Mullet Net Mesh Size NZ — 90mm vs 100mm & Mono vs Multi-Mono Guide

What mesh size do you need for mullet in NZ? We cover the legal requirements, best mesh sizes for grey mullet, and how mono vs multi-mono mesh affects your catch rate.

👉 Shop mullet nets →

The Short Answer

For grey mullet (kanae) in New Zealand, the two most popular mesh sizes are:

• 90mm (3.5 inch) — catches smaller mullet and a wider range of sizes. Most popular choice.
• 100mm (4 inch) — catches medium to larger mullet. Better for areas with bigger fish.

Both sizes are legal for recreational set netting in most NZ areas. The right choice depends on your location, the size of mullet in your area, and whether you're also targeting other species.

Understanding Mesh Size

When we talk about mesh size for fishing nets, we mean the full mesh measurement — the distance from knot to knot when the mesh is stretched flat. This determines the minimum size of fish that will get caught.

A fish needs to be large enough that its body gets wedged in the mesh when it tries to swim through. Too small and it swims through; too large and it bounces off.

How Mesh Size Affects Your Catch

90mm vs 100mm — Which Should You Choose?

Choose 90mm if:

• You're fishing in estuaries and harbours where mullet are mixed sizes
• You want to catch a wider range of fish sizes
• The mullet in your area tend to be small to medium (under 40cm)
• You're a beginner and want the most versatile option
• You want to also catch trevally, parore, and smaller fish in the same net

Choose 100mm if:

• You're targeting larger, older mullet (35cm+)
• You fish in areas with good-sized mullet populations (e.g., Kaipara Harbour, Manukau)
• You want to also target kahawai in the same net
• You want to avoid catching small undersized fish
• You're fishing in more open water (not tight estuaries)

Our Recommendation

If you can only buy one mullet net, go with 90mm mesh. It's the most versatile and catches the widest range of legal-sized mullet. If you fish bigger waters and want larger fish, add a 100mm net as your second net.

Mono vs Multi-Mono Mesh — The Real Game Changer

The choice between mono and multi-mono mesh material makes a bigger difference to your catch rate than mesh size does.

Mono (Monofilament)

• Single strand of nylon — like thick fishing line
• Stiffer and holds its shape in the water
• More visible to fish — they can see the mesh
• More affordable (approx 20–30% cheaper)
• Easier to untangle
• Good for: Beginners, strong currents, casual fishing

Multi-Mono (Multifilament Monofilament)

• Multiple fine strands twisted together — like soft thread
• Much softer and drapes naturally in the water
• Nearly invisible to fish — significantly higher catch rates
• Used by commercial fishermen for decades
• Slightly more expensive but worth every cent
• Good for: Serious fishing, clear water, maximising catch

How Much More Fish Does Multi-Mono Catch?

In our experience (and that of countless commercial fishermen), multi-mono nets consistently catch 20–40% more fish than equivalent mono nets. The reason is simple — fish can't see it. Mullet in particular are easily spooked by visible mesh, especially in clear estuary water.

If you're investing in a mullet net, we strongly recommend multi-mono. The extra cost pays for itself in your first few outings.

Floating vs Sinking Mullet Nets

Another choice you'll need to make is whether you want a floating or standard (sinking) mullet net.

Floating Mullet Nets

• Extra floats that keep the entire net at or near the surface
• Best for: Shallow estuaries, tidal channels, harbour edges where mullet feed on the surface
• Ideal when mullet are schooling on top (you can see them splashing)
• Not suitable for deep water or bottom-feeding fish

Standard (Sinking) Mullet Nets

• Lead-core bottom rope pulls the net to the seabed
• Best for: General use — covers the full water column from bottom to surface
• Works in harbours, estuaries, beaches, rocky coastlines
• Catches mullet at any depth
• Also catches flounder, trevally, and other species near the bottom

Our Recommendation

A standard sinking net is the most versatile. It covers the entire water column and catches everything. Floating nets are a great second net for shallow estuary fishing when mullet are clearly feeding on the surface.

Legal Mesh Sizes for Mullet in NZ

MPI (Ministry for Primary Industries) sets minimum mesh size rules for recreational set netting in New Zealand. For grey mullet:

• There is no minimum mesh size specifically for grey mullet in most areas
• However, general set net rules apply — your net must not catch undersized fish of protected or regulated species
• In practice, 90mm and 100mm mesh are both well above any minimum and are widely accepted as appropriate for grey mullet

⚠️ Important: Some areas have set net bans regardless of mesh size (e.g., parts of the Hauraki Gulf, some west coast harbours). Always check MPI rules for your specific area.

What Net Length for Mullet?

We offer mullet nets in the following standard lengths:

For most recreational fishers, a 30m or 40m net is the sweet spot — long enough to cover good ground, short enough to handle and retrieve easily.

Popular Mullet Fishing Spots in NZ

Grey mullet are found around most of New Zealand's coastline, but they're most abundant in:

• Kaipara Harbour — NZ's largest harbour, massive mullet runs
• Manukau Harbour — Auckland's south-western harbour, excellent mullet fishing year-round
• Raglan Harbour
• Tauranga Harbour
• Whangarei Harbour
• Northland estuaries — Hokianga, Whangaroa, Kerikeri
• Bay of Plenty rivers and estuaries
• Coromandel Peninsula
• East Cape estuaries

Mullet are primarily a North Island species, though they're occasionally caught as far south as Canterbury.

Shop Mullet Nets at Action Outdoors

Every mullet net we make is custom-built in our Auckland factory — not imported. Our nets feature approximately 30% more mesh, 30% more floats, and 30% more lead-core rope than imported alternatives. The result? More fish.

• ✅ Free shipping NZ-wide
• ✅ 90mm and 100mm mesh available
• ✅ Mono and multi-mono options
• ✅ Floating and standard nets
• ✅ Custom lengths available
• ✅ Expert advice from real fishers

👉 Shop all mullet nets →

Related Products

• Mullet & kahawai drag nets
• Net parts & supplies — floats, lead rope, twine for repairs
• All fishing nets

Written by Action Outdoors — NZ's largest fishing net manufacturer. We've been building mullet nets in Auckland for over 50 years. If you need advice on which net is right for your area, get in touch — we're always happy to help.