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Flounder Nets NZ — Set Net vs Drag Net, Which One Do You Need?
Buying a flounder net in New Zealand? The first thing you need to decide is: set net or drag net? Both catch flounder — but they work very differently, and the best choice depends on where and how you fish.
Action Outdoors makes both types right here in Auckland. Free shipping NZ-wide. Let's break down the differences so you can pick the right one.
Flounder Set Nets — "Set and Forget"
A set net is anchored in position and left to fish on its own. You set it at low tide or in a channel, then come back later to check it. The flounder swim into the net and get tangled.
When to Use a Set Net
- Estuaries and harbours — Manukau, Kaipara, Tauranga, Nelson, Canterbury
- River mouths and channels — where flounder move in and out with the tide
- Overnight fishing — set at dusk, check at dawn
- Fishing solo — you can set and pick up by yourself
Set Net Options
| Net | Mesh | Feature | From |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mono Floating Top Rope | 4.6" | Most popular, great all-rounder | $110 |
| Multi-Mono Floating Top | 4.6" | Stronger mesh, holds bigger fish | $121 |
| Mono Floats on Rope | 4.6" | Easy to see, good for tidal areas | $110 |
| Multi-Mono Floats on Rope | 4.6" | Premium, most durable | $121 |
| South Island Flounder | 4.6" | Designed for SI conditions | $99 |
Flounder Drag Nets — Active Beach Fishing
A drag net (beach seine) is pulled through shallow water by two people. You walk along the beach or sandflat, herding flounder into the net. It's more active, more fun, and great for families.
When to Use a Drag Net
- Sandy beaches and sandbars — wade through shin-deep water
- Shallow estuaries — Manukau Harbour, Raglan, Kawhia
- Family fishing — great activity for kids and adults
- Catching dinner fast — actively search instead of waiting
Drag Net Options
→ NZ Made Flounder Beach Drag Nets from $133 — available in 15m, 20m, 25m, 30m, 40m
Set Net vs Drag Net — Quick Comparison
| Set Net | Drag Net | |
|---|---|---|
| How it works | Set in position, leave to fish | Actively dragged through water |
| People needed | 1 (can fish solo) | 2 (one each end) |
| Best habitat | Channels, deep edges, river mouths | Sandy beaches, shallow flats |
| Time | Set overnight or a few hours | Active — 30 mins to 2 hours |
| Catch rate | Consistent over time | Fast if you find the fish |
| Family friendly | Less interactive | Great fun for the whole family |
| Price from | $99 | $133 |
Which Length Should You Choose?
Set nets: 30m is the most popular. Covers enough ground without being too hard to manage. Go longer (40m or 60m) for big harbours.
Drag nets: 20m–25m for small estuaries or family use. 30m–40m for bigger beaches and serious fishing.
MPI Rules for Flounder Nets (2026)
- Minimum mesh size: 100mm (set nets and drag nets)
- Maximum net length: 60m per person
- Minimum flounder size: 25cm (most areas). Check your local rules.
- Daily bag limit: 20 flounder per person (most areas)
- Must check set nets every 12 hours
- Set net bans: Some areas have seasonal or permanent bans — always check before you go
Why Action Outdoors?
- 🇳🇿 NZ Made in Auckland — same workshop that supplies commercial fishermen
- 🚚 Free shipping NZ-wide
- 💰 Factory-direct prices — we're the manufacturer
- 📏 Custom sizes available
Shop Flounder Nets
🎣 Feed the Family — NZ-made flounder nets from the team that supplies commercial fishermen and the Pacific Islands.
Action Outdoors Limited | 348 Rosebank Road, Avondale, Auckland | 09 820 8023 | actionoutdoors.kiwi
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