What size cast net is optimal for Mendehan/Small Spot/other baitfish, but will allow me to still get minnows when needed? I was thinking 6ft with a 3/8 or 1/2 inch mesh. Thanks all.

3/8 is the way to go.

I do not even know what mine is, I personally do not think its a big deal.

6ft is plenty big enough.

As far as mesh, if bait is there you will catch it, but if you think your bait is the size that might slip out go with the smaller.

My biggest question is how to keep them alive after I catch them.

Ive caught menhaden and had them be dead as soon as I put them in the box.

3/8" will only catch the largest minnows. If you want minnows, use 1/4".

I carry two nets on my boat. One is a larger net (betts 5/8) for menhaden and larger bait. This is my quality net because those fish are quicker to get under a slow sinking net. Then I carry a walmart bought 1/4 incher for small flounder minnows and peanuts. the walmart net does fine for small fish in shallow water. If you only want one net, I would recomend getting one quality net in between these two sizes.

gotta have a betts

I just purchased my 1st cast net Sat. It has the 1/2 in. net spacing(7 ft.). I was told that this was to big. I do not plan on going after minnows , just menhaden. Is the net spacing to big ? I do'nt think that I would want any that could slip out of that
I have been trying to practice with this thing in my front yard in the evenings after work. The neighbors seem to find it entertaining.

I think it would be fine. A smaller net will sink slower and trap smaller fish that you dont want. If you just want menhaden, its a good choice. I dont know what 1/8 difference would make, but most use a 5/8 for menhaden.

good luck with learning to cast. its a pretty sight when you figure out how to sling that thing.

The problem with my net is weight. I can only use it in shallow water because it sinks too slowly. Do net weights vary like mesh sizes? What weight do I need for deeper water? Thanks.

Yes. Look at the lbs per foot. I used to use a 12' net with 2lbs/ft. That was a bear to throw! I now use a 10' with 1.5 lbs/ft, 3/8" mesh. That sinks plenty fast. I don't use it in deep water, but I have caught schools of large mullet (1'+ in size) in 20' of water. There's not too many bait fish that swim as fast as a large spooked mullet, so if it can catch them, it'll catch anything you need.

Also, the larger the mesh size, the faster it will sink.