I use an 8 ft netand even have a 10 footer but I think it is illegal to use in Tennessee. I am Originally from Fla. So I have been throwing nets every since I was 10 years old. I t does not matter how big your first net is, its all about learning to throw it. Go to youtube, there are several tutorials on throwing a cast net and the majority are teaching you with larger nets. Do not waste your money on a 4 ft net that you will eventually want to upgrade in just a few short weeks!