I can't say a thing about cast nets... Never tried them... BUT... knifes on the other hand... I've tried probably 2-3 dozen over my lifetime, Cuda's, Rapala's etc. For me, the absolute best fillet knives I've used and continue to use are my 2 Dexter-Russel 9"ers. Easy to sharpen, easy to clean, Special hi-carbon stainless holds an edge and doesn't stain. And the nice sheath is a plus. (White is easy to find in the dark) Look at this link.
http://www.dexter1818.com/shop/sani-...sh-fillet.html
At the bottom of the page on the left is the 9" carded knife and sheath. Of course not everyone will like or want a 9" knife but for me doing Salmon fillets, it's the only way to fly. Fortunately they also make smaller blades, (The 8" carded set will suit most everyone) all with the same steel and handle. My knives are well over 30 years old and still going strong. (I got mine in 1986) Hard to beat that kind of ruggedness. I'm betting that if you buy them you'll treasure them just like I treasure mine.
__________________
1987 V20 w/1987 150HP Yamaha on a Shoreland'r Trailer
1978 16.5 Airslot w/1996 120HP Force on a Four Winns trailer
1996 V21 w/1993 200HP Mercury on a Shoreline Trailer
All towed by a 5.7L Hemi Durango.
If God didn't have a purpose for us we wouldn't be here, so
Live simply, Love generously, Care deeply, Speak kindly.
(Leave the rest to God)
Silence, in the face of evil, is itself evil. Not to speak is to speak, not to act is to act. God will not hold us guiltless.