Selecting Fishing Nets how to Guide

Selecting Fishing Nets: How to Guide

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

At Action Outdoors Ltd, we are committed to helping fishermen across New Zealand and the Pacific make informed choices when selecting fishing nets. The right mesh size not only impacts your catch but also ensures compliance with NZ MPI regulations and promotes sustainable fishing practices.

Why Mesh Size Matters

While many anglers choose the minimum mesh size permitted under regulations, this isn’t always the best option. Legal minimums are designed to let fish mature and breed before capture, but that doesn’t guarantee optimal results for every fishing goal. Selecting a mesh size tailored to your target species helps you maximise catch quality and efficiency.

Lessons from 50 Years at Sea

Drawing on five decades of commercial fishing along New Zealand’s East Coast, Action Outdoors has tested every variable—mesh size, twine thickness, materials, and colours. One key discovery: larger mesh sizes often deliver better outcomes. In the late 1970s, using a 145 mm mesh instead of the standard 116 mm produced fewer but significantly larger fish—healthier, easier to handle, and far more valuable.

Practical Tips for Selecting Fishing Nets

• Avoid one-size-fits-all nets: Smaller mesh may trap undersized snapper, while larger fish swim free.
• Experiment beyond the legal minimum: For species like flounder, kahawai, or mullet, try one size larger than the MPI minimum.
• Maintain safety and performance: Check anchors, markers, buoyancy aids, and regularly repair your nets to extend their lifespan.

Explore Our Net Range

Action Outdoors designs nets informed by real-world experience. Browse our selection, including bait-herring nets, piper nets, snapper nets, flounder nets, and complete ready-to-use sets.

Smart fishing starts with smart choices—selecting fishing nets that match your goals, not just the minimum legal size.

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