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By BRENT GASKILL
© St. Petersburg Times, published February 3, 2001
Throwing a cast net is essential for inshore live baiters. Yet the number of anglers who rely solely on shrimp for live bait is surprising.
Having a well full of white bait or threadfin minnows will dramatically improve anyone's catch. A cast net is the best way to get the job done.
A net of 8-10 feet with a 3/8-inch mesh is best for general inshore live baiting. Nets smaller than 8 feet don't give adequate coverage, and nets larger than 10 feet are too cumbersome on small, inshore boats.
Learning to throw a cast net can be done in the backyard, on dry ground. Find a method that is comfortable. By throwing on land, you can analyze how the net opened and make subtle adjustments until the desired circle is achieved. Let the momentum of the net carry it up, out and open. Usually, technique will outperform muscle. I still use the lead line in my mouth, over-the-shoulder technique my father taught me as a kid for throwing mullet nets.
All cast nets do not open the same. There is a big difference between an inexpensive import and a custom-made net. A net tied with pie-shaped panels will open fully when thrown properly. These are a little more expensive, but well worth the money.
Adding a cast net to your arsenal will improve your fishing so much you will wonder how you survived without one.
-- Brent Gaskill charters the Summer Vacation. Call (727) 867-1751.