Snapper Net: 8 Best Options in NZ (Set, Drag & MPI Legal)
You need a snapper net that works in New Zealand waters and stays on the right side of MPI regulations. Maybe you want a set net for overnight fishing or a landing net to scoop your catch from a boat. The options can feel overwhelming when you factor in mesh sizes, length restrictions, and whether you need something for drag netting off the beach or hauling fish aboard your kayak.
This guide breaks down eight snapper net options available in New Zealand. You'll see what makes each type different, which situations they work best for, and how to stay legal while fishing. From compact 30 metre set nets perfect for smaller operations to heavy duty gear built for rough ground, we cover the full spectrum. We also look at retractable landing nets for boat anglers and folding options that fit in tight spaces. Each review includes MPI compliance notes, pricing expectations, and practical advice to help you pick the right net for your fishing style.
1. Action Outdoors NZ made snapper set nets
Action Outdoors manufactures snapper nets right here in New Zealand, which means you get gear built for local conditions. These nets use durable mono mesh that handles everything from Auckland harbour to Northland's rocky coastlines. You can order them with either 5 or 5.5 inch mesh sizes, and they come fully strung with floats and lead lines ready to deploy straight from the box.
Overview and key features
The Action Outdoors range gives you complete control over net length, with options from 30 metres up to 60 metres. Each net features 0.50mm to 0.60mm monofilament mesh that resists tangles and cleans easily after each use. You get 6mm top rope with attached floats and a weighted lead line that keeps the net vertical in the water. The construction uses marine grade materials throughout, so salt water and UV exposure won't degrade your investment quickly.
Set versus drag options in this range
Set nets from Action Outdoors work when you anchor them in position and leave them to fish while you wait. Drag nets use lighter construction with handles at each end, letting you walk along the beach or estuary while pulling the net through shallow water. You'll find both types in this range, though the 60 metre options suit set netting better while 30 metre versions work for either method depending on your chosen mesh weight.
MPI rules for snapper nets in New Zealand
Your snapper net must use mesh of at least 100mm (roughly 4 inches) to stay legal under current MPI regulations. Action Outdoors nets with 5 and 5.5 inch mesh exceed this minimum, which keeps you compliant. You can only set nets in approved areas during open seasons, and you must check them every 24 hours maximum. Specific regions have additional restrictions on net length and soak time, so verify local rules before you fish.
Always check your regional council's specific netting regulations, as some areas have tighter restrictions than the national MPI guidelines.
How to pick the right size and mesh
Choose your net length based on where you plan to fish and how much ground you need to cover. A 30 metre net handles small bays and inlets, while 60 metres works for larger areas with steady snapper traffic. Mesh size affects your target fish range, with 5.5 inch mesh catching larger snapper and letting undersize fish pass through more reliably.
Price range and where to buy
Action Outdoors sells these nets directly through their Auckland store and online platform. Expect to pay between $150 and $350 depending on length and mesh specifications. Buying direct means you skip middleman markups and can discuss your specific fishing situation with staff who understand New Zealand waters.
2. Berkley retractable snapper landing net
The Berkley retractable snapper net gives you 180 centimetres of total length when extended and collapses down for easy storage on your boat. This landing net uses silicone mesh instead of traditional nylon, which protects your fish's scales and slime coat while you lift them aboard. The 58 centimetre head width handles most legal snapper comfortably without excess bulk that creates wind resistance when you carry it around the boat.
Design and standout features
Berkley built this net with a telescoping aluminium handle that extends to 112 centimetres for your working length. The silicone mesh won't tangle with treble hooks from lures, and it dries faster than standard netting materials. You get floating construction that stops the net from sinking if you accidentally drop it overboard during the chaos of landing a fish.
When a retractable landing net works best
Retractable nets suit boat fishing situations where you need quick access but limited storage space. The collapsible design works perfectly on smaller vessels like aluminium tinnies where every centimetre of deck space matters. You can snap it open when a fish surfaces, then collapse it immediately after landing your catch without wrestling with a full length fixed handle.
