I practiced some more today (in the grass) and I'm starting to get the net to open. I'm using the "split the net in half,roll over the thumb, grasp the net where the the lead line drops,throw a loop over my shoulder ( I don't want to grasp the line in my mouth), grab again,roll back the portion previously rolled over the thumb and throw." This is the method on the video that artcarney_agr posted.

The net doesn't open to it's full circumference but at least I'm getting a small O on most casts. By that, it looks like about a 4' to 6' diameter.

I don't see any tangles in the lead line when I load but it's still hit or miss for me. I can lay the net on the ground (spread out) and there doesn't appear to be any line snags or other foul ups and it lays flat with no dunce cap in the middle by the throat.

My practice in this heat doesn't take long for me to get tired and sweaty loading and throwing. So much for an old,short, out of shape fat man throwing those weights in the air.

ENDEAVOR TO PERSEVERE!!!!! Even if it kills me.

Now it's Tyme for me to jump in the pool to cool off and mix a double bourbon. The sun has set and so have I.