4 Mistakes That Will Ruin Your Cast Net (And What To Do Instead)

You just invested in a nice cast net…
It wasn’t cheap, so you’re hoping to make it last as long as possible.
But how do you that?
That’s exactly what you’re going to learn in this video.
I’ve had one of my cast nets for over 20 years now and by taking good care of it, it’s nearly as good as new.
I’ll show you:
- the 4 mistakes to avoid with your cast net
- where to store it so it lasts as long as possible
- how to clean it after you use it
- how to make sure the rope doesn’t get all frayed
- and much more
If you want to make sure your cast net lasts a long time, check out the video below.
Do you have any other tips for making casts nets last a long time?
Let me know in the comments below.
If you need a new cast net, you can get them from our online tackle store here: bit.ly/3fLCoLO
And if you’re an Insider, you get 20% off all the products in our store for life.
Click here to join us in the Insider Club: bit.ly/2AieY03
To try out a pack of Slam Shady paddletails for FREE, click here: bit.ly/3dH3lyb

[@Saltstrong]

To get our best fishing spots and tips, plus 20% off our online store, click here to join us in the Insider Club: bit.ly/2AieY03

[@pnwpaddler]

Appreciate the tips, especially the FA did softener. Will say, I disagree a little about the lid. It's important. Just drill a bunch of 3/8" holes in the top to allow air to vent it....but still have the lid on to protect from sun etc... I mean wading boots on top is classic though😂🍻

[@miamifishingpipo]

Excellent advise . That’s the way I take care of my nets . Tight lines

[@normbeauchamp7224]

Nice instructional video. I do everything you said not to do. It's time to change it up.

[@JerseyMiller]

Good look Salty. I just got my first cast net and don't have anyone to teach me about it so you are a great resource.

[@SFCPuck]

I keep my nets in fabric bags, like sports bags, laundry bags, etc, and then drop them all into a milk crate. This keeps them dry with no effort. I don't even hang them before packing. On another video, can you talk about repairs, brails, lead rope, and mesh?

[@MBwelding]

I like the fabric softener trick I always fight a new net trying to break it in then just flush it in fresh water and hand to dry I have a new net that I’ve used once totally going to soften it up thanks a ton guys again your making my fishing life easier glad I joined your club

[@jelly_fishing]

Great tip - thanks just got a net for a gift - perfect timing

[@willmartin4477]

awesome thanks. great stuff

[@kevinh3356]

Good stuff , thanks

[@thecatfishadventure]

thanks for the advice, soaked my net last night and it is much better. I am just starting a KZbin channel so thanks for the tips on my net, hopefully I will do well in throwing it now.

[@ajmobilemastertechniciannu9427]

Nice video . Great tip, for how long do I leave my new net in the bucket with fabric softener ?

[@CatchingwithKyle]

I’ve had my cast net since I was a kid and I have not cared for it as well as you and it got very stiff and has some holes in it now lol I’ll get a new one eventually and will care for it better after watching this

[@tomterrific2018]

Do you rise the net after you soak in the fabric softener or just let dry ?

[@EM-gr1ps]

Is the fabric softener effective on monofilament nets?

[@barneyewing2664]

Mesh side down. Brilliant!

[@paulblanchard7123]

That was very informative. When I was in my early 20’s. I was given a little 4 feet made of nylon. I had it for around 20 yrs. Until I cast it in an area I wasn’t familiar with the bottom it got snagged and tore it up. I sure miss that net. Note: Make sure you know where you are cast netting.

[@Saltstrong]

Thanks for sharing!

[@troywalther9187]

Does it matter how long you let it soak in the fabric softener after a use?

[@flippindocks8183]

Questions: 1. When you get home with a slimy, nasty net, how do you clean it? 2. Once you soak a net in Downy, do you rinse it and store it? or catch bait with it full of fabric softener?

[@Rico11b]

I use downy/water mix as well. I fill my bucket with the downy/water mix and put the net just like you did. I put the lid on once I know that none of the net is sticking up out of the mix. And I leave it that way between uses. I've had the same net for 4 years now, while storing it in the downy/water mix when not in use. I rinse it out and take it with me on the boat. At the end of the day it goes back in the downy/water mix for storage.

[@Saltstrong]

Thanks for the info!

[@tarunkurkal326]

I orderd a pack of slam shady paddletails, and i want to know how long it should take to come. i live in austin tx

[@Saltstrong]

It should take no more than 1 week for the Slam Shady paddletails to get to you. If it somehow goes longer than that, send an email to [e-mail] and our customer service team will track it down to see why it's taking so long.

[@carsonwipf4173]

A good way to patch holes in your net is to use small zip ties and cut and burn the tag ends.

[@treasurecoastanglers1003]

Wouldn't that cause snags like crazy when throwing it?

[@irbaboonto]

Only way to patch a cast net is the right way

[@wd4269]

Also for momemtary repair use mesa bags from oranges and such.

[@aubreyowen5146]

I have a Tim Wade cast net and I want to get the most out of it due to its cost

[@alabamasmokeywilson6818]

Great Videos great tips. I can't throw a 12 foot. But I can make my 6 ft last.

[@frankforsberg3908]

How about tips for repairing a ripped cast net. I caught a small shark in my new cast net, sewed it up with fishing line but want to know if there’s a better method.

[@alabamasmokeywilson6818]

@@frankforsberg3908 I guess that's what I would have to do .now u got me worried about catching a turtle in mine

[@davidbalderston2751]

You should be able to purchase a new 5-gallon pail with a lid at a paint store such as Sherwin Williams for around $5.

