Drag nets are a simple way to catch fish and require few tools as well as some common sense in practice.
What to do? Dragnet fishing is an activity to suit the entire family and catch a meal as part of the bargain.
The premise is based on attaching the net to two poles and dragging it through the water to create a bag in the net in which you want the fish caught.
Action Outdoors nets are designed and constructed for our New Zealand conditions based on over 40 years of commercial fishing experience. Our drag nets are generously constructed with 30% more mesh than a comparable imported net and almost double the floats of an imported net. The bottom ropes are generally heavy braided lead core rope. Link to our drag nets here: Drag Nets
So what’s the catch? Bear in mind that longer drag nets don’t mean more fish. A short drag net of 10 to 20 metres is plenty for two persons to operate and haul sufficient fish for a satisfying meal. Remember to always check the regulations on the Ministry of Primary Industries (MPI) website before you go out and especially look for regionally specific regulations, Currently, the maximum drag net length allowed here in New Zealand is up to 40 metres but the regulations can and do change regularly so be sure to keep up to date by frequently checking the MPI site for any new restrictions.
Other things to keep top of mind, as mentioned before sensible footwear is important specifically as the stretches of water you’ll be covering can be anything from ankle to neck deep so the fewer surprises from bottom surface conditions as you move the dragnet around the better.
Dragnet technique isn’t too technical and needs at least two persons to operate the net. Bigger nets mean you will need more people to manage to drag the net. The principle is to drag the net attached to two poles at both ends of the net by the ropes, manuka branches are useful, through the water to create a curve in the net where the fish get caught in its centre. The best practice is to drag the net down the beach. Your shore person stands knee-deep while your other fisher walks out dragging the net in a straight line from the shore hand to about chest height then walks about five or six metres from the shore fisher’s position until beginning to loop back around towards the shore. Make sure to maintain tension in the net otherwise any catch will be lost. The idea is to keep the net moving and swing the belly of the net up onto the shore and check what you’ve caught.
Frequently there are no fish and sometimes there will be a bounty after minimal effort. It’s all in the luck of the draw. Removing oysters, crabs, seaweed, shells, bits of wood, jellyfish, or garbage from your drag net can be a little tiring, persevering until you strike a good haul more than makes up for these efforts.
Best times to dragnet fish are in still weather with clear water and little seaweed at the high tide mark on the beach. It’s possible to dragnet fish on surf beaches or in the channels but avoid strong currents or swells and any water where there is a rip present as these make it impossible to drag the net. The danger just isn’t worth the effort.
When finished for the day clean out your net especially the seaweed while it is wet and wash with fresh water allowing it to dry out of the direct sun for your next expedition.
Tips for Dragnet fishing From Action Outdoors Ltd
Based on my experience of fishing I advise using the smallest mesh size allowed under the regulations for drag nets. This means the fish won’t gill themselves on the net and can be returned to the water easily and alive in the event of any bycatch other than your targeted species.
Rules of Thumb – Drag Net Safety
Never tie a drag net or any net for that matter to your body.
Do not attempt to drag the net alone in any circumstances.
Ensure your dragnet has a minimum 10-metre rope bridal on either side of the net to keep the net away from you should you happen to fall over. Note you may want longer bridal ropes.
Always use a safety rope between you (the fisher) and your onshore person in heavy surf conditions, it could be the difference between life and death should things go wrong. Action Outdoors offers a range of ropes from $50 please see the link here to our rope page: Ropes
As discussed in our previous post take no chances and remove all jewellery and clothing with toggles, buttons or buckles to avoid injury and your body parts becoming fish food.
Some enthusiasts suggest wearing a life vest. My perspective is this, a life vest will alter your balance in the surf and make you more prone to falling over. Life jackets also come with many clips, buckles and toggles making the risk of being caught in the net greater. In an emergency, it is better to use a flotation device like a lifesaver.
Finally, remember a pair of cotton or polyester gloves to protect your hands and make removing your catch from the net that much easier.
Dragnet fishing is a traditional way to catch flounder and baitfish like the piper, as well as mullet, kahawai and snapper. Taking practical steps to ensure your safety means you’ll be home to enjoy the fruits of your labour.
Any questions write to admin@actionoutdoors.kiwi
Good fishing everybody!
