Drone fishing is a game-changer for surfcasting in New Zealand. By attaching baited lines to a fishing drone, Kiwi anglers can drop their rigs hundreds of metres offshore — well beyond traditional casting range. This lets you land baits exactly where big snapper, kingfish, and sharks are feeding.

It’s ideal for NZ’s rugged beaches, where deep water is often just out of reach. Whether you’re fishing off Ninety Mile Beach or the Coromandel, a well-prepared drone fishing setup offers complete control over your bait drop location — without needing a boat.

Essential Drone Fishing Gear from Ocean’s Legacy

Ocean’s Legacy doesn’t sell drones, but we do provide the high-performance fishing gear that makes drone fishing successful — from rod to leader line, we’ve got the components that keep your rig strong and your setup streamlined.

Backline Surfcasting & Drone Fishing Rod: Designed for Distance & Big Baits

Take your drone fishing to the next level with the Backline Surfcasting & Drone Fishing Rod — the ultimate rod for long-distance casting, drone-deployed baits, and monster fish fights.

Crafted with Cross Core Carbon technology and premium Japanese Toray graphite, this winch-spooled powerhouse delivers strength, sensitivity, and reliability. From the sturdy foregrip to the lightweight tip, it’s built for long-range drops and brutal battles from the beach.

Perfect for:

• Chasing snapper, kingfish, sharks, mulloway, and reef dwellers
• Drone-deployed bait fishing at extreme distance
• Land-based anglers targeting offshore fishing zones without a boat

| Explore the Backline Big Bait Rod Now and upgrade your land-based setup.

Terminal Tackle That Matches the Power of Drone Fishing

When fishing hundreds of metres offshore, your connection needs to be flawless. Ocean’s Legacy provides premium terminal tackle for serious setups.

Duelist Fluorocarbon Leader X

This 100% Japanese fluorocarbon leader line offers unbeatable abrasion resistance and stealth. Perfect for sinking braid setups where stealth and sensitivity are vital at long distances.

Duelist Mono Shock Leader X

Need shock absorption for heavy sinkers and powerful strikes? This mono leader adds cushioning to your rig, protecting against break-offs during aggressive bites — whether you’re casting or drone-dropping your bait.

Elite Hardware for Serious Drone Fishing Rigs

• HD Rolling Swivel – Built from Japanese stainless steel to combat line twist.
• HD Ball Bearing Swivel – Enhances rig movement and reduces friction during big-fish fights.
• Monster Split Ring – Designed for big species with oversized wire and ultra-recoil holding power.
  

Stay Organised with the SCOUT Hook & Terminal Pouch

Drone fishing means more gear to carry, from sinkers to spare swivels. The SCOUT Hook/Terminal Pouch keeps everything sorted. UV-resistant and expandable to 16 compartments — it’s essential for prep and efficiency.

Where to Buy Ocean’s Legacy Gear for Drone Fishing

Find our gear through leading tackle retailers across New Zealand or shop online. We supply the essential components to help you land more fish with your drone setup.

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Best Locations in NZ for Drone Fishing

New Zealand offers some of the best fishing spots in the world for land-based drone fishing. Top regions and remote spots include:

• Ninety Mile Beach – Big snapper and trevally
• Coromandel Coast – Steep drop-offs close to shore
• East Cape – Kingfish and Kahawai
• Kaipara Harbour – Sharks, gurnard
• Canterbury Beaches – Great drone control conditions and snapper runs

✅ Check local council permissions, and always fly clear of airports and protected marine zones.

Top Fish Species to Target with Drones in NZ

• XL Snapper
• Kingfish
• Kahawai
• Sharks
• Mulloway/Jewfish
• Stingrays
• WA Dhu Fish (off the West Coast)

These powerful species demand the right fishing line, rod, and terminal tackle — especially when fighting them from 300–800m out.

Drone Fishing Best Practices in NZ Conditions

• Use a braided line (preferably a sinking braid) with a strong leader line for sensitivity.
• Always prepare and check the weather/wind before you fly.
• Use the phone app or controller for accurate GPS-assisted bait drops.
• Employ berley trails to draw predators to your drop zone.
• Choose a release clip rated for your bait weight and tension.
• Keep an eye on line tension post-drop, and reel steadily to prevent bust-offs.
• Organise sinkers, swivels, and leaders in the SCOUT pouch so you’re ready to load and press GO.

Safety & Legal Considerations for Drone Fishing in NZ

• Stay under 120m altitude and keep a line of sight on the drone.
• Follow all CAA rules and local council regulations.
• Never fly near airports, swimmers, or boats.
• Use drones that automatically return and have low battery alerts for safety and recovery.
  

Conclusion

Drone fishing has opened up a new world for Kiwi surfcasters — offering boat-like reach from the beach. While the drone gets your baited line offshore, it’s your rod, line, and terminal tackle that make the catch possible. That’s where Ocean’s Legacy steps in.

Ready to level up your drone fishing game?

Explore our surfcasting and drone fishing gear — engineered for power, distance, and control.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is drone fishing legal in New Zealand?

Yes, but you must follow CAA regulations, stay below 120m, avoid airports, and comply with MPI fishing rules.

Are fishing drones worth it?

Absolutely. They allow you to drop baited lines where the fish are feeding — up to 800m offshore — giving you complete control over your rig and improving catch rates.

How far can a fishing drone fly?

Most can reach 300–800m. Make sure your fishing line, leader, and reel can handle fish pulling from those distances.