Types of Fishing Nets in NZ — Complete Guide to Every Net Type (2026)

From mullet set nets to flounder drag nets, cast nets, and eel fyke nets — every type of fishing net used in New Zealand explained, with mesh sizes, regulations, and which one is right for you.

👉 Browse our full range of NZ-made fishing nets →

Why Use a Fishing Net?

Fishing nets have been used in New Zealand waters for centuries — long before the first rod and reel arrived. Māori used kupenga (nets) woven from harakeke (flax) to feed entire communities, and net fishing remains one of the most efficient and reliable ways to put fresh fish on the table.

Today, recreational set netting is legal across much of New Zealand (with some area restrictions), and nets consistently outperform rod fishing for species like mullet, flounder, snapper, and kahawai. Set your net in the right spot, come back later, and collect your catch.

Types of Fishing Nets Used in NZ

There are several distinct types of nets used in New Zealand — each designed for different fish, different conditions, and different techniques. Here's the complete breakdown:

1. Set Nets (Gill Nets)

Set nets — also called gill nets — are the most common type of fishing net in NZ. They work by being anchored in place (set), creating a wall of mesh that fish swim into and become tangled by their gills.

• How they work: The net hangs vertically in the water. Lead-core rope on the bottom keeps it down, while floats on the top rope keep the mesh upright. Fish swim into the mesh and get caught behind the gills.
• Best for: Snapper, mullet, kahawai, trevally, butterfish, blue cod
• Mesh sizes: 90mm (mullet) to 156mm (large snapper), depending on target species
• Lengths: Typically 20m to 100m for recreational, longer for commercial
• Regulations: Maximum 60m per person for recreational use in most areas. Some areas (like the Hauraki Gulf) have set net bans. Always check your local rules at MPI.

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2. Mullet Nets

Mullet nets are a specific type of set net with 90mm or 100mm mesh — the ideal size for grey mullet (kanae). They're the single most popular net type in New Zealand.

• Mesh size: 90mm or 100mm
• Mono vs multi-mono: Mono nets are stiffer and more visible; multi-mono nets are softer, nearly invisible in water, and catch more fish
• Floating vs sinking: Floating mullet nets are designed for estuary and harbour use where mullet feed on the surface. Standard nets fish on the bottom.
• Lengths: 20m, 30m, 40m, 60m, and 100m available
• Where to use: Estuaries, harbours, river mouths, tidal flats — anywhere grey mullet congregate

Mullet nets are also legal for catching kahawai, trevally, parore, snapper, and many other species that enter the same waters.

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3. Flounder Nets

Flounder nets are specifically designed for catching flatfish — flounder (pātiki), sole, and other bottom-dwelling species. They use a finer mesh and sit flat on the seabed.

• Mesh size: 100mm to 120mm (4–5 inch)
• Design: Lower profile than mullet nets, with closer-spaced floats to keep the mesh taut along the bottom
• Best spots: Sandy harbours, estuaries, shallow mudflats at low tide, surf beaches
• Lengths: 20m, 30m, 40m, 60m, and custom lengths available

👉 Shop flounder set nets → | Shop flounder drag nets →

4. Drag Nets (Beach Seine Nets)

Drag nets — also called beach seine nets — are designed to be pulled through the water, usually in shallow surf or beach areas. Unlike set nets that stay in one place, drag nets are actively fished.

• How they work: Wade into shallow water, stretch the net out in a semi-circle, then drag it back to shore. Fish are caught in the bag or pocket of the net.
• Best for: Flounder, mullet, kahawai, piper, and bait fish in surf and beach areas
• Mesh size: 85mm to 118mm for mullet/kahawai drag nets; smaller for bait fish
• Lengths: 15m to 40m — shorter lengths are easier to handle
• Key feature: Heavy-duty 18-ply construction to withstand dragging over sand and shell

👉 Shop mullet & kahawai drag nets →

5. Cast Nets

Cast nets are circular nets thrown by hand that spread out over the water surface, then sink quickly to trap fish underneath. They're mainly used for catching live bait.

• Japanese style: Bottom-pocket design, very fast sinking. Sizes from 6ft to 12ft diameter. Commercial grade.
• American style: Horn-style with spreader. Lighter, easier to throw.
• Best for: Piper, pilchards, herrings, mullet — catching live bait for rod fishing
• Important: Cast nets are not legal everywhere in NZ. Check your local regulations before using one. Some areas restrict or ban cast nets entirely.

