Well, it took a whole lot longer than I thought and DH's help but we had success with both the net bags and pantyhose slings.
I was a scratchy mess and kinda crabby by the time we were finished, though, as I get quite a skin reaction to those spiny leaves.
We found one poor watermelon that is firmly wedged into a square in the cattle panel so that one isn't going anywhere...guess when it's ripe we'll have to cut it in the garden.
Thanks again for sharing your tips!
kath