Best Cast Net for Catching Live Bait in Saltwater

The Ultimate Guide to Choosing The Best Cast Net for Catching Live Bait in Saltwater

You're out on the water, the sun is just starting to warm the air, and you're surrounded by the sounds of the bay. You’ve got your rods rigged, your lures polished, and your boat in the perfect spot. There's just one thing missing: the bait. Sure, you could swing by the bait shop and buy a couple dozen shrimp or some live minnows. And there's nothing wrong with that. But there's a certain feeling of self-reliance, a kind of primal satisfaction that comes from catching your own live bait. It's the difference between buying dinner and hunting for it yourself. It’s a skill that has defined my life for 30 years in the fishing supply business, and there's no better tool for the job than a cast net.

A cast net isn't just a piece of gear; it's a ticket to a whole new world of fishing. Live bait is a game-changer, plain and simple. It's a scent trail, a live commotion, and a perfect imitation that no artificial lure can truly replicate. And a well-thrown cast net can provide you with more bait than you could ever buy. But if you’ve ever tried to throw a big, heavy net for the first time, you know it can feel like trying to hurl a giant, tangled jellyfish. It's an awkward, frustrating, and often wet experience. I’ve seen countless anglers walk into my store with a story of a failed cast, a net that landed in a hopeless pile, or a net that just didn't catch a single baitfish.

The secret to a great cast net isn't just in the technique; it's in the net itself. The right net is a combination of size, weight, mesh size, and quality of construction. A net that’s too heavy for you to throw will just end up in a frustrating mess. A mesh size that’s too large will let all the small baitfish escape. And a cheap, poorly constructed net can fall apart on you in a single season. My goal with this guide is to demystify the cast net for saltwater anglers. We'll break down the key features that truly matter, and I'll give you my expert reviews on seven of the best cast nets on the market today. We’re not just going to talk about nets; we're going to talk about a tool that will change the way you fish forever.

The Anatomy of a Great Cast Net

Before you go shopping, you need to understand the different parts of a cast net and what to look for in each one. It's like buying a car—you need to know the difference between a four-cylinder and a V8.

1. The Size (Radius): This is the most important consideration. The size of the net refers to its radius when it's fully open. A 6-foot net has a 6-foot radius and a 12-foot diameter. For a beginner, a 5- to 7-foot net is a perfect starting point. It’s light enough to be manageable, but large enough to catch a good amount of bait. As you get more experienced, you can move up to a 10- or 12-foot net, which can catch a huge amount of bait in a single cast.

2. The Weight (Weight per Foot): This is the weight of the lead line that runs along the perimeter of the net. The weight per foot is a huge factor in how the net sinks. For most saltwater applications, a weight of 1 pound to 1.5 pounds per foot is a good starting point. A heavier net sinks faster, which is a huge advantage in deeper water or when the baitfish are spooked and swimming fast. A lighter net is a lot easier to throw, which is a big plus for a beginner.

3. The Mesh Size: The mesh size is the size of the holes in the netting. It's a critical factor in determining what size of baitfish you'll be catching. For small baitfish like finger mullet and glass minnows, a 3/8-inch or 1/4-inch mesh is a great choice. For larger baitfish like pogies or menhaden, a larger mesh size (like 1/2-inch or 5/8-inch) is a better choice, as a smaller mesh will get snagged on the baitfish's gills.

4. The Braille Lines and Horn: The braille lines are the series of lines that run from the horn (the center of the net) to the lead line. The horn is where you connect the main throwing line. The quality of the braille lines and the horn are critical to how the net opens and closes. A good net will have a strong, durable horn and evenly spaced braille lines that ensure the net opens fully and closes tightly.

5. The Throwing Line (Leash): The throwing line is the rope that you hold onto and throw the net with. Look for a line that is long enough to throw the net a good distance and is made from a durable, non-slip material. A good line will have a secure loop at the end that you can slip over your wrist.

Product Reviews: My Top Picks for Cast Nets

I've thrown and sold a lot of cast nets over the years, and a few have stood out as being the absolute best for their performance, durability, and value. Here are seven of my top picks that will help you start catching your own live bait.