[@floridaman3043]

Keep up the good work guys these videos are great.

[@genesisnkaidence8519]

I’m assuming braid cast nets are more suited for fabric softener ? Because monofilament doesn’t make sense

[@hawaiianisles7022]

I made my nets using monofilament and after I give them the fabric softener treatment I can really feel the difference... Soft and pliable net.

[@richardlovas9541]

Funny I had this discussion with Tim Wade and he said never use fabric softener on your net. And Two other custom cast net builders. It can make a monofilament knot slip. I used to do it before talking to Tim and others FYI.

[@Saltstrong]

Thanks for the comment!

[@10sevenfishing22]

Black pearl also reccomends not using fabric softner

[@hawaiianisles7022]

Net maker here... I use fabric softener then hang net with weights off the ground to dry so weights will pull knots tighter. No problems with knot slippage.

[@zacarias5443]

como la guardas ?

[@tellrich29]

What’s a good starter cast net to buy.

[@Saltstrong]

Thank you for your question! We have a massive library of fishing tips on our website along with a search feature to let you quickly filter down to find help you're looking for, so just go to www.saltstrong.com/ and use the Search feature in the top menu. Note: If you don't see the exact answer you're looking for, just leave a comment in the post that most closely matches up with your search and one of our coaches will respond to your question... our coaches only make time to answer questions that get submitted to our website.

[@THE5HP_KID]

Can u use hair conditioner or will it wreck your net?

[@Saltstrong]

Thank you for your question! We have a massive library of fishing tips on our website along with a search feature to let you quickly filter down to find help you're looking for, so just go to www.saltstrong.com/ and use the Search feature in the top menu. Note: If you don't see the exact answer you're looking for, just leave a comment in the post that most closely matches up with your search and one of our coaches will respond to your question... our coaches only make time to answer questions that get submitted to our website.

[@roon1355]

baby you throw it so good!

[@nickruch665]

Great vid and first

[@Saltstrong]

Thanks Nick!

[@rodolfomanuel8359]

I have one of those Black Pearl Cast net, 8 ft 3 /4 mess it's awesome! It opens up very nice Everytime!

[@Saltstrong]

Thanks for sharing!

[@JayJay3Fifty7]

I used to keep everything in the garage...now I have to bring my nets and my big bag of monofilament in the house.

[@treasurecoastanglers1003]

I use snuggle. 😂 Fight me.

[@txdocprich_8404]

Had no idea

[@Saltstrong]

Thanks for making time to leave the nice comment.

[@dudeonacow9917]

What type of net is that 20 year old net?

[@syafriyantosyafri686]

ambil aj smua apo main stn2.ambil jo

[@kennallmond52]

I watched this right after I washed it with Dawn 😂😂😂

[@dh3940]

Just put it in fabric softener every time is gets shitty feeling😂

[@damo7771]

-"Don't store with the lid on" -*Proceeds to store with the lid on*

[@derpherpp]

20 yr old net and still looking like new, that’s the sign u didn’t fish at all

[@Saltstrong]

We don't use it everyday but we do make sure to take great care of our equipment.

[@jebjr100]

And rats love to eat them!

[@Saltstrong]

Yep!

[@syafriyantosyafri686]

jgn main dukun2 lg tu ambil chip..

[@Clavijo_561]

Don't throw the net in fresh water ir murky water. Not worth it

[@Saltstrong]

Thanks for the feedback!

[@asfcharters1]

Never ever use fabric softener on you net. Makes the knots slip and get the net out of shape,I keep my nets wet with cover on they never dry out ,my custom nets cost 280 to. 360$$ Tired of seeing hacks like this guy giving fake news he has no clue. I throw big expensive nets for a big living . Dont do it

[@Saltstrong]

Thanks for the feedback

[@1ingigo2]

Well......Q: How Do I Care for and Extend the Life of my Cast Net? Prior to using your net, let it soak overnight in a solution of freshwater and fabric softener. This will soften and lubricate the monofilament netting and braille lines, and it will relax the netting from tight packing. Inspect your net before every use, mending any cuts or tears. Rinse your net with freshwater and hang until the lead-line is completely dry. Do not use any chemicals to clean your net. Never hang your net with the lead-line off the ground. This will tighten the knots and will remove the “broken-in” feel. Store your net in a cool, dry environment. Never expose it to the sun for extended periods because sunlight is harmful to the monofilament. Using your net in areas of reefs, rocks, or other submerged objects could lessen the life of your net. Avoid these areas if possible.

[@asfcharters1]

@@1ingigo2 the above is all lies put your net in fabric softener and ruin them for good. I have been cast netting in my business commercial fishing for over 25 years. I use very expensive ($280 each)quality nets was told explicitly by my net maker never ever use fabric softener it will make the knots slip. So go ahead and listen to All the hacks here most who know jack squat about anything. Once in a blue moon I put a couple of drops of dawn in a 5g bucket and soak it overnight .my nets never get dry they stay in water out of the sun all eight that I keep on the boat.Covered no sunlight gets to them . UV will ruin your net faster than anything.

[@dirt08081]

That’s the worst thing you could ever do to your cast net. Fabric softener is terrible on castanet. It softens the all the knots. You shouldn’t give out bad information on KZbin

[@attoutdoors382]

I disagree. My net has been in great condition ever since I saw the video