Cast Net vs Set Net vs Drag Net — Which NZ Fishing Net Is Right for You?

Cast net, set net, or drag net — which fishing net should you buy? We break down the pros, cons, and best uses of each type so you can pick the right net for your target species and fishing conditions.

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The Three Main Approaches to Net Fishing in NZ

When Kiwi fishers talk about "netting," they're usually referring to one of three techniques — setting, dragging, or casting. Each method uses a completely different type of net, and each is designed for specific fish, specific water conditions, and specific fishing styles.

Choosing the wrong one means wasted time, missed fish, and frustration. Choosing the right one means fresh fish on the table.

Here's how they compare:

Set Nets (Gill Nets) — "Set and Forget"

How They Work

A set net is anchored in position — usually overnight or for several hours — and works passively. The net creates a vertical wall of mesh in the water. Fish swim into it and get caught by their gills or fins. You come back later and collect your catch.

What You Catch

• Mullet (90–100mm mesh) — NZ's most popular set net target
• Snapper (125–156mm mesh) — large mesh for bigger fish
• Kahawai (100–118mm mesh)
• Flounder (100–120mm mesh) — sits on the seabed
• Butterfish (108mm mesh) — bronze mesh to blend with kelp
• Trevally, blue cod, gurnard, tarakihi and more

Pros

• ✅ Passive fishing — set it, leave it, come back later
• ✅ Covers a large area — nets up to 60m long (recreational limit)
• ✅ Works day and night — many species are caught best overnight
• ✅ Catches multiple species at once
• ✅ Consistent results — proven method used by commercial fishers for decades

Cons

• ❌ Must check within 24 hours (MPI requirement)
• ❌ Risk of bycatch (seabirds, non-target species) — use best practice to minimise
• ❌ Some areas have set net bans (Hauraki Gulf, some harbours)
• ❌ Net needs to be cleaned and maintained after each use

Best For

Fishers who want a reliable, hands-off method that catches decent quantities of fish. Ideal for feeding the family, customary fishing, or anyone who knows a good patch and wants to set overnight.

👉 Shop mullet set nets → | Shop snapper set nets →

Drag Nets (Beach Seine Nets) — "Active Fishing"

How They Work

A drag net is actively pulled through the water — usually in shallow surf, beach areas, or estuaries. You wade in, stretch the net out in a semi-circle, then drag it back to shore. Fish are corralled and caught in the bag or pocket of the net.

What You Catch

• Flounder — the #1 drag net target in NZ
• Mullet — especially in shallow estuaries and harbours
• Kahawai — when schools are running through surf
• Piper and bait fish — smaller mesh drag nets for live bait

Pros

• ✅ Active, fun fishing — you're in the water, working the net
• ✅ Immediate results — you see your catch straight away
• ✅ Great for families — everyone can help drag the net
• ✅ Less bycatch risk — you release unwanted fish immediately
• ✅ Works in shallow water — perfect for beaches and estuaries

Cons

• ❌ Requires physical effort — you're dragging the net through sand and surf
• ❌ Maximum length 40m (MPI rule), total warp 200m
• ❌ Only one drag net per person
• ❌ Needs at least two people to use effectively
• ❌ Limited to shallow water

Best For

Fishers who enjoy hands-on, active fishing. Perfect for family outings at the beach, targeting flounder in harbours, or catching live bait. Great social fishing.

👉 Shop flounder drag nets → | Shop mullet & kahawai drag nets →

Cast Nets — "Throw and Catch"

How They Work

A cast net is a circular net that you throw by hand. It spreads out flat in the air, lands on the water, sinks rapidly, and traps any fish underneath. You then pull the drawstring to close the bottom and haul the fish in.

It's a skill-based technique — the throw takes practice, but once you've got it, cast nets are incredibly effective for catching live bait quickly.

What You Catch

• Piper — the primary target for most cast netters
• Pilchards / sardines
• Herrings and sprats
• Small mullet — for live bait
• Any surface-schooling bait fish

Two Main Types

Japanese Cast Nets

• Bottom-pocket design — fish go into pockets around the edge
• Very fast sinking — weights sewn into the perimeter
• Commercial-grade quality
• Available in 6ft, 8ft, 10ft, 12ft diameter

American Cast Nets

• Horn/spreader design at the centre
• Lighter weight — easier for beginners to throw
• Good entry-level option

Pros

• ✅ Fast results — catch bait fish in minutes
• ✅ Portable — one person, one net, no setup required
• ✅ Live bait — keeps fish alive for use as bait immediately
• ✅ Satisfying to use — a real skill to master
• ✅ No anchor, ropes, or floats needed

Cons

• ❌ Not legal everywhere in NZ — check your local rules first
• ❌ Takes practice to throw accurately
• ❌ Only effective in shallow, calm water
• ❌ Only catches small/bait fish — not designed for large species
• ❌ Must be thrown from shore, wharf, or boat — not set and left

Best For

Fishers who want to catch live bait quickly before heading out for a day of rod fishing. If you fish for snapper or kingfish with live bait, a cast net pays for itself fast.

👉 Shop Japanese cast nets → | Shop American cast nets →

Quick Comparison Table

So Which Net Should You Buy?

Buy a Set Net if:

• You want the most fish for the least effort
• You're targeting mullet, snapper, kahawai, or butterfish
• You have a good spot in a harbour, estuary, or coast that allows set netting
• You want to set overnight and collect in the morning

Buy a Drag Net if:

• You prefer active, hands-on fishing
• You fish mainly in shallow surf or beaches
• You're after flounder or mullet in estuaries
• You're fishing with family or mates and want to make it a team effort

Buy a Cast Net if:

• You fish with rod and reel and need fresh live bait
• You want a portable, one-person bait catching solution
• Cast nets are legal in your area (check MPI rules first)

Buy All Three if:

You're serious about fishing! Many experienced Kiwi fishers own a set net for overnight fishing, a drag net for beach days, and a cast net for catching live bait.

Shop NZ-Made Fishing Nets at Action Outdoors

Every net we sell is custom-made in our Auckland factory — not imported. That means better mesh density, stronger construction, more floats, more lead-core rope, and nets that actually fish properly.

• ✅ Free shipping NZ-wide
• ✅ Custom sizes available
• ✅ Expert advice from real fishers
• ✅ 50+ years of net-making experience

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Written by Action Outdoors — New Zealand's largest fishing net manufacturer. We make set nets, drag nets, cast nets, and everything in between, right here in Auckland.