CharlieIf you like Crab do a google search on Crabhawk, a castable crab trap. Has to be legal as it traps, so is not a baited bit of net. If a crayfish ring net is legal, which they are now, then this is no different.
I don't believe anybody in NZ stocks them. Well not that I could find on the internet anyway.
I made my own using coat hanger wire and two pieces of aliminium tubing for my hinge. In their pic, and you won't find a good one. They appear to use torsion springs. I used a couple of those skinny balloons tied across the bottom. Took me a while to work the whole thing out but when u think it is actually quite simple.
I can cast mine around 25 yards with the old glassie and a line size they recommend. About 50lb I think. They work well. I beleive they are not patiented, but if you make your own it doesnt matter anyway.
Tackle Tactics should stock these after getting them checked by MAF, they would be a good seller methinks. Like I said it is a trap not a net. I love paddle crabs to eat, I don't love them when they steal bait. And I had an anti crab rig on. (A Garys One and his long cast rig. That old buggar managed to swim up to it for a free feed, well now he is red and he is my feed.
Cheers Trev