Export Only American Cast Nets

Not Legal in NZ. 

🧑⚖️ Are Cast Nets Legal in NZ?

There are no specific rules in the Fisheries (Amateur Fishing) Regulations that say “cast nets are illegal” in New Zealand. Recreational fishing rules focus on mesh sizes and target species rather than banning cast nets outright. However compliance comes down to two main things:

1. Species-specific minimum mesh sizes, and

2. Local rules or restrictions (e.g., rāhui, marine reserves). New Zealand Legislation

🐟 Mesh Size & Species Rules

Under NZ fishing regulations, you must use a net with at least the minimum mesh size specified for the species you are targeting. New Zealand Legislation

• Minimum mesh sizes apply when using nets to take fish (set net or drag net), and these regulations list the required mesh size per species. New Zealand Legislation

• There’s no mesh-size rule specifically for cast nets in the regulations, so cast nets often fall into a grey area — but fishers are expected to follow the spirit of the law. The Fishing Website

Practical interpretation (industry and MPI feedback):

• Cast nets are commonly accepted for catching bait fish (such as pipers, sprats, yellow-eyed mullet, herrings) with smaller mesh sizes (e.g., ~25 mm). The Fishing Website

• For species with minimum legal mesh requirements (like kahawai or grey mullet), cast nets with smaller mesh sizes may not meet the minimum mesh size requirements and therefore may be considered illegal by authorities if used to catch those species. The Fishing Website

Example:
An 8 ft cast net with 1 inch (25 mm) mesh is generally considered legal for bait fish but not legal for catching kahawai or other species with larger minimum mesh size requirements. The Fishing Website

📍 Other Legal Considerations

Even if mesh size rules are met:

🚫 Closed Areas

• Cast nets may still be prohibited in marine reserves, rāhui areas, or places with local bylaws restricting net use. Always check local rules before fishing. MPI

📏 Local Rules & Compliance

• Fisheries New Zealand (MPI) recommends fishers check the NZ Fishing Rules app, text-back service, or local notices for updates before fishing. MPI

⭐ Summary – What’s Legal

✔ Cast nets are legal to use in NZ, provided they do not violate mesh size rules for specific species or local restrictions.
✔ Cast nets with smaller mesh (e.g., ~25 mm) are typically used for bait fish only.
❌ Cast nets should not be used to target species with legal minimum mesh size requirements unless the cast net meets those minimum sizes.
⚠️ Always check local bylaws, rāhui, and marine zones before use.