Finger Mullet / cast net / bug spray

[fishface]

There were some bait fish breaking the surface near the swing bridge on Topsail tonight. The sun had just set and a few bait fish were leaping all the way out of the water. Were they finger mullet? Was there a predator on them or do they just jump? There were oyster beds near them so I figured I couldn't throw a cast net. Is there a trick to throwing a net near oyster beds or another way to capture them? I couldn't watch them too long because I was getting bitten to death. Anyone have a favorite insect repellant?
Thanks for the help. John