Lurite

Most soft‑bait anglers talk endlessly about colours, brands, and bait styles — but jighead weight is the quiet variable that changes everything . Too light, and your bait never reaches the strike zone. Too heavy, and it looks like a brick falling through the water. So I ran a simple experiment to see how much jighead weight actually affects snapper catch rates in typical New Zealand inshore conditions . 🧪 The Setup Location: New Zealand inshore reef fishing Depth: 6–10 metres Conditions: Light swell Medium clarity Slow drift Afternoon session into sunset Soft baits used: 5” jerk shads 4” paddle tails Jigheads tested: 1/4 oz 3/8 oz 1/2 oz Each weight was fished for 20 minutes before switching. ⚖️ The Results 1. 1/4 oz — Natural action, slow sink Best action in shallow patches Great for timid fish Struggled to reach bottom in 8–10m Missed deeper fish entirely Takeaway: Perfect for calm, shallow water — not ideal for most NZ conditions. 2. 3/8 oz — The all‑rounder Reached bottom q...

Most anglers swear by their favourite soft bait colour — Motor Oil , Pink Shine, Bruised Banana, Natural Pilchard . But how much does colour actually matter when you’re targeting snapper in New Zealand ? I wanted to find out for myself, so I ran a simple experiment over two sessions on the Taranaki coast . 🧪 The Setup Location: Taranaki surf / inshore reef Conditions: Light swell 6–8m depth Water clarity: medium Drift speed: slow Time of day: late afternoon into sunset Gear: 5” jerk shads 4” paddle tails Jigheads : 3/8 oz, 3/0 hooks Colours tested: Natural Pilchard Motor Oil Pink Shine White Glow Each colour was fished for 20 minutes before switching. 🎣 The Results 1. Natural Pilchard — Most consistent Hooked fish within 3 minutes Multiple pannies Best performance in clearer patches of water Takeaway: Natural colours still dominate when visibility is decent. 2. Motor Oil — Best in low light Slow start Came alive as the sun dropped Strong vibration + colour shift = reaction bite...

Soft bait fishing is huge in New Zealand — and for good reason. It’s simple, effective, and deadly on snapper when you use the right lures. But not all soft baits are created equal. Some colours and shapes work in almost every condition, while others only shine in very specific situations. This guide breaks down the five soft baits that consistently produce fish across NZ’s coastlines, from the West Coast surf to the Hauraki Gulf . 1. 5” Jerk Shad – Natural Pilchard / Anchovy Colours If you only carry one soft bait, make it this one. Why it works: Perfect wounded‑baitfish profile Natural colours match NZ bait species Deadly on the drop Works in shallow and deep water Best for: Clear water Morning and evening Light drifts 2. 4” Paddle Tail – Motor Oil / Bruised Banana A must‑have for beginners and pros. Why it works: Tail vibration attracts fish from distance Motor Oil colour shifts in sunlight Great for dirty or stirred‑up water Best for: Land‑based fishing Shallow reefs Murky wate...

  Soft bait fishing has exploded across New Zealand and Australia over the past decade — and for good reason. It’s simple, insanely effective, and perfect for anyone who wants to catch more fish without needing a boat full of gear. Whether you’re brand new to soft baits or you’ve tried them before without much luck, this guide breaks everything down into clear, practical steps that actually work in NZ conditions. Why Soft Baits Work So Well Soft baits mimic wounded baitfish — and snapper , kahawai , gurnard , and even kingfish can’t resist an easy meal. They’re deadly because: They move naturally in the water They work from shore or boat They let you cover more ground Fish hold on longer, giving you more time to set the hook If you want a technique that consistently produces fish year‑round, soft baits are hard to beat. What You Actually Need (No Overkill) A lot of guides overcomplicate this. Here’s the lean, effective setup that works anywhere from Taranaki to the Hauraki Gulf ....