Best Fishing Nets NZ 2026 — Every Type Explained (Set Nets, Drag Nets, Cast Nets & More)

Looking for the best fishing net in New Zealand? Whether you're after flounder, mullet, snapper, piper, or baitfish — there's a specific net designed for the job. This guide covers every type of fishing net available in NZ, what they're used for, and which ones we recommend.

Action Outdoors manufactures fishing nets right here in Auckland — the same team that supplies NZ commercial fishermen and the Pacific Islands. Free shipping on everything.

Quick Reference — Which Net Do You Need?

Set Nets — The Most Popular Fishing Net in NZ

Set nets (also called gill nets) are the backbone of recreational fishing in New Zealand. You anchor them in a channel, estuary, or harbour and let them fish passively. The net hangs like a curtain — fish swim into it and get caught by the gills.

Best Set Nets by Species

Flounder Set Nets

Flounder nets use 4.6" (117mm) mesh and sit on the bottom. Available with mono or multi-mono mesh, floating top rope or floats on rope.

→ Shop Flounder Set Nets from $99 →

Mullet Set Nets

Mullet nets use 90mm or 100mm mesh. Available in mono, multi-mono, and floating versions.

→ Shop Mullet Set Nets from $115 →

Snapper & Multi-Purpose Set Nets

Larger mesh (5"–6.25") for snapper, kahawai, trevally, and other big fish. Our 5" multi-purpose net is the most versatile — catches everything from mullet to snapper.

→ Shop Snapper Nets from $120 →

Butterfish (Greenbone) Set Nets

108mm mesh in bronze or clear. Designed for kelp reef environments around the South Island and lower North Island.

→ Shop Butterfish Nets from $138 →

Drag Nets — Active Beach Fishing

Drag nets (beach seine nets) are pulled through shallow water by two people. They're the most fun way to catch flatfish and are brilliant for families.

Flounder Drag Nets

Lightweight, easy to drag, perfect for sandy beaches. Available 15m to 40m.

→ Flounder Drag Nets from $133 →

Mullet & Kahawai Drag Nets

Heavier mesh for bigger fish. 85mm, 90mm, or 100mm options. Deep mesh (30–33 meshes) to prevent fish jumping over.

→ Mullet Drag Nets from $145 →

Cast Nets — Catch Your Own Live Bait

Cast nets are thrown by hand and sink quickly to trap baitfish. Perfect for catching piper, pilchards, and other live bait before a day's fishing.

Legal mesh size in NZ: Minimum 25mm (1 inch). We stock 6ft to 12ft radius in both American and Japanese styles.

→ Shop Cast Nets from $56 →

Landing Nets — Boat & Kayak

Don't lose your fish at the boat! A good landing net is essential gear for boat and kayak fishing.

→ Shop Landing Nets from $5 →

Piper & Baitfish Nets

Small mesh (25mm) nets specifically designed for catching piper, herring, and other baitfish. Available as set nets and drag nets from 10m to 100m.

→ Shop Piper & Bait Nets from $124 →

Pacific Island Fishing Nets

Heavy-duty nets designed for Pacific Island conditions — Fiji, Samoa, Tonga, Cook Islands. Thicker mesh (0.50mm–0.70mm), heavier construction, custom sizes available.

→ Shop Pacific Island Nets from $124 →

DIY Net Making — Mesh & Supplies

Want to make your own net? We stock unslung mesh in every size, plus lead rope, float rope, needles, and all the supplies you need.

• Mullet Mesh Unslung →
• Flounder Mesh Unslung →
• Net Accessories & Supplies →
• Net Parts & Making Supplies →

Why Buy From Action Outdoors?

• 🇳🇿 NZ Made — manufactured in our Auckland workshop
• 🚚 Free shipping NZ-wide
• 💰 Best prices — factory-direct, we're the manufacturer
• 🏭 Commercial quality — same nets used by NZ commercial fishermen and Pacific Island fisheries
• 📏 Custom sizes — any length, any depth, any mesh
• 📞 Expert advice — 09 820 8023

🎣 Feed the Family — NZ's largest range of fishing nets, made right here in Auckland.

Action Outdoors Limited | 348 Rosebank Road, Avondale, Auckland | 09 820 8023 | actionoutdoors.kiwi