Buying Guide

Cast net size guide

Q: Radius vs. diameter — which size is which?

Cast nets are sized by radius, the distance from the center horn to the lead line — not diameter. A 6 ft radius net opens to a 12 ft diameter circle, an 8 ft radius net opens to 16 ft, and a 10 ft radius net opens to 20 ft.

The most common question we get. Here's everything you need to pick the right size on the first try.

Radius vs. diameter — which size is which?

Cast nets are sized by radius.

When a net says "10 ft," that's the radius — the distance from the center horn to the lead line on one side. When fully open, the net forms a circle with a 20 ft diameter.

The takeaway:

A 6 ft net opens to a 12 ft circle. An 8 ft net opens to 16 ft. Most anglers think they need a bigger net than they do — a 6 ft covers more water than it sounds.

Some states cap cast nets by radius, others by diameter — and a handful specify a minimum or maximum mesh size too. See cast net regulations by state before you buy if you need to stay under a legal size limit.

What size cast net do I need?

Most anglers do best with a 5–6 ft radius net — enough coverage without requiring advanced throwing technique. Beginners and kids should start smaller; experienced casters can go bigger. Full breakdown by use case below.

Radius	Open Diameter	Best For	Experience	Note
3 ft	6 ft	Kids, kayaks, extremely tight spots	Beginner	Easiest to throw, smallest coverage
4–5 ft	8–10 ft	Beginners, kayaks, piers	Beginner	Good starter size — forgiving throw
5–6 ftMost popular	10–12 ft	Most freshwater anglers, wading	Intermediate	Best all-around size for most anglers
8 ft	16 ft	Saltwater, bridges, docks	Intermediate	Covers large bait schools efficiently
10 ft	20 ft	Experienced casters, open water	Experienced	Heavy — requires proper technique
12 ft	24 ft	Professional, commercial bait harvest	Expert	Very heavy — not for casual use

What mesh size do I need?

Use 3/8" mesh for most general-purpose bait fishing — it's the most versatile size. Smaller bait needs smaller mesh; the full breakdown is below.

1/4"(6 mm opening)

Very small bait: glass minnows, mud minnows, spearing, baby mullet

Fine mesh — more drag in the water, slower sink

3/8"(9.5 mm opening)Best choice

Most common: mullet, shad, menhaden, pilchards, shiners, croakers (small)

Best all-purpose mesh for most anglers

1/2"(12.7 mm opening)

Larger bait: spot, croaker, big mullet, mackerel

Faster sink rate — good for larger, faster fish

5/8"(16 mm opening)

Big bait: menhaden, jumbo mullet, threadfin shad

Very open mesh — small bait escapes immediately

By fishing scenario

Bass fishing from the bank

Targets shad, crawfish-size bait. Easy to manage alone.

6 ft radius, 3/8" mesh

Saltwater bridge fishing

Covers fast-moving schools of mullet and pogies under bridges.

8–10 ft radius, 3/8" or 1/2" mesh

Kayak fishing

Compact enough to manage from a seated position without tipping.

4–6 ft radius, 3/8" mesh

Trout fishing (live bait)

Fine mesh retains small glass minnows and finger mullet.

6 ft radius, 1/4" mesh

Boat with fiberglass hull

PVC-coated sinkers won't scratch the hull or gel coat.

Sports Series, any size

Deep water / strong current

Lead sinks faster — net gets to bait depth before current takes it.

Classic Series (lead sinkers), 8–10 ft radius

Children or beginners

Light enough to handle, forgiving to throw, still catches bait.

4–5 ft radius, 3/8" mesh

Still not sure which net is right for you?

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