1. Betts Old Salt Premium Cast Net

• Price Range: $$50 - $$80

• Review: Betts is a legendary name in the cast net world, and the Old Salt series is a fantastic choice for the serious angler. It's made from a premium monofilament mesh that is soft and easy to throw, and it has a high-quality lead line that sinks quickly. What sets the Old Salt apart is the attention to detail. The net has a high-quality horn and evenly spaced braille lines that ensure it opens fully every time. It's a workhorse net that is built to last and will provide years of reliable service. For the beginner, a 6-foot, 3/8-inch mesh net is a perfect starting point.

2. Calusa Pro Cast Net

• Price Range: $$80 - $$120

• Review: The Calusa Pro is a premium, hand-made cast net that is a dream to throw. It's a little more expensive, but the quality is second to none. It's made from a very soft, high-quality monofilament that is incredibly easy to handle and won't get tangled easily. The net has a heavier weight per foot (1.5 lbs per foot), which makes it sink incredibly fast. This is a huge advantage when the bait is spooky. The net is designed to open to its full diameter with very little effort, which is a huge plus for a beginner. It's a fantastic choice for the angler who is serious about catching their own live bait and wants a net that will perform flawlessly.

3. Fitec Super Spreader Cast Net

• Price Range: $$40 - $$70

• Review: The Fitec Super Spreader is a great cast net that is designed to open easily, even for a beginner. The net has a unique design that is meant to help it spread out to its full diameter every time you throw it. It's made from a durable monofilament mesh and has a heavy lead line that sinks quickly. It also comes with a tutorial DVD and an instruction manual, which is a huge bonus for a beginner. The net is a great value for the price and is a perfect tool to help you master your cast.

4. Ohero Ultimate Cast Net

• Price Range: $$70 - $$100

• Review: The Ohero Ultimate Cast Net is a fantastic, all-around net that is built for performance. It's made from a premium, soft monofilament that is very easy to handle and won't get tangled easily. The net has a heavy weight per foot (1.5 lbs per foot) and a high-quality lead line that sinks incredibly fast. The net is also designed to open to its full diameter with very little effort, which is a huge plus for a beginner. It's a top-of-the-line net that will provide years of reliable service and help you catch a ton of live bait.

5. Betts Hi-Tide Cast Net

• Price Range: $$40 - $$60

• Review: The Betts Hi-Tide is a great, affordable cast net that is a perfect choice for a beginner. It's made from a durable monofilament mesh and has a simple, easy-to-throw design. It's a good all-purpose net that is great for catching a wide variety of baitfish, from small shrimp to larger mullet. While it may not have all the bells and whistles of a more expensive net, it gets the job done and is a fantastic value for the price.

6. Bait Caster Net Bucket

• Price Range: $$10 - $$15

• Review: This isn't a cast net itself, but it's a product that every cast net angler should have. A cast net bucket. A simple 5-gallon bucket with a handle is a fantastic tool for keeping your net organized and ready to throw. You can coil the net into the bucket, which prevents it from getting tangled. It's also a great way to carry your net to and from the water. It’s a simple, inexpensive accessory that will make your life a lot easier.

7. Bait Buster Collapsible Bait Bucket

• Price Range: $$20 - $$30

• Review: Once you've caught your bait, you need a place to keep it. The Bait Buster Collapsible Bait Bucket is a fantastic, portable solution. It's a small, collapsible bucket that has a built-in aerator. The bucket is designed to keep your bait alive and fresh all day long. It's a great tool for the angler who fishes from a kayak or a small boat, as it doesn't take up a lot of space and it's easy to store. It's a must-have for anyone who wants to fish with live bait.

The Payoff of a Perfectly Thrown Cast Net

A cast net is a skill that takes time and practice to master. You'll have some bad throws, some tangled messes, and some days where you don't catch a single baitfish. But with the right net and a little bit of patience, you'll be catching your own live bait in no time. The feeling of a perfectly thrown net, watching it open to its full diameter and land on a school of baitfish, is a feeling you’ll never forget.

So, go ahead and choose the net that's right for you. Get out there and practice. And when you've got a livewell full of your own bait, you'll know that you've earned every fish you catch. It's a skill that will change the way you fish forever.