I have no clue what the bait is doing right now. I'd check my graph to get an idea on where to set lights. I wouldn't think you'd have much problems with the smaller bait with either of those nets. Personally, I drop my 3/8" mesh in late winter\early spring and use what I get as long as it's 3" or better. Threadfins are easy to keep and use this time of year and that's what's in the backs of the creeks. The 1/2" mesh I'd use in later spring and all through fall. The 5/8" I'd save for large gizzards. LOL It's too large for Alewives and will gill even the best bait. Gilling bait will happen no matter what net you use. The questions are what size am I willing to gill and how much of it is there right now? I never want to gill the size bait that I plan to use. Even 1/2" mesh will gill keeper Alewives.
Taped or not? I'd prefer a non taped net when the bait is above 30 ft or so. But my 3/8" mesh is taped so I use it. The plus with a taped net is it stays open more and longer. The down side is it doesn't drop as fast. It's OK if it doesn't drop as fast if the bait can't see it. But they can see nets when they are more shallow and there is overhead light. The tighter the mesh, the more a non-taped net will close on the drop. A 3/8" mesh net with over a pound per foot could have an open diameter of a beach ball by the time it hits 50 ft. 1/2" mesh won't close as much and a lighter net won't close as much. Taped nets work for deeper bait because they pull more open as they drop instead of close and they can't see the net if you turn off the lights.