Introduction to Soft Bait Fishing in NZ: What Is It?
Soft bait fishing — often called softbaiting in New Zealand — is a highly effective fishing technique that uses soft bait lures made from flexible materials, usually soft plastic. These lures are designed to mimic the appearance and swimming action of natural prey, such as small baitfish, squid, or crabs, making them irresistible to predatory species.
Typically, soft baits are paired with a jighead — a weighted hook that helps the lure sink to the desired depth while maintaining a realistic movement. The angler then works the lure with subtle rod movements, creating an action that can trigger aggressive strikes from even the most cautious fish.
In New Zealand, soft bait fishing has become a favourite among both beginners and seasoned anglers thanks to its versatility and results. It’s particularly effective for targeting snapper, kahawai, trevally, and other inshore species, whether fishing from a boat, kayak, or the shoreline.
Your success in soft bait fishing depends on several important aspects — choosing the right rods, reel, line, jighead and soft bait lures, as well as mastering casting, retrieving, and bait presentation techniques. The selection of gear directly impacts casting distance, lure movement, and ultimately, your ability to catch more fish.
Enhance your soft bait fishing experience with Oceans Legacy’s high-performance rods, terminals, and accessories — trusted by anglers throughout the world for their durability, precision, and ability to help you land more fish.
Explore Oceans Legacy’s Soft Bait Gear and get set up for your next fishing session.
Selecting the Right Soft Bait Lures
Selecting the right soft bait lures can make a big difference to your results. Here are a few things to consider:
- Profile & Size: Paddle tails/Curly tails create vibration, while jerk shads offer a darting action that works well for snapper.
- Colour: In low light or murky water conditions, bright, high-contrast colours tend to work better as visually easier to find. In clear water, more natural tones often work better.
- MaMaterial & Scent: Some soft baits are scented to attract fish but may be less durable, while others are softer and move more naturally in the water. Some focus on stronger materials, making them more long-lasting.
Not sure where to start? Check with your nearest Oceans Legacy retailer for personalised lure options.
Essential Gear for Soft Bait Fishing
A great soft bait fishing setup requires balance between light and strong. A proper softbait fishing set includes a lightweight carbon fibre rod and a matching reel spooled with braided line:
- Rods: A responsive, lightweight rod ensures you can feel subtle bites while controlling lure action.
- Reel: A smooth-drag spinning reel (2500–4000 size) paired with braid helps achieve long casts and solid hook-sets.
- Line & Leader: Braid offers sensitivity, while fluorocarbon leaders provide stealth and abrasion resistance.
Pro Tip: Match jighead weight to water depth and current to ensure your lure stays in the strike zone. It is important to change baits if one is not producing results while fishing.
Shop Ocean’s Legacy Cloud9 Light Lure Casting Rod to make the most of your day out softbating
Techniques to Improve Your Catch
The way you work your lure is just as important as the lure itself:
- Cast & Drop: Let the lure sink through the course of the water column — many bites come on the drop.
- Lift & Jerk: Small, controlled rod lifts keep the lure moving naturally.
- Pause: Give fish a chance to strike — sometimes the stillness triggers the bite.
- Retrieve: Vary speed and rhythm to find what’s working on the day.
Learn more with our article, Mastering Lure Fishing: Essential Tips and Techniques for Success.
Best Spots in NZ for Soft Bait Fishing
- Hauraki Gulf – Consistent snapper and kahawai action.
- Coromandel Coast – Clear water and reef structure.
- Bay of Plenty – Larger snapper and trevally.
- Bay of Islands – Year-round variety.
These spots offer a lot of options for working soft baits from boat or shore.
FAQs
Q1: What is soft bait used for?
Soft baits are used to imitate prey fish or squid to attract predatory species like snapper, kahawai, and kingfish.
Q2: Do soft baits work?
Yes — Fishing with soft baits can result in higher catch rates compared to traditional bait methods. Soft baits release fish-attracting scents into the water as they dissolve. They come in many shapes and sizes, all designed to attract fish of all sorts.
Q3: Can you soft bait at night?
Yes, though selecting glow or scented soft baits can improve results.
Q4: What is the best colour for soft bait?
all the colours – it all depends on the conditions and it changes throughout the day, so it is important that you are equipped with at least 2-3 options. Ideally, 3 contracting colours.
Read our article about “What is the best jig colour?” which applies to the softbaiting colours.
Ready to step up your soft bait fishing game?
At Oceans Legacy, we provide high-performance softbait fishing gear trusted by anglers across New Zealand and around the world. Whether you’re just starting your journey or refining your skills, our gear is designed to maximise casting distance, improve lure action, and help you land more fish.
Find your nearest Oceans Legacy Retailer and get hands-on advice from experienced tackle specialists.
Explore Oceans Legacy’s Soft Bait Gear and make your next fishing trip a success.
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