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Drag Net Fishing NZ — Rules, Technique & Best Nets for Beginners
Drag netting is one of the most fun and effective ways to catch fish in New Zealand. Whether you're after flounder on a sandy beach or mullet in an estuary, this guide covers everything you need to know — the rules, the technique, and the best drag nets to buy.
What is Drag Net Fishing?
Drag netting (also called beach seining) is an active fishing method where two people pull a net through shallow water. The net sweeps along the bottom, herding fish into a pocket or bag in the centre. It's been used in NZ for generations — great exercise, great fun, and a great way to feed the family.
How to Drag Net — Step by Step
- Choose your spot: Look for sandy beaches, shallow estuaries, or sandbars. Avoid rocky or weedy areas that will snag the net.
- Set up: One person holds one end on the beach. The other wades out in a big arc, paying out the net behind them.
- Make the sweep: Both people walk towards each other, keeping the lead line on the bottom. Move slowly and steadily.
- Close the net: As the two ends come together, lift the lead line slightly to stop fish escaping underneath.
- Pull to shore: Drag the net onto the beach and pick your catch.
Pro Tips
- Fish the falling tide — fish concentrate in channels and gutters as the water drops
- Keep the lead line down — flounder hide on the bottom and will escape under a lifted net
- Walk slowly — fast movement creates a bow wave that pushes fish away
- Work systematically — sweep one area, then move 50m and sweep again
- Early morning and dusk are the best times — fish are more active
MPI Rules for Drag Nets (2026)
| Rule | Detail |
|---|---|
| Maximum net length | 60m per person (two people = one 60m net each) |
| Minimum mesh size | Varies by area — generally 100mm for mullet, 100mm for flounder. Some areas allow 90mm or 85mm for drag only. |
| Baitfish drag nets | 25mm mesh for piper, herring, sprats |
| Net must be attended | You must be with the net at all times while dragging |
| Restricted areas | Some harbours and marine reserves ban drag netting — always check your local rules |
⚠️ Check latest MPI rules for your area →
Best Drag Nets for Beginners
Flounder Drag Net (Most Popular for Beginners)
If you're new to drag netting, start with a flounder drag net. They're lighter weight, easier to handle, and flounder are the most common target on NZ beaches.
→ NZ Made Flounder Beach Drag Nets from $133
Available in 15m, 20m, 25m, 30m, and 40m. We recommend starting with 20m or 25m — long enough to cover ground, light enough to drag easily.
Mullet Drag Net
Heavier mesh for bigger fish. Deeper net (30–33 meshes deep) to stop mullet and kahawai jumping over the top.
| Net | Mesh | Best For | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| 100mm Drag-Set Net | 100mm | Legal everywhere, mullet & flounder | from $150 |
| 90mm Mullet Drag | 90mm | Higher catch rate, check local rules | from $145 |
| MUD-1 85mm Heavy Duty | 85mm | Maximum catch rate, limited areas | $299 |
Baitfish Drag Net
Small mesh (25mm) for catching piper, herring, and sprats as live bait. Great for getting bait before a day's boat fishing.
→ Piper & Bait Drag Nets from $124
Where to Drag Net in NZ
North Island
- Manukau Harbour — Karaka, Clarks Beach, Awhitu — classic flounder and mullet territory
- Kaipara Harbour — Shelly Beach, Helensville — huge estuary, great for drag netting
- Raglan — harbour sandbars — flounder and mullet
- Tauranga Harbour — flounder on the sand flats at low tide
South Island
- Canterbury estuaries — Avon-Heathcote, Lake Ellesmere/Te Waihora
- Nelson/Marlborough — Waimea Inlet, Motueka River mouth
- Southland — Awarua Bay, Riverton estuary
Why Buy From Action Outdoors?
- 🇳🇿 NZ Made in Auckland
- 🚚 Free shipping NZ-wide
- 💰 Factory-direct prices
- 🏭 Commercial quality — same team that supplies NZ commercial fishermen and the Pacific Islands
🎣 Feed the Family — with NZ-made drag nets from Action Outdoors, Auckland.
Action Outdoors Limited | 348 Rosebank Road, Avondale, Auckland | 09 820 8023 | actionoutdoors.kiwi
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