Need a castnet (Tampa area)

[LilRichard]

I want to say there was a member here who was making custom nets... or was that another site?

Either way, I am heading to the keys on Saturday and would like to grab a new net.  I was doing an inventory of items to take, and noticed my old net is about done...

If there is not someone here - anybody have an idea where to go?  Also, what is the going price for a decent 10' net?  I would most likely like a handmade (that's what I have had for as long as I can remember) with some heavy lead.

What are you guys throwing?

[slippery73]

Think my 10' cracker was $125 at bass pro a few years back, not sure what they run now. Any of the decent tackle shops in the area should have a few different nets, TA MAhoneys, bill jacksons, etc.

<!-- m -->http://www.calusa.com/thedifference.cfm<!-- m -->

[SnookNreds]

i've owned cracker and calusa's...the line gets ripped by the slightest piece of rock, barnacle blah blah..go to Mahoney's...they have some amazing hand made nets..expensive yes..but well worth the buy and look...strong line, weighted good to sink fast and opens like a charm..

[John Jones]

Short notice I would probably go to Betts or Mahoneys.

At the FS show this weekend 8' x 3/8 Cracker was $140, same in Calusa was $240 I think.

[John Jones]

If you make it all the way to Key Weird stop in Conchy Joes, ask for Rob  and tell him JohnnyB sent you.  He will tell you what's biting where as far as the lower keys go.

<!-- m -->http://www.conchyjoeskw.com/<!-- m -->

[LilRichard]

JJ - I was planning on it - thanks.

I have a charter booked (thanks to the wife - anniversary gift) with Steve Impallomeni - hoping to get to the Marquesas if the weather cooperates.  My uncle is going to take a few days off to fish while I am down there too - so that means we will have his big boat out for some reef fishing and trolling. 

Other than that, I will have his flats boat to myself in the mornings/afternoons - and that's where I will need some guidance.  I am PUMPED.

[Capt. Bob]

JJ -

 hoping to get to the Marquesas if the weather cooperates. 

March can be a tough time down there. I preferred June myself.

I spent many a night with Capt. Andy Griffiths (sp) on the Ms.Audry Fleet(believe that was his mom's name). Never failed to catch way more fish than a man should be allowed.  Those days are long gone.

For me, there is nothing like flatlinin' for flag yellowtail under the brightest stars in the world. Loggerhead Key light flashing in the distance. A cold beer and close friends.
Man, I envy you.

Have a great time  <!-- s:D --><!-- s:D -->

[RickK]

I want to say there was a member here who was making custom nets... or was that another site?

Either way, I am heading to the keys on Saturday and would like to grab a new net.  I was doing an inventory of items to take, and noticed my old net is about done...

If there is not someone here - anybody have an idea where to go?  Also, what is the going price for a decent 10' net?  I would most likely like a handmade (that's what I have had for as long as I can remember) with some heavy lead.

What are you guys throwing?

You remembered right - there is a member from GA that made them and was rebuilding a 196 I think.  Wood stringers.  Haven't heard much from him in a while.

[LilRichard]

Bob - I agree, March is not ideal for weather, but the wife teaches and that is her spring break - so what can you do?  I have been keeping a close eye on the weather (and talking to my uncle) - looks like we might catch a break as long as we don't get another front.  The seas are settling down as we speak - and looking like 2-4 through the weekend.

Rick - wanted to make sure I was not loosing my mind on that one.  Now do you remember his name?

 <!-- s8) -->8)<!-- s8) -->

[John Jones]

Other than that, I will have his flats boat to myself in the mornings/afternoons - and that's where I will need some guidance.  I am PUMPED.

Rob is close to Capt Bill Welder as well as other inshore guides.  Rob can probably get you some good inshore info also.  Bill is a good guide and probably one of the nicest people I have ever met.
<!-- m -->http://www.captainbill.net/<!-- m -->

[RickK]

Rick - wanted to make sure I was not loosing my mind on that one.  Now do you remember his name?

 <!-- s8) -->8)<!-- s8) -->

Tim/GA and also a teacher.
http://curriecustomnets.com/

[LilRichard]

You da man!

[Bahi]

LilRichard...I never used nets for fishing, and it's not allowed for private boats like mine, in Qatar. If you are interested in fishing with nets, check the topic "Qatari Fishermen's trip" under "Chum".