Fishing Tips & Guides

From the water.

Practical guides on cast net technique, gear selection, and fishing skills — written for anglers who fish, not for the algorithm.

"Throw net," "cast net," "drag net," "seine net" — the terminology sorted out — BasicGear guide
Gear GuidesCast NetsSeine Nets

Cast Net vs. Throw Net vs. Drag Net: What's the Difference?

"Throw net," "cast net," "drag net," "seine net" — the terminology sorted out. What each term actually means, where they overlap, and which one you're actually looking for.

July 16, 20265 min read
A netted school of bait is only useful if it survives the trip to the livewell — BasicGear guide
How-To GuidesLive BaitBaitwell

How to Keep Bait Alive After Netting It

A netted school of bait is only useful if it survives the trip to the livewell. Aeration, water changes, stocking density, and gentle handling basics for keeping live bait healthy.

July 16, 20265 min read
The right radius, mesh, and expectations for anglers throwing their first cast net — why a small-radius Basic Series is the right starting point, and what th…
Gear GuidesCast NetsBeginner Guide

Best Cast Net for Beginners

The right radius, mesh, and expectations for anglers throwing their first cast net — why a small-radius Basic Series is the right starting point, and what the learning curve actually looks like.

July 16, 20266 min read
Zinc iron and pure lead cast net sinkers sink at different rates, weigh differently per foot, and cost differently — BasicGear guide
Gear GuidesCast NetsBuying Guide

Zinc Iron vs. Lead Cast Net Sinkers

Zinc iron and pure lead cast net sinkers sink at different rates, weigh differently per foot, and cost differently. A spec-by-spec comparison, plus the PVC-coated option for boats.

July 16, 20265 min read
Cast net regulations vary by state — size caps, mesh minimums, species limits, water-type rules, and licensing — BasicGear guide
Gear GuidesCast NetsRegulations

Are Cast Nets Legal in Your State? How to Check

Cast net regulations vary by state — size caps, mesh minimums, species limits, water-type rules, and licensing. What to check, how to verify it with your state's actual agency, and where to look.

July 16, 20265 min read
The definitive quick reference: radius vs — BasicGear guide
Gear GuidesCast NetsSizing

Cast Net Size Chart: Radius, Diameter & Mesh Explained

The definitive quick reference: radius vs. diameter explained, a radius-by-radius breakdown from 3–12 ft, mesh sizes from 1/4" to 5/8", and weight per foot across the BasicGear lineup.

July 16, 20266 min read
A complete buyer's guide to catching your own live bait — mesh size, radius, and sinker weight explained, plus series recommendations for mullet, shrimp, sha…
Gear GuidesCast NetsBuying Guide

Best Cast Net for Live Bait: A Complete Buyer's Guide

A complete buyer's guide to catching your own live bait — mesh size, radius, and sinker weight explained, plus series recommendations for mullet, shrimp, shad, and small baitfish.

July 14, 20268 min read
Shad and glass minnows aren't the same target — using the wrong mesh means bait swims straight through — BasicGear guide
Species GuidesShadCast Nets

Best Cast Net for Shad and Small Bait

Shad and glass minnows aren't the same target — using the wrong mesh means bait swims straight through. A mesh-by-mesh breakdown with BasicGear series recommendations.

July 14, 20266 min read
Shrimp jump the instant they feel disturbed water — BasicGear guide
Species GuidesShrimpCast Nets

Best Cast Net for Shrimp

Shrimp jump the instant they feel disturbed water. Fine mesh, a fast-sinking net, and smaller radius throws that actually connect — with specific series and size recommendations.

July 14, 20265 min read
Mullet school tight and scatter fast — BasicGear guide
Species GuidesMulletCast Nets

Best Cast Net for Mullet

Mullet school tight and scatter fast. The mesh, radius, and sinker weight that actually work — with specific BasicGear series recommendations for finger mullet through open-water schools.

July 14, 20266 min read
How to choose fishing gear that lasts — rods, reels, line, hooks, and nets — plus the 90/10 rule and the maintenance habits that actually extend equipment li…
Gear GuidesGearMaintenance

Durable Fishing Gear: How to Choose and Maintain Tools That Last

How to choose fishing gear that lasts — rods, reels, line, hooks, and nets — plus the 90/10 rule and the maintenance habits that actually extend equipment life.

July 8, 20265 min read
Finding a quality cast net online without overpaying: sizing and mesh basics, a buyer's checklist for evaluating sellers, and the maintenance habits that pro…
Gear GuidesCast NetsBuying Guide

How to Buy a Cast Net Online: Sizing, Mesh & Budget Tips

Finding a quality cast net online without overpaying: sizing and mesh basics, a buyer's checklist for evaluating sellers, and the maintenance habits that protect your investment.

July 8, 20265 min read
Pancake and standard cast nets use different sinker systems, sink at different rates, and open differently — BasicGear guide
Gear GuidesCast NetsPancake Series

Pancake Cast Net vs. Standard Cast Net: What's the Real Difference?

