Fishing nets For Mullet In New Zealand
3-1/2"- 90mm Mullet nets are the most expeditious method fishing for this swift swimming fish.
The grey mullet here in New Zealand inhabits marine and freshwater environments and is commonly found around the North Island out to Cook Strait during summer. Mullet have been found as far inland as Karapiro and in the Waipa River near Te Kuiti. Commercially mullet is fished around Kaipara, Manukau Harbour and the Waikato River. Like its cousin the yellow-eyed mullet it must spawn in saltwater. These large fish regularly grow to fifty centimetres in length or more and are well regarded as a food source for their oily flesh rich in essential fatty acids. This makes mullet an ideal fish to smoke. Mullet also is sought after as a baitfish particularly for snapper. Kite fishers and longliners can also make use of frozen mullet for bait too.
Action Outdoors provides onsite manufactured customised nets specifically made for New Zealand conditions and we have more than 40 years fishing experience to help guide you with any advice required. See Action Outdoors mullet nets page by following the link Mullet nets To Buy
We manufacture nets in lengths 20m 30m 40m 50m 60m 100m or Custom made in 85mm 80mm 3-5/8" 4-00incn 100mm in different grades/strengths to suit Fishing conditions.
I recommend setting your net in clear conditions in the evening or during the day in muddy water after observing where the mullet are moving. Mullet actively leap and writhe through the water before crossing estuaries and mudflats on the rising tides in schools. Most commonly mullet are found in shallow water as they feed on microscopic plant life and small creatures that reside in the mud or sand. Their long intestine enables them to eat a mostly plant-based diet. Stealth is important catching this wily fish, as they are easily scared away. Set your net in knee-deep water as the tide comes in, dusk is a good time especially since mullet have good eyesight and may otherwise spot your net.
Remember that if you are looking for larger fish having a net with the mesh at the smallest legal size allowed can be counterproductive.
See Action Outdoors advice about How to choose a fishing net here How to Choose Your Fishing Net.
Larger mesh sizes are more likely to net you bigger fish with less effort and allow smaller fish the opportunity of swimming away unharmed. This also means fish are still alive and in good condition. Remember to check the local regulations around allowable net size for where you are fishing and the general rules in place New Zealand wide at the Ministry of Primary Industries (MPI) website. MPI website link here https://www.fisheries.govt.nz/travel-and-recreation/fishing/fishing-rules/.
Things to remember
Use anchors either side of your net to keep it from being swept away, as a rule, one kilogramme of anchor per ten metres of the net is recommended. So for example, if you had a 30-metre net you would want two 3 kilogramme anchors on each side of your net.
Set your net to suit the tide movement. Where the tide moves in and out along the estuary set your net across the current. In contrast where the tides slowly fill the channel then flows over the flats or sand then set your net so the water flow is on a 90-degree angle to the net.
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Good fishing everyone!
