Whitebait Nets NZ: How to Choose the Right Net

Whitebait Nets NZ: How to Choose the Right Net (and Stay Within the Rules)

Few things say Kiwi spring like a riverbank, a rising tide and a net full of whitebait. Whether you’re heading out for the first time or upgrading your setup, the right net makes a big difference to how much you catch, and how much you carry back to the car. Here’s a quick guide to the main types of whitebait nets, the DOC rules you need to know, and the NZ-made nets we stock at Smart Marine.

Whitebait Season Dates and Key Rules

Whitebaiting in New Zealand is managed by the Department of Conservation (DOC) under the Whitebait Fishing Regulations 2021. Before you head out, make sure you know the basics:

• Season: 1 September to 30 October (inclusive) across New Zealand. The Chatham Islands season runs 1 December to the last day of February.
• Fishing hours: 5am to 8pm, or 6am to 9pm during daylight saving.
• Net size: maximum 3.5m long, with a mouth no more than 4.5m around the inside of the frame.
• One net at a time, and your total gear (net plus any screens) can’t be longer than 6m.
• Stay with your net: gear must be actively monitored. If you move more than 10m away, take it out of the water.
• Spacing: fixed nets must be at least 20m apart, and you can’t block more than a quarter of the waterway’s width.
• Tidal waters only: no fishing from bridges or boats, upstream of marker pegs, or in national parks, reserves and whitebait refuges.

The West Coast has extra rules around screens, stands and drag nets. Fines start at $400 and can reach $5,000, plus confiscation of your gear, so check the full DOC whitebaiting regulations before you go.

Types of Whitebait Nets

Scoop Nets

A scoop net is a round hoop on a long handle. You hold it in the water and scoop the shoals as they run past. They’re light, cheap to get into and great for moving along the bank to find the fish. A good choice for beginners and anyone who likes to stay mobile.

Set Nets (Pole or Ring Nets)

Set nets sit in the water facing the incoming tide, so the whitebait swim into them. Most use a series of rings or a frame with a trap or sock at the back that holds your catch. They catch more with less effort than a scoop net, but remember you still need to stay with your net the whole time.

Folding and Collapsible Set Nets

Folding and collapsible nets give you the catching power of a set net but fold down flat for the car, boot or garage. Ideal if you fish a few different spots or are short on storage space.

Whitebait Nets at Smart Marine

All of the Nacsan whitebait nets below are made in New Zealand for local rivers and conditions.

Best for Beginners and Mobile Fishing: Scoop Nets

• Nacsan 10' Collapsible Whitebait Scoop Net: all-alloy construction with a 2.7m circumference hoop, reinforced bends, folding handle and HD Ezi Flow netting. NZ made.
• 12' Scoop Whitebait Net: a larger 12' hoop with grey synthetic netting and a trap to hold your catch.

Best for Small to Medium Rivers: Southland Ring Nets

• Nacsan Southland 4 Ring Whitebait Net with Trap Sock: built for small to medium rivers. Alloy frame, Ezi Flo net, 1200 x 600mm mouth, 2.4m long and a 5-year warranty. NZ made.
• Nacsan Southland 5 Ring Whitebait Net with Trap Sock: the bigger option, with a 1100 x 1100mm mouth and 3.5m length. Alloy frame, Ezi Flo net and a 5-year warranty. NZ made.

Best for Easy Storage and Transport: Folding Set Nets

• Nacsan Large A-Frame Folding Whitebait Net: a galvanised steel A-frame with alloy netting, fibreglass floor and removable trap. 1060 x 900mm mouth, 1.2m long, and folds flat to 1.4m. NZ made.
• Nacsan Collapsible 90cm (3') Whitebait Net: alloy mesh, galvanised steel frame sides and a fibreglass mesh mouth. 1.1m long and collapses down for easy transport.

Which Net Should You Choose?

• New to whitebaiting, or like to move around? Start with a scoop net.
• Fishing a regular spot on a small to medium river? The Southland 4 Ring is a proven all-rounder.
• Want maximum catching area? Go for the Southland 5 Ring.
• Short on space or fishing different rivers? A folding A-frame or collapsible net packs down small.

Whitebaiting Tips

• Fish the tide. Whitebait run upstream with the incoming tide, so plan your session around it. Pick up a Northern Edition or Bay of Plenty/Coromandel Edition tide times table.
• Find the edges. Shoals tend to travel close to the bank, out of the main current.
• Check your gear. Rinse nets in fresh water after each trip and check the netting and trap for holes before the next one.
• Take only what you need, and release any non-target fish straight away.
• Be a good neighbour. Give other whitebaiters space and leave the riverbank as you found it.

Whitebait-Pattern Lures for the Saltwater

Whitebait aren’t just good on the plate. Plenty of predatory fish feed on them too, so whitebait-coloured lures and rigs are a great match for kahawai, trout at the river mouth, snapper and more:

• Daiwa Baitjunkie Wave Minnow Softbait - Whitebait
• Rapala Crush City Heavy Hitter 3" Soft Bait - Whitebait
• Black Magic Powerchuck Surfcasting Pulley Rig - Lumo Whitebait

Get Your Whitebait Gear at Smart Marine

Pop into one of our five stores in Manukau, Mt Wellington, Albany, Hamilton or Tauranga, or shop online with Click & Collect or delivery NZ wide. Our team are keen fishos and happy to help you pick the right net for your river. Smart VIP members also get member pricing on selected whitebait nets.