Retractable landing nets excel when fishing from boats with cramped decks or when you need to switch quickly between casting and landing fish.
MPI considerations when using landing nets
Landing nets help you comply with MPI regulations by reducing handling time and stress on undersize fish you must release. The silicone mesh causes less damage than hands alone, which improves survival rates for returned snapper. You still need to measure fish accurately before removing them from the water, and the net simply aids in safe catch and release practices.
Price bracket and value for money
Hunting and Fishing stocks this Berkley model at retail locations across New Zealand. Expect to pay around $80 to $120 depending on current promotions and stock availability. The silicone mesh lasts longer than traditional netting, which offsets the higher initial cost compared to basic landing nets.
3. Mono 60 metre snapper set net 5.5 inch mesh
A 60 metre snapper net with 5.5 inch monofilament mesh gives you serious fishing coverage in deeper channels and harbours where snapper gather. These longer nets let you span wider areas than shorter options while the larger mesh size filters out undersize fish more effectively. You can order this configuration from Monster Fishing and other New Zealand suppliers who stock full length set nets ready for immediate deployment.
Net specs and construction
The standard 60 metre configuration uses 0.60mm monofilament material throughout the mesh panels for strength and visibility underwater. You get 6mm top rope with evenly spaced floats that keep the headline at the surface, plus a weighted lead line that holds the net vertical in current. The 5.5 inch mesh spacing (roughly 140mm stretched) meets MPI requirements comfortably while targeting legal snapper sizes. This construction includes pre-tied bridles at each end for anchoring, so you avoid field repairs when setting your net.
Best situations for a 60 metre set net
Deploy this length when you fish channels between 3 and 8 metres deep where snapper move along predictable routes during tide changes. The 60 metre span works perfectly for harbour entrances and estuary mouths that funnel fish through narrow passages. You need calm to moderate conditions because strong current can bow the net and reduce your effective fishing height.
Longer set nets perform best in areas where you can secure both ends properly and check the net within 24 hours as MPI regulations require.
Staying MPI compliant with mesh and soak time
Your 5.5 inch mesh exceeds the 100mm minimum MPI requirement for snapper netting, keeping you well within legal limits. You must check and clear your net at least once every 24 hours, though many anglers inspect nets more frequently to maintain catch quality. Mark both ends with regulation floats or buoys so other boaters can spot your set.
Cost expectations and running costs
Expect to invest between $250 and $350 for a quality 60 metre mono set net from New Zealand suppliers. Budget an additional $30 to $50 annually for replacement floats and repair materials as normal wear occurs. Proper rinsing and storage after each use extends your net's working life significantly.
4. Compact 30 metre snapper set net with lead line
A 30 metre snapper net gives you flexibility in smaller fishing spots without the bulk and handling challenges of longer gear. This compact option includes a weighted lead line that keeps your net positioned correctly in moderate current while the shorter length makes deployment and retrieval faster. You can manage this size alone from a small boat or beach launch point.
Key features of a 30 metre set net
The 30 metre configuration typically uses 0.50mm monofilament mesh in either 5 or 5.5 inch spacing depending on your supplier. Your net arrives with pre-attached floats on the headline and a lead line that provides enough weight to maintain vertical orientation underwater. Most suppliers include end bridles and markers as standard equipment, which saves you preparation time before your first set.
Who a shorter set net suits
This length works perfectly for recreational fishers targeting snapper in sheltered bays and small harbour sections. You benefit from easier handling if you fish alone or with one partner, because 30 metres stores compactly and tangles less frequently during deployment. Beginning netters appreciate the manageable size while learning proper setting techniques and location selection.
Shorter set nets let you cover productive fishing grounds without excessive investment or the physical demands of handling 60 metre gear.
