Fish Bait NZ: How to Choose, Where to Buy, Prices & Berley

If you fish in Aotearoa, you already know bait and berley can make or break a session. But with shelves full of pillies, squid, salted slabs and scented soft baits — plus livebait options, regional rules and fast-changing conditions — choosing the right bait (and knowing where to get it at a fair price) isn’t always straightforward.

This guide keeps it simple and practical. You’ll learn how to pick bait that matches your target species, spot and water conditions, how to present it properly, and how to run berley so it actually draws fish instead of feeding the birds. We’ll also show smart buying options across NZ, typical prices, and easy ways to catch and care for your own bait.

What follows is an NZ‑specific playbook: species-by-species picks for snapper, kingfish, kahawai, gurnard, tarakihi, john dory, trevally and blue cod; trout bait basics and permissions; rigs that suit each bait; berley types and deployment; storage, salting and transport; seasonal tips, sustainability — plus a quick-buy checklist.

Step 1. Get clear on your target species, location and conditions

Before you buy a single pack of fish bait, decide exactly what you’re targeting, where you’ll fish, and what the water’s doing. Bait is species‑ and condition‑specific: snapper in shallow foul often respond to oily baits (pilchards, mackerel, skipjack), kingfish around structure warrant livebaits, and trout in deep, slow pools take permitted natural baits like worms. Clarity, current and depth also dictate your presentation and berley plan.

• Target species: snapper, kingfish, kahawai, gurnard, tarakihi, john dory, trevally, blue cod, or trout.
• Location: harbour, reef/foul, surf beach, river mouth, wharf/jetty, river/lake.
• Conditions: water clarity, current/tide strength, depth, season/time.

Step 2. Know the main bait types (live, fresh dead, frozen, salted, scented artificial)

Knowing your