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

6. Eel & Fyke Nets

Fyke nets are funnel-shaped trap nets designed specifically for catching eels. They work like lobster pots — eels swim in through the funnel opening and can't find their way back out.

• Target species: NZ shortfin and longfin eels (tuna)
• How they work: Set across streams, river mouths, or lake edges. Eels follow the leader net into the funnel trap.
• Best spots: Freshwater streams, rivers, lake margins, wetlands
• Regulations: Recreational eel fishing with fyke nets is permitted in many areas. Check local rules as some waters are closed or restricted.

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7. Landing Nets

Landing nets aren't used to catch fish — they're used to land fish you've already hooked on rod and reel. Essential gear for boat fishing and kayak fishing.

• Types: Boat landing nets (large, long-handled), kayak nets (compact, folding), trout nets (lightweight)
• When you need one: Any time you're fishing from a boat, kayak, or elevated position where you can't lift fish by hand

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8. Cray Pot Netting

Cray pot netting is the mesh used to build and repair crayfish (rock lobster) and crab pots. It's not a standalone fishing net — it's the raw netting material.

. It doesn't rot or degrade in saltwater.
• Uses: Building new cray pots, re-netting old ones, crab trap repair

👉 Shop cray pot netting →

9. Bird & Sport Netting

Not for fishing, but worth mentioning — bird netting and sport netting uses similar mesh technology for protecting orchards, gardens, and creating sports enclosures.

• UV stabilised: Built to last outdoors in NZ sun
• Uses: Fruit tree protection, golf driving ranges, cricket nets, garden protection

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Mesh Size Guide — What Size Net Do You Need?

Choosing the right mesh size is critical — too small and you'll catch undersized fish (illegal), too large and your target species will swim straight through. Here's a quick reference:

⚠️ Important: Minimum mesh sizes are set by law for some species and areas. Always check MPI fishing rules for your area before buying a net.

Mono vs Multi-Mono — Which Mesh Material?

When buying a fishing net, you'll need to choose between mono and multi-mono mesh:

Mono (Monofilament)

• Single strand of nylon
• Stiffer, holds its shape well
• More visible to fish
• More affordable
• Good for: Beginners, casual fishing, areas with high current

Multi-Mono (Multifilament Monofilament)

• Multiple thin strands twisted together
• Softer, more supple — drapes naturally in water
• Nearly invisible to fish — significantly higher catch rates
• What commercial fishermen use
• Good for: Serious fishing, clear water, maximising catch

Our recommendation? Multi-mono catches more fish. The difference is real — commercial fishermen switched to multi-mono decades ago for a reason.

NZ Set Netting Rules — Key Points

Before you head out with any fishing net, make sure you know the rules:

• Maximum net length: 60m per person in most areas (recreational)
• Attendance: Nets must be checked at least once every 24 hours
• Labelling: All nets must be tagged with the owner's name, address, and fishing permit number
• Set net bans: Some areas (including parts of the Hauraki Gulf, West Coast harbours, and marine reserves) have total or seasonal set net bans
• Bycatch: If you catch protected species (dolphins, penguins, etc.), you must report it to MPI

Always check the latest rules at MPI's fishing rules page before heading out.

Where to Buy Fishing Nets in NZ

Action Outdoors is New Zealand's largest fishing net manufacturer. We make all our nets right here in Auckland — no imports, no middlemen.

• ✅ NZ-made — manufactured in our Auckland factory
• ✅ Free shipping NZ-wide on all nets
• ✅ Ready to fish — every net comes with floats, lead-core rope, and anchoring points
• ✅ Custom orders — need a specific size or mesh? We can make it
• ✅ Expert advice — we've been making nets for decades and can help you choose the right one

👉 Shop all fishing nets →

Also Available

• Net parts & supplies — floats, lead-core rope, twine, needles for building or repairing your own nets
• Net accessories — anchors, buoys, combo packs
• Pacific Islands nets — heavy-duty nets for export to Fiji, Samoa, Tonga, and Cook Islands

This guide is produced by Action Outdoors — NZ's largest fishing net manufacturer, based in Auckland. We make mullet nets, flounder nets, snapper nets, drag nets, cast nets, and custom commercial nets for Kiwi fishers and the Pacific Islands.