Auckland councillors have been told to rule out a ban on set-net fishing at the city's northern beaches.

The controversial practice can frustrate and endanger swimmers, but is a tradition for many Maori and Pacific Island families.

Officials will also continue to monitor set nets and crab pots at Hatfields, Browns Bay, Matakatia and Campbells Bay.

But Maori customary rights and national legislation means a complete ban isn't possible.

Arkles Bay residents may lose their fight to keep fishing set-nets out of their bay.

Auckland councillors are investigating controls on set-net fishing to replace a complete ban which is due to lapse in November.

However, it may not be the year-round ban locals like blogger Cameron Slater have been calling for.

The council will also investigate a control on set-netting at Omaha Beach, a major spot for complaints about set-netting.

Set net controls were introduced last year at Army Bay and Te Haruhi Bay in Shakespear Regional Park.

Only two people were fined or prosecuted for breaking set-net rules last summer.

Set-netting by numbers

Shakespear Regional Park - 1 seizure notice, 1 security guard call-out

Hatfield Beach - 3 checks, 1 complaint

Browns Bay - 1 prosecution, 2 checks

Omaha Beach - 1 fine, several security guard call-outs, 13 emails

Matakatia Beach - 15 emails

Campbells Bay - 2 emails

Arkles Bay - 2 emails