Legal checklist before you set this net
Verify your local area allows set netting before you deploy any gear in the water. Check that your mesh size meets the 100mm MPI minimum requirement for snapper fishing. Mark both ends with visible floats that display your details, and plan to inspect your net within 24 hours of setting.
Price and budget considerations
Budget between $150 and $220 for a quality 30 metre set net from New Zealand suppliers like Save Barn or Action Outdoors. The lower price point compared to 60 metre options makes this accessible entry level gear for fishers exploring set netting methods.
5. Snapper drag net for beach and estuary use
Drag nets let you walk through shallow water while pulling the net behind you to catch snapper in estuaries and along beaches. This active netting method gives you immediate feedback about what you're catching, unlike set nets that require hours of waiting. You need two people for effective drag netting because one person holds each end while moving parallel to shore through productive fishing zones.
Design and typical dimensions
Most drag nets for snapper run between 30 and 60 metres long with lighter construction than set nets. You get handles or bridles at each end for comfortable gripping during extended pulls through the water. The mesh uses monofilament in 5 to 5.5 inch spacing that allows water flow while catching legal size fish. Drag nets skip the heavy lead line found in set nets, instead using just enough weight to keep the bottom edge near the seabed without dragging so heavily that you can't move it efficiently.
How and where to use a drag net
Walk your drag net through estuary channels during incoming tides when snapper move into shallow feeding areas. Start at one end of a promising stretch and move parallel to shore while maintaining steady tension on both handles. The best spots include sandy flats adjacent to deeper channels where fish travel between resting and feeding zones. Time your effort around dawn or dusk when snapper activity peaks in shallow water.
Drag netting works best in clear, sandy areas where you can see the bottom and avoid snagging on rocks or oyster beds.
MPI rules that apply to drag netting
Your drag net mesh must meet the 100mm minimum requirement just like set nets. You can only use drag nets in areas where netting is permitted, and some regions prohibit this method entirely during spawning seasons. Keep your catch within daily bag limits and release undersize fish immediately with minimal handling.
Price range and maintenance needs
Budget between $180 and $280 for a quality snapper drag net from New Zealand suppliers. Rinse your net with fresh water after every use to remove salt and sand that degrade monofilament over time. Inspect the mesh regularly for tears and repair small damage immediately before it spreads.
6. Heavy duty snapper set net for rough ground
Rough ground fishing demands stronger net construction that withstands contact with rocks, reef edges, and sharp oyster beds without shredding your investment. Heavy duty snapper nets use thicker monofilament mesh and reinforced ropes that survive abrasive conditions where standard nets fail quickly. You trade some handling ease for durability that pays off when fishing productive rocky areas where snapper congregate but lighter gear won't last.
Heavy duty features and build
Heavy duty models use 0.70mm to 0.80mm monofilament instead of the standard 0.50mm to 0.60mm thickness found in regular nets. The headline incorporates 8mm to 10mm rope with larger, more robust floats that won't puncture against sharp surfaces. Lead lines get upgraded with heavier weights spaced closer together to maintain bottom contact in current, and all connection points receive double stitching or extra reinforcement. Some suppliers add sacrificial guard panels at vulnerable spots where the net contacts rocks most frequently.
Ideal conditions for this net
Deploy heavy duty nets around rocky headlands and reef structures where snapper gather to feed on crustaceans and small fish hiding in crevices. These nets handle moderate current over uneven bottom without tangling or lifting off target zones. You benefit most when fishing areas other netters avoid due to gear loss concerns, because your investment in stronger construction opens productive spots with less competition.
Extra care with regulations for stronger gear
Stronger nets catch fish more efficiently, which means you reach bag limits faster and must monitor your set more carefully. Check your net every 12 to 18 hours rather than waiting the full 24 hour maximum to avoid exceeding legal limits or leaving excess catch in the water.
Heavy duty nets require more frequent checking because their effectiveness in prime locations often means faster catch accumulation.
