How to Select Your Fishing Nets In NZ 01-09-2025
FISHING

How to Select Your Fishing Nets In NZ 01-09-2025

Action Outdoors Ltd helps fishermen across New Zealand and the Pacific choose the right fishing nets and mesh sizes while staying compliant with MPI regulations.

  • Regulations vs. reality: The MPI minimum mesh size is only the smallest legal option—not always the best for practical fishing. Larger mesh sizes often result in bigger fish, less handling work, and better catch quality.

  • Experience-based insight: After 50 years of fishing, Action Outdoors has learned that testing different mesh sizes, twine, and net types produces better results than sticking to the minimum size.

  • Specialized nets are essential: A single “multi-purpose” net won’t work for all species. Nets must be tailored for snapper, flounder, kahawai, mullet, sprats, and mackerel.

  • Safety matters: Always follow MPI’s set net safety rules and maintain nets regularly for durability and compliance.

  • Real-world example: Larger mesh (145 mm) caught fewer but larger and higher-quality fish than the commonly used 116 mm mesh.

FAQs cover:

  • Legal minimum mesh sizes in NZ.

  • Why the minimum size isn’t always optimal.

  • Sustainability, catch efficiency, and quality benefits of larger mesh.

  • Risks of using the wrong net.

  • Why one net can’t catch all species.

  • Tips for choosing nets for snapper, kahawai, and flounder.

  • Where to buy regulation-compliant, high-quality fishing nets (Action Outdoors Ltd).

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How to Select the Best Fishing Nets: Mesh Size Guide for New Zealand & Pacific Regulations

Action Outdoors Ltd is committed to helping fishermen in New Zealand and throughout the Pacific get the maximum productivity and safety out of every fishing trip. In this guide, we’ll help you select the right type and size of fishing nets while complying with current NZ MPI mesh size regulations for sustainable fishing.

Why Mesh Size Really Matters: Beyond the Legal Minimum

Many anglers simply default to the minimum mesh size permitted under MPI and Pacific Island fishing regulations. But at Action Outdoors, we believe that the legal minimum mesh size isn’t always the most effective choice for your fishing goals.

  • Regulations ensure fish mature before harvest—mesh sizes are set so target species can breed before being caught.

  • Different mesh sizes = different results—even if you’re legally compliant, your net may not be suited to your target species.

👉 Learn more about our NZ Flounder Nets and Snapper Nets to see the difference in design and mesh size.

Practical Mesh-Size Tips from 50 Years of Fishing

Over my 50-year fishing career, I’ve tested various mesh sizes, materials, colours, and twine thicknesses across New Zealand’s East Coast. Thanks to this experience, Action Outdoors Ltd now manufactures customized nets to suit your fishing style and species.

Myth: One net fits all—for example:

  • Sprat nets catch small fish, but any snapper caught will be undersized.

  • Snapper nets catch bigger snapper, but sprats, mullet, and mackerel swim through.

👉 Compare options in our Complete Nets Ready to Use category.

A Discovery: Larger Mesh Nets Catch Bigger Fish

In the 1970s, I used a 145 mm mesh net by accident—larger than the standard 116 mm mesh. The results were incredible:

  • Bigger fish, four times the weight of smaller legal fish.

  • Less handling work—one big fish beats four small ones.

  • Better fish quality—they stayed alive longer in the net.

👉 Explore our Fishing Net Mesh Unslung range to see how mesh size can impact your results.

Smart Advice: Legal Minimum ≠ Optimal Choice

MPI rules define the smallest legal mesh size, but they don’t mean it’s the best size. Your own experience matters more.

👉 Want to catch larger kahawai, flounder, or mullet? Consider using a mesh size one step larger than the minimum in your General Purpose Nets.

Safety & Best-Practice Tips

  • Choose nets for bottom-dwelling inshore fish—they feed and breed in specific areas, making selective fishing easier.

  • Always follow NZ MPI safety rules: visible markers, secure anchors, and proper flotation devices.

  • Regularly check and repair nets to extend lifespan and efficiency.

👉 Review the latest MPI Fishing Net Regulations directly here: MPI Set Net Rules

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the minimum legal fishing net mesh size in New Zealand?

The minimum legal mesh size varies by species and location. For example:

  • Flounder nets require a larger minimum mesh than bait-herring nets.

  • Coastal regions have different rules from offshore areas.

👉 Always check the MPI mesh size regulations for your area.

2. Can I use the minimum MPI mesh size for all fishing?

Not always. MPI specifies the minimum allowed mesh size, but it may not be optimal for your target fish. Larger mesh often leads to bigger catches with less effort.

👉 See our Snapper Nets for options that balance regulation and efficiency.

3. Why does mesh size matter?

  • Sustainability: lets juvenile fish breed before capture.

  • Catch quality: bigger mesh often yields higher-value fish.

  • Efficiency: fewer but larger fish save time and effort.

👉 Try a Piper Net or Bait-Herring Net to compare results.

4. What happens if I use the wrong mesh size?

Using too small a mesh risks fines, gear confiscation, and catching undersized fish that are illegal to keep.

👉 Stay safe with nets designed for compliance—see our NZ Flounder Nets.

5. Can I buy a multi-purpose fishing net?

No. Regulations and fish biology make this impractical. One net won’t effectively catch both sprats and snapper.

👉 Instead, browse our specialized nets: Snapper Nets, Bait Nets, Flounder Nets.

6. How do I choose the best fishing net for snapper, kahawai, or flounder?

  • Snapper: go slightly larger than minimum for better yield.

  • Flounder: check your local MPI minimums and match mesh size.

  • Kahawai/Mullet: consider one size larger than MPI minimum for improved results.

👉 Shop our General Purpose Nets for versatile fishing.

7. Where can I buy high-quality fishing nets in New Zealand?

Right here at Action Outdoors Ltd. We supply durable, regulation-compliant nets, including: