Fishing nets are a great way to catch fish for a family feast. 
It’s always a little daunting trying something new but with a bit of preparation, there’s every chance of a successful haul from the sea.
Action Outdoors offers a range of fishing nets manufactured in New Zealand, designed for local conditions based on over 40 years experience fishing our waters. We are happy to guide you in selecting the appropriately sized mesh and net length for your purpose.
This post is focussed on accessories and tips for set fishing nets. Things you’ll need for setting your net include a good weather forecast, anchors, buoys, a setting stick, sensible footwear, rope, sack and a practical knife.
Given the variability of New Zealand’s waters, it’s a sound practice to consult members of your local fishing community about how they fish before setting out on your foray into fishing with a net.
Then first things first: check weather conditions, it just doesn’t make sense to go out in rough weather, you’ll end up feeding the fish. This should be followed by time and tide checks. Follow the link to fishing.net.nz/bitetimes for their simple application to know where the fish are:
Consider bottom surface conditions to make the best anchor selection for your net. This will help you determine the kind of anchors you’ll need to stop your net drifting away and make it simple to pull up and haul in. Never use bricks, blocks or similarly weighted objects as these will likely move in even moderate currents making your net liability to marine life and other fishers. Practical choices for anchors are collapsible blade anchors in sandy conditions or grapnel anchors for rocky bottom surfaces. If you aren't sure asking. Action Outdoors resident master mariner can help with any marine query.
Remember never stake your net as this is against regulations and will catch you a fine. You can, however, use a setting stick to hold the net away from you and keep safe as you set it.
Buoys mark your net as yours and act as a contact for any fisheries officers that may inspect your net, make sure it is clearly marked with your name and contact number. Don’t be tempted to use old bottles or other improvised items as they are not purpose-designed to maintain buoyancy and are more likely to sink losing your net with them. Again this creates a net liability to other fishers and sea creatures, the exact opposite of what you’re trying to achieve.
Sound footwear is a must so you don’t injure yourself on any sea creatures or surface bottom conditions. This avoids sharps things and will help if you step into an unexpected hole. I recommend dive boots, and at the very least thick-soled sneakers.
The bag for your catch can be an old hessian style sack or alike to keep your catch clean on the way home. Be really handy, get the cook on the side: make use of your knife to scale, gut and even fillet your fish before you get home.
Use a rope anytime you are in rough conditions between yourself and your onshore person, especially in heavy surf. And be sure to have clear signals to communicate any danger worked out before you go out. Best practice: use a whistle.
A few last tips:
Simple but effective: ensure you are wearing no jewellery particularly on your hands and no clothing with buttons, buckles or toggles. This is avoids getting caught in your net.
A pair of cotton or polyester gloves similar to types for gardening. These assist hauling the nets in and protect you from injury, as well as making it easier to pull fish out of the net.
Last but not least check set netting regulations on the Ministry of Primary Industry (MPI) website for up to date regulations and advice about set netting. The last thing you want to catch is hefty fines. Remember to check local regulations for your area. Again to avoid fines. Link to their website here MPI Fishing Rules
Email admin@actionoutdoors.kiwi for any advice.
Happy fishing.