Investment level and long term value
Budget between $350 and $500 for a quality heavy duty snapper net from New Zealand suppliers. The higher cost delivers two to three times the working life of standard nets in rough conditions, making this gear cost effective for serious netters who fish challenging areas regularly.
7. Large hoop landing net for boat and rock fishing
A large hoop landing net handles bigger snapper from boats and rock platforms where you need extended reach to lift fish from the water. These nets feature circular or oval hoops that measure 50 to 70 centimetres across, giving you plenty of room to scoop fish without wrestling them into a tight opening. The extended handles reach between 150 and 250 centimetres when you need distance from elevated fishing positions or boat gunnels.
Hoop size and handle options
Choose hoop diameters between 50 and 65 centimetres for most snapper fishing situations around New Zealand. Handle lengths vary from telescoping designs that collapse for storage to fixed length poles that offer more rigidity during the critical moment of lifting your catch. Materials include aluminium for lightweight handling or fibreglass for extra strength when you target larger fish regularly.
Best techniques from boats and rocks
Lead your snapper net into the water before the fish surfaces so you avoid spooking it with sudden movements. Scoop from head to tail rather than trying to net from the side, which gives fish an escape route. From rock platforms, extend your handle fully and position yourself above where the fish swims to maximise your reach advantage.
Always net fish head first to reduce the chance of hook pulls and lost catches during the final moments of your fight.
Handling fish safely and legally
Keep the net in the water while you measure undersize fish to reduce handling stress and improve survival rates. Use rubberised or knotless mesh that protects the fish's protective slime coat. Release undersize snapper immediately by inverting the net gently underwater rather than lifting them into the air.
Usual pricing in New Zealand
Budget between $70 and $150 for a quality large hoop landing net from tackle shops across New Zealand. Higher priced options include better mesh materials and stronger handle construction that justifies the investment for regular anglers.
8. Folding landing net for kayaks and small boats
Folding landing nets solve the storage problem that plagues kayak and small boat anglers who lack deck space for full size gear. These nets collapse down to 30 to 40 centimetres when not in use, then snap open quickly when you hook a snapper. The hinged frame design uses spring loaded joints that lock securely in the extended position while you land your catch.
Compact design and storage
Your folding snapper net typically features aluminium or composite frames that fold flat against the handle for storage. The mesh tucks inside the collapsed frame to prevent snagging on other gear in your kayak's cockpit area. Most models include attachment clips or straps that secure the net to your kayak's deck rigging or boat's gunnel within easy reach.
Why this net suits kayaks and tinnies
Space constraints make folding nets essential for kayak fishing situations where every centimetre matters. You can tuck the collapsed net under bungee cords or rod holders without blocking your paddling motion or access to tackle boxes. Small aluminium boats benefit from the same compact storage that keeps decks clear for safe movement.
Safety and legal tips for solo anglers
Practice extending your net one handed before you need it during a fish fight. Secure all gear properly because dropped equipment in a kayak creates dangerous instability. Measure fish while they remain in the net and water to comply with MPI size requirements.
What you can expect to pay
Budget between $60 and $110 for quality folding landing nets from New Zealand tackle retailers. The collapsible mechanism adds cost compared to fixed frame options but delivers essential convenience for cramped fishing platforms.
Final wrap up
Your choice of snapper net depends on where you fish and how you prefer to catch. Set nets work when you target specific channels and can check them regularly, while landing nets suit active boat and rock fishing where you need quick fish handling. The mesh size, length, and construction quality all affect your success rate and how long your gear lasts in New Zealand's marine environment.
MPI regulations set the baseline for legal snapper netting, but smart fishers go beyond minimum requirements by choosing appropriate mesh sizes and checking their sets frequently. Match your net type to your fishing location and conditions rather than buying the longest or strongest option available.
Browse our complete range of fishing nets made for New Zealand waters to find gear that handles local conditions while keeping you compliant with current regulations.