How to Choose the Right Fishing Net Mesh Size in New Zealand

🎣 How to Choose the Right Fishing Net Mesh Size in New Zealand

Choosing the correct fishing net mesh size in New Zealand is essential for both legal compliance and successful fishing trips. Based on Mike Moore’s decades of fishing experience at Action Outdoors Ltd, and aligned with the Auckland and Kermadec Fishery Management Area regulations, this guide explains the best mesh sizes for common target species.

Whether you’re targeting Grey Mullet, Kahawai, Parore, Flounder, Snapper, or Trevally, this blog will help you select the right mesh size for your net.

⚖️ Why Mesh Size Matters for Fishing Nets in NZ

The mesh size of a fishing net determines:

• Which species are caught.

• Whether smaller fish (juveniles) can escape.

• Compliance with Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) regulations.

• The quality and sustainability of your catch.

👉 Before setting your net, always check the latest Auckland and Kermadec fishery regulations on the MPI website.

🐟 Mesh Size Recommendations by Target Fish

Grey Mullet & Kahawai Nets

• West & East Coast Harbours: 90 mm (3.625″) × 60 m

• East Coast (outside harbours): 100 mm (4″) × 60 m

• Drag net only: 85 mm × 40 m

• Drag or Set: 90 mm × 40 m (versatile option for legal use in both areas)

👉 Shop our Grey Mullet & Kahawai Nets here.

Parore & Kahawai Nets

• Kelp areas: 125 mm (5″) — also keeps Flounder, Red Cod, John Dory, Trevally & Snapper.

• Mud banks: 125 mm standard, or 118 mm if you are confident there’s no by-catch (rare in warmer months).

👉 Browse Parore and Kahawai Nets.

Flounder Nets

• Recommended: 125 mm mesh (handles by-catch and is legal).

• Sand Flounder only (no by-catch): 118 mm.

• Commercial standard: 125 mm.

👉 See Flounder Net Options.

Snapper & Trevally Nets

• Best mesh: 135 mm (5.5″).

• Targets larger Snapper (350 mm+), Trevally, Rig, Blue Moki, Red Snapper.

• Allows smaller fish to escape.

👉 Find Snapper & Trevally Nets.

Piper & Bait Fish Dragnets

• Use the smallest legal mesh (1″).

• Larger mesh risks gilling bait fish, reducing survival chances.

👉 Buy Piper & Bait Nets.

Herring Nets

• Drag nets: 1.25″ – 2.5″ (depending on bay and fish size).

• Set nets: 2″ – 3″.

👉 Check our Herring Nets.

⚠️ Best Practices for Setting Fishing Nets

• Shallow waters only: Nets are best set in 10–15 m depths.

• Avoid overnight setting: Predators (sharks, stingrays, octopus, crabs) can ruin catch quality.

• Use modern gear: Radar, sounder, and GPS plotters help set nets after dark when fish are feeding.

• Prevent by-catch: Always choose the right mesh to avoid wasting fish stocks.

📍 Visit Action Outdoors – Auckland Fishing Specialists

At Action Outdoors Ltd, we stock a wide range of fishing nets, dragnets, and set nets designed for New Zealand waters.

Action Outdoors Ltd
348 Rosebank Road, Avondale, Auckland 1026

🕘 Opening Hours
Mon–Fri: 9 am – 5 pm
Sat: 9 am – 3 pm
Sun: Closed

📞 09 820 8023 | 0800 118 069
✉️ sales@actionoutdoors.kiwi