throw net

[john]

Wanting to get new throw net the 12 foot one i have is worn out. I have read about the taped nets anyone have experience with these. What size mesh. I catch mostly elwives.

[herringbone]

I purchased a taped net at the start of this year. I got an 8 ft with 1 1/4 lbs per ft with 5/8” mesh. Works really well in deep water and the bait hugging the bottom. I’ve caught bait that was hugging the bottom in 25-40 fow. The bigger mesh allows the small ones to pass thru so you only catch what you’re wanting. 5/8” mesh will get you 5” bait and up. The taped nets have their purposes. Non taped nets work best when bait is shallower in the water column or working the surface.
Note: Taped nets are a beast to pull up from deep depths.

[cmstower]

Tap net is good during the cold water months when the bait is deep, the rest of the time i just use a regular net, i just installed the new active target and its amazing to see how the shad react to the net. I was throwing on bait the other day in 15 to 20 fow and you could watch the shad swim out of the way. Switched to a 8 foot 1.5 5/8 mesh and they could still get out the way. From what I seen looked like 15 fow or less we could catch plenty of bait.

[ncsportfisher]

Agree with the above, the tape net works great when it’s colder.. the bait tend to be able to put run it when it gets warmer in my experience.

[bushwacker]

I always have a taped net in the boat. But like others have said it works best in the colder months when the bait is holding in 20+ foot of water. Not the water depth but where the bait is in the water column. I throw a 5/8" mesh 1.5lb when the bait is anywhere from 18' to 30' if its over 30' the 1.5lb will still work but it tends to start closing faster so I throw a 5/8" 1lb per foot. The 1lb per foot is sloooow but stays open deeper. I am always trying to catch the biggest bait I can so I use the 5/8" mesh. In your case with Ale's it that will make a mess gilling them. If your targeting Ale's around lights and docks I wouldn't go to a tape net. I would stick with a non tape in 10' 3/8" mesh, that would be good for 3-6" baits. Tape nets are great when you need them but a lot more strain to pull up and you will wear out faster pulling it up from 20-30'. I use all Fitec nets as I feel they are the best quality for the price. Here is a link to a good one for Ale's it's 1.5lb but they make the same one in 1lb too. castnets.com/product/gs1500-10510/