A Beginner's Guide on How to Choose a Cast Net for Tampa Bay

What's up, guys? It’s been a while since our last video, but we’re back! The holidays, birthdays, and even some crazy Florida snow had us taking a short break. But now, with spring just around the corner, it’s time to start prepping for the upcoming fishing season. And what better way to do that than by talking about cast nets?

Right now, many anglers are using artificial lures, live shrimp, and dead shrimp while dealing with cold weather. We’re running nearshore trips when the weather allows, but let’s be real – it’s not going to stay cold forever. When the water temperature rises, nothing will replace live bait. And to catch live bait, you need the right cast net.

Many anglers struggle with catching bait, even when they see it in the water. Nine times out of ten, the issue isn’t their throw—it’s that they’re using the wrong net. Choosing the right cast net is 90% of the battle. The other 10%? Finding the bait.

Let’s break down what you need to know when selecting a cast net.

It’s tempting to grab the biggest net possible and throw like a pro. But if you’re struggling to open a 12- or 14-foot net, you’re just wasting energy. A well-thrown 10-footer will outfish a poorly thrown 14-footer every time. Find a net that you can throw comfortably and efficiently.

The location of the bait will dictate the best net to use:

• Deep Water (Bridges, Markers, Off the Beach) – You need a net that sinks fast to reach bait before it swims away.

• Shallow Water (Flats) – A lighter net works best to avoid dragging grass and unwanted debris into your boat.

The mesh size determines how quickly your net sinks:

• 3/8 Inch Mesh – Sinks faster, great for deeper water and spooky baitfish.

• 1/4 Inch Mesh – Smaller holes, ideal for catching fry bait in the summer without gilling them.

For deeper water, a heavier net (1.4 lbs per foot or more) will get you the best results. On the flats, a 1.1 lbs per foot net prevents excessive grass collection and makes for an easier clean-up.

• For Deep Water & Faster Sink Rate:

• 10ft, 3/8-inch mesh, 1.4 lbs per foot (Ideal for deep bridge and marker fishing)

• 12ft, 3/8-inch mesh, 1.8 lbs per foot (For serious bait-catching with fast sink rates)

• For Flats & Shallow Water:

• 12ft, 1/4-inch mesh, 1.1 lbs per foot (Lighter for easy throwing and minimal grass collection)

We use and recommend Dropout Cast Nets because they offer the best quality and performance. They have nets for every application, and if you’re unsure which one to get, we can help you choose the right one.

One of the coolest things about Dropout Cast Nets is their 50% Lifetime Warranty. If your net gets damaged (even if you throw it into a tree by accident), you can get a replacement for half the original cost. That’s an insane deal and makes investing in a quality net a no-brainer.

The bite is about to heat up. Kingfish will be off the beaches, Tarpon will be rolling through, the Snook will start crushing bait, and Redfish will be showing up strong. Make sure you have the right cast net to load up on live bait and maximize your success on the water or you can book a charter with Badfish Charters Tampa.

If you need help selecting the right cast net, reach out to us or check out Dropout Cast Nets’ website. Get your gear ready, and let’s go fishing!