Pancake and standard cast nets use different sinker systems, sink at different rates, and open differently. A spec-by-spec breakdown of who actually needs which one.

July 8, 20266 min read
Cast nets and seine nets solve different problems — BasicGear guide
Gear GuidesCast NetsSeine Nets

Cast Net vs. Seine Net: Which One Do You Need?

Cast nets and seine nets solve different problems. A real comparison of how each is deployed, radius/length ranges, mesh options, and which one fits your fishing style.

July 8, 20267 min read
Cast net sizing is confusing — radius vs diameter, mesh size, sinker weight — BasicGear guide
Gear GuidesCast NetsBuying Guide

How to Choose the Right Cast Net Size

Cast net sizing is confusing — radius vs diameter, mesh size, sinker weight. This guide explains it all so you can pick the right net for your fish, your spot, and your experience level.

June 20, 20266 min read
Learn how to throw a cast net correctly — from coiling the line to the full throw — BasicGear guide
How-To GuidesCast NetsTechnique

How to Throw a Cast Net: A Step-by-Step Guide

Learn how to throw a cast net correctly — from coiling the line to the full throw. Covers right-handed and left-handed technique, common mistakes, and tips for different environments.

June 15, 20268 min read
Starting a fishing journey can be exciting and rewarding — BasicGear guide
Gear GuidesGearBeginner Guide

Top Fishing Gear Recommendations for Beginners

Starting a fishing journey can be exciting and rewarding. This guide breaks down essential fishing equipment — rods, reels, tackle, and accessories — to help beginners get started with confidence.

March 9, 20264 min read
Learning to throw a cast net effectively is a valuable skill for any angler — BasicGear guide
How-To GuidesCast NetsTechnique

Mastering Cast Net Throwing Skills: A Step-by-Step Guide

Learning to throw a cast net effectively is a valuable skill for any angler. This guide covers everything from choosing the right net to the actual throwing technique, ensuring you gain confidence and precision.

March 5, 20264 min read
Cast nets can wear out or get damaged over time — BasicGear guide
How-To GuidesCast NetsMaintenance

Cast Net Repair Methods: Fixing Your Cast Net — A Complete Guide

Cast nets can wear out or get damaged over time. Knowing how to fix your cast net can save you money and keep you fishing longer — common problems, practical fixes, and maintenance tips.

March 4, 20264 min read
Mullet are one of the most popular live baits for inshore and nearshore fishing — BasicGear guide
Species GuidesMulletCast Nets

How to Choose the Right Cast Net for Mullet Fishing

Mullet are one of the most popular live baits for inshore and nearshore fishing. Catching them consistently with a cast net takes the right gear and the right approach — here's exactly how to set yourself up for success.

February 12, 20262 min read
If you're catching bait professionally, guiding clients, or fishing hard enough that a consumer net wears out in a season, it's time to look at commercial-gr…
Gear GuidesCast NetsBuying Guide

Commercial Cast Nets: What Serious Anglers Need to Know

If you're catching bait professionally, guiding clients, or fishing hard enough that a consumer net wears out in a season, it's time to look at commercial-grade cast nets. What separates them from standard nets.

February 12, 20262 min read
A cast net is an investment — it can last years with proper care, or deteriorate quickly without it — BasicGear guide
How-To GuidesCast NetsMaintenance

How to Clean a Cast Net (And Make It Last for Years)

A cast net is an investment — it can last years with proper care, or deteriorate quickly without it. The single biggest factor? Cleaning. The complete guide to cleaning your cast net after every trip.

February 12, 20263 min read
Seine nets are one of the most effective tools for catching large quantities of baitfish in shallow water — BasicGear guide
How-To GuidesSeine NetsTechnique

How to Use a Seine Net: The Complete Guide

Seine nets are one of the most effective tools for catching large quantities of baitfish in shallow water. Everything you need to know to work one effectively — solo or with a partner.

February 12, 20262 min read
Crabbing combines relaxation with excitement — BasicGear guide
Fishing GuidesCrab TrapsCrabbing

Have You Tried Using Crab Traps? Find Out How They Can Change Your Crabbing Game!

Crabbing combines relaxation with excitement. If you're still using simple nets or your hands, it might be time to rethink your strategy — crab traps can revolutionize the way you catch crabs.

January 28, 20253 min read
A quality cast net can be the game changer between a rewarding day on the water and coming home empty-handed — BasicGear guide
Fishing GuidesCast NetsPro

Unveiling the Expert Craftsmanship: The Professional Series of Cast Nets

A quality cast net can be the game changer between a rewarding day on the water and coming home empty-handed. The unique aspects that elevate the professional-grade series, for newbies and experienced pros alike.

January 28, 20252 min read
The Cast Nets Sport Series is designed for anglers looking to improve their fishing success — BasicGear guide
Fishing GuidesCast NetsSport Series

Cast Nets Sport Series: An In-Depth Guide to Casting Success

The Cast Nets Sport Series is designed for anglers looking to improve their fishing success. The features, benefits, and practical tips for using cast nets effectively.

January 28, 20253 min read