MUD-1 40m Mullet Drag Net — NZ‑Made Surf‑Ready Net for Mullet & Kahawai

The MUD-1 40m Mullet Drag Net from Action Fishing Nets is a purpose-built, NZ‑made long net engineered for coastal anglers who work surf beaches and estuary edges for mullet and kahawai. Every detail—from mesh size to rope balance—has been tuned for stable tracking in chop, reliable retention, and easy handling along the shoreline.

Why coastal anglers choose this drag net

• 40 m working length lets you sweep active feeding lanes without constant re‑sets, increasing time-on-fish when schools move with the breakers.
• 85 mm full mesh (approx. 3‑1/4") aligns with NZ drag‑net practice for targeting grey mullet and kahawai, helping hold fish securely during a steady shoreline pull.
• Balanced, surf-stable rigging with more floats on the headline and a heavier bottom rope so the net tracks true and stays open as waves push and pull.
• 0.50 mm mono twine provides a strong, responsive net body that’s tough enough for sand and light shell while remaining quick to shoot and gather.
• 33 meshes deep (33MD) creates a generous capture zone without unnecessary weight, making two‑person retrieves smoother over long passes.
• Clear mono mesh reduces visual flash and glare in bright water, supporting quieter approaches on sunny days and in shallow surf.

Dialed for New Zealand surf and West Coast conditions

Designed specifically for NZ coastal fishing, this drag net pairs length and depth with a surf‑friendly rope setup that resists twisting and collapse when swell stands up. Whether you’re working open sand on the West Coast or guiding kahawai along a bar, the net’s clear mono and heavier leadline help maintain shape so fish stay inside as you move down the beach.

Who it’s made for

• Anglers targeting grey mullet and kahawai with shoreline drags on surf beaches, river mouths, and tidal flats.
• Coastal crews who want an NZ‑made, ready-to-work drag net that balances durability with manageable weight for repeated sets.
• Fishers who value compliant mesh sizing for North Island drag‑net methods and want a configuration built around local conditions and techniques.

How this net solves real problems on the beach

• Fewer missed schools: The 40 m span lets you cover the full width of active gutters and near‑shore channels as schools push bait tight to the sand.
• Cleaner, straighter pulls: Extra buoyancy on top and weight on the footrope minimize bagging and billowing, so the net moves where you point it.
• Reduced fatigue: 0.50 mm mono and 33MD depth keep overall weight sensible for longer sessions and multiple laps along the shoreline.
• Better presentation: Clear mesh is less obvious to fish in bright, shallow water, aiding catch rates when the surf is glassy.

Use cases and practical tips

• Shoreline drags: Work parallel to the beach across likely travel lanes, then arc gently shoreward to concentrate fish in the bag end.
• Breaker edges: Time each pull between sets so the net holds shape through whitewater without being overrun by the next wave.
• Tidal flats: On a falling tide, sweep the lip of draining channels where mullet and kahawai funnel past drop‑offs.
• Handling: Shoot the float line slightly ahead of the leadline to help the net open; keep steady pace to maintain a consistent wall.

Responsible, compliant fishing

Mesh sizes and drag‑net rules can vary by region and change over time. This model uses 85 mm full mesh and a 40 m length specifically chosen for common North Island requirements when targeting mullet and kahawai. Always check current MPI regulations for your exact location, including mesh size, net length, and possession limits, before you fish.

Specifications at a glance

• Total length: 40 m
• Mesh size: 85 mm full mesh (approx. 3‑1/4")
• Twine: 0.50 mm mono
• Depth: 33 meshes deep (33MD)
• Rigging: Extra floats on headline; heavier weighted bottom rope
• Construction: Clear mono mesh; NZ‑made
• Target species: Grey mullet, kahawai

Care to extend working life

• Rinse thoroughly in fresh water after each session; hang to dry out of direct sun.
• Coil ropes neatly to prevent kinks; check knots, floats, and leadline before storage.
• Avoid dragging over sharp rock or heavy shell where possible; pace your pull to reduce snags.

If your coastal fishing revolves around surf beaches and schooling fish, the MUD-1 40m Mullet Drag Net delivers the reach, mesh, and stability serious shoreline anglers demand—built in New Zealand by people who fish the same waters.