible to fish but are a great workhorse net for heavy use. BasicGear offers both types across its Consumer and Commercial Series. If you fish in clear, warm water and want maximum catch efficiency, go monofilament. If you need durability and fish in varied conditions, nylon is the better choice.

A pancake cast net uses a flat, disc-shaped lead weight system along the bottom hem instead of individual lead weights. This design allows the net to sink evenly and rapidly in a flat, circular shape — like a pancake dropping through the water — which maximizes the area covered and prevents bait from escaping under the edge before the net settles. Pancake nets are particularly effective in shallow water and for experienced throwers who want maximum coverage per throw. BasicGear's Pancake Premium Cast Net is one of our most popular models in the Commercial Series, built with heavy 1.25 lb/ft lead for fast, deep sinking action.

When selecting a cast net, there are several things to consider. The size of your bait, how deep your fishing water is, and how much bait you are wanting to catch per throw are just some of the questions to ask yourself. Please visit our Find Your Net page for charts and information that will help you decide on the right cast net.

Please remember to check your state game and fish regulations before deciding on any particular net. Here is a link for a list of regulations in each state. https://www.eregulations.com/ (https://www.eregulations.com/)

If you’re a beginner, we recommend that you try one of our Easy Throw cast nets. BasicGear's Easy Throw nets have a specially designed ring sewn in that allows for the beginner to throw a perfect circle with limited practice. On our How To Throw page Beginners can view and access several video tutorials.

Prior to using your net, let it soak overnight in a solution of freshwater and fabric softener. This will soften and lubricate the monofilament netting and braille lines, and it will relax the netting from tight packing. 1. Inspect your net before every use, mending any cuts or tears. 2. Rinse your net with freshwater and hang until the lead-line is completely dry. Do not use any chemicals to clean your net. 3. Never hang your net with the lead-line off the ground. This will tighten the knots and will remove the “broken-in” feel. 4. Store your net in a cool, dry environment. Never expose it to the sun for extended periods because sunlight is harmful to the monofilament. 5. Using your net in areas of reefs, rocks, or other submerged objects could lessen the life of your net. Avoid these areas if possible.

You can use any brand of fabric softener overnight to soften your net. Put 1 cup of the fabric softener in a 5 gallon bucket of fresh water. Allow the net to soak overnight. You can repeat this as needed to keep your net soft and pliable

We have found it does not pay to ship the net back and forth to a repair facility. The total cost is usually equal or greater than the original investment for your net. That is why all our Cast Nets come with a free Repair Kit. You can use it to repair your Cast Net yourself.

All of our BasicGear Cast Nets come with a free utility box where you can store your net to keep it clean and tidy.

If you've never thrown a cast net before, we recommend starting with one of our Easy Throw Series nets. These nets have a built-in ring that makes it possible to throw a full, round open net with very little practice — no shoulder-bite technique required. For radius size, start with a 6 ft net. It's large enough to catch a good amount of bait but light enough to handle easily while you're learning the motion. Pair it with 3/8" or 1/2" mesh for maximum versatility. Once you've mastered the basics, you can graduate to an 8–10 ft net in the Consumer or Commercial Series for more serious bait-catching.

The most common technique for throwing a standard cast net is called the shoulder-bite or armpit method. Here's a simplified breakdown: 1. Coil the horn line around your throwing hand (3–4 loops). 2. Hold the net about halfway down with your other hand, letting the lead line hang. 3. Grab about one-third of the net with your throwing hand and place it in your mouth or on your shoulder to keep it spread. 4. Swing the net in a smooth, low arc and release with a full rotation of your hips and shoulders. 5. Follow through with your arm fully extended so the net opens into a complete circle. The key to a good throw is smooth rotation and releasing at the right moment — not brute force. Watch our full step-by-step video tutorials on the How To Throw page for a visual breakdown.

Yes — cast net rules vary significantly by state and sometimes by specific body of water. Common regulations include: - Restrictions on net radius or total net size - Prohibited species (some states don't allow cast netting for certain fish) - Freshwater vs. saltwater restrictions (cast nets are banned in some freshwater areas) - Season-based rules in certain regions Always check with your state's fish and wildlife agency before heading out. A quick way to find your local regulations is to visit the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service site at fws.gov or search for your state's game and fish commission. BasicGear also links to this resource on the Find Your Net page.

Proper rinsing after every use is the single most important thing you can do to extend the life of your cast net. After saltwater use: Rinse your net thoroughly with fresh water as soon as possible after fishing. Salt crystals are abrasive and will accelerate wear on the mesh and lead line if left to dry. After freshwater use: A fresh water rinse is still recommended to remove any mud, algae, or debris. How to rinse: Stretch the net out fully (or hang it) and run fresh water through all sections. Pay special attention to the lead line and horn knot area where debris tends to collect. Drying: Always allow your net to dry completely before storing. Never store a wet net in a sealed bag or bucket — this causes mildew and accelerates material breakdown.

Storage has a big impact on how long your net lasts. Follow these tips to get the most out of your BasicGear cast net: 1. Always dry completely before storing — moisture causes mildew and weakens the mesh over time. 2. Store loosely coiled or hanging — avoid tight compression which can crease and weaken the mesh fibers. 3. Keep out of direct sunlight when not in use — prolonged UV exposure breaks down monofilament and nylon over time. 4. Store in a cool, dry place — avoid leaving your net in a hot car trunk or exposed to extreme heat. 5. Avoid storing near sharp objects or rough surfaces that could snag or cut the mesh. A mesh bag or a loose bucket are both fine for storage, as long as the net is fully dry first.