I told myself I would be able to cast a net by the end of this year. That is one tool, among many, I just don’t have in my personal fishing toolbox.
I admire people who can throw a cast net with ease. There is one kid whose family has a condo in the same building we do and he can really sling it. I’ll admit, I have been known to offer him cash in exchange for the bait he catches. I know he has to think, “Why can’t you just go catch your own bait, mister?” It’s like he knows he is negotiating with leverage on me, so I’ll politely ask him to just take my money and give me the baitfish.
When I can throw a cast net, I will also be able to load up on some great offshore baits in addition to just pinfish. Mullet and finger mullet are a delicacy for offshore and pelagic fish and about the only way to get them in the live well is to catch them with your cast net.
Private docks and piers are a great place to hunt for baitfish with a cast net. Be careful not to hit dock lights with your net as the weights can break the light cover or the bulbs, and also tangle and damage your net. Either way, someone is going to be upset. Perdido Pass is also another good spot, but if the current is strong, you’ll need a bigger net to sink more quickly.
Live bait always tilts the odds in your favor when heading offshore. If you can already throw a cast net, surely you take advantage of this. If you need to learn, like I do, it will be a worthwhile investment of time. I also figure by learning to become proficient with a cast net it will save me money. No longer will I have to bribe that little kid on the dock. Yes, I will catch my own bait, Junior. This is the year.