Cast net advice..

[bulletbob]

Is a cheap cast/throw net ok for bunker/ peanut bunker?... I have no live well, and am not worried about "live bait".. Just want fresh dead peanuts on ice for fluke fishing that don't stink and rot away to nothing as soon as they thaw out like the frozen ones do.. I see them on ebay for about $30 made/imported by south Bend.

Something like this ok for a few dozen peanuts near the harbors?/... Never used one, but would like to start instead of spending $25 on half rotten frozen bait when I go for fluke on my own boat.. bob

[Jigman13]

Should be fine for peanuts to 6" baits. I don't think I'd throw a cheap one at adults though. May not hold up if you bite off more than you can chew.

[bulletbob]

Should be fine for peanuts to 6" baits. I don't think I'd throw a cheap one at adults though. May not hold up if you bite off more than you can chew.

If I get the chance to do any run and gun striper fishing this year, with full size bunker, I would snag as I go.. More concerned about getting fresh peanuts for fluke.. Whats the learning curve to using this type of net?... I am fairly well coordinated, and not spastic, but I AM soon to be 63, and not as fit as i was 25 years ago.. will I be making a tangled mess first few casts?... bob

[Jigman13]

I'm no expert AT ALL. But there are YouTube how tos. I used to practice throwing around an old car tire from a slightly elevated surface. It amazes me how some guys throw the big nets. Def an admirable skill set.

[swcody13]

There are plenty of YouTube videos you can watch before trying it out.... make sure you watch videos using a similar size net. Trying to throw a 6 foot net with the technique a 10 foot net requires may not go well.

That being said, there are several different techniques used to get the same result; you'll find one that works for you and it shouldn't take more than 15 minutes to get it consistently. I always practice right on the lawn every early spring as a refresher.

I definitely would watch some videos before trying though, if it is totally new to you...:D

[bulletbob]

Thanks guys.. I will get the net and then practice.. I have some creeks around here to get freshwater bait as well.. its a fortune up here for minnows ....bob

[Gerry Zagorski]

If you want a net specifically for adult bunker, there are 2 things you need to look for. It needs to have a minimum of 1 inch mesh and 15 pounds of weight. The combination of the larger mesh and heavier weight allows it to sink faster.

You need this for adult bunker since they move a lot faster then peanuts and they are usually in deeper water.

[bulletbob]

If you want a net specifically for adult bunker, there are 2 things you need to look for. It needs to have a minimum of 1 inch mesh and 15 pounds of weight. The combination of the larger mesh and heavier weight allows it to sink faster.

You need this for adult bunker since they move a lot faster then peanuts and they are usually in deeper water.

No Gerry, more interested in "fluke size" bait than adult bunker... If i get a chance this spring/early summer to fish bunker for stripers, I would just snag and drop.. I am not set up to keep big bunker alive... bob

[hammer4reel]

I dont like throwing a full size net for peanuts because you catch WAY more than you need in one throw.
If your not sure your going to get a net to open, the fitec 5 0r 6 foot with the throw ring is hard to beat.
A throw or two and you have all you will need for a day of fishing.
they throw super easy, and store in a small bucket
and can be thrown in much tighter areas than a 10 footer

[Irish Jigger]

Percy nets in NY. He won't let you leave his yard til you can throw it perfectly!!!! High quality as well!!!

[SaltLife1980]

I am in no way amazing at throwing the net but i watched the YouTube videos a few times and picked it up pretty quick.

[hammer4reel]

Just chuck it

http://i773.photobucket.com/albums/yy12/reelmusic/castnet_zps0d0f90e8.jpg (http://s773.photobucket.com/user/reelmusic/media/castnet_zps0d0f90e8.jpg.html)

[Super]

Here’s my $.02.

Start with a small casting net and practice in your yard on the grass. You’ll get the hang of it after a while.

Don’t get a big net until you can cast a small net.

If you’re after small or skinny baitfish like sand eels and spearing, don’t get a net with big spaces.

Learn to cast holding the net with your teeth. Gross, perhaps…But it’s easy and works all the time.

Ditch the tub they come in and use a bucket.

[Dclark2]

If your throwing for peanuts watch what you bring up. You may have small blues in with the mix, which have a limit. Look for the guys in the GREEN jackets. Could be costly mistake.

[Gerry Zagorski]

I dont like throwing a full size net for peanuts because you catch WAY more than you need in one throw.
If your not sure your going to get a net to open, the fitec 5 0r 6 foot with the throw ring is hard to beat.
A throw or two and you have all you will need for a day of fishing.
they throw super easy, and store in a small bucket
and can be thrown in much tighter areas than a 10 footer

A friend has one of the nets Dan mentions with the trow ring and it's almost fool proof as it creates the motion needed to open the net.

The whole trick in throwing a net without the throw ring is creating the enough centrifugal force to make the net open... You simply don't throw the net, you wind up like you would to throw a Frisbee, across you body creating that same centrifugal force...

Stand sideways extend your arms to one side of your body to wind up. Now you come across you body flicking you wrists in the process, let go and that creates the motion needed to open the net...

There are a lot of different methods to fold, load up and get the net ready to throw, find one that works for you... The most important part is getting that motion to get the net to open. Think Frisbee....

[ALS Mako]

Is a cheap cast/throw net ok for bunker/ peanut bunker?... I have no live well, and am not worried about "live bait".. Just want fresh dead peanuts on ice for fluke fishing that don't stink and rot away to nothing as soon as they thaw out like the frozen ones do.. I see them on ebay for about $30 made/imported by south Bend.

Something like this ok for a few dozen peanuts near the harbors?/... Never used one, but would like to start instead of spending $25 on half rotten frozen bait when I go for fluke on my own boat.. bob

Bob you can keep the peanuts alive in a bucket with a bubbler. Can find bubblers in walmart for less than $20. Should be able to keep about 2 dozen alive in a 5 gal bucket. Just freshen up the water when it gets all scummy. Been doing this for years on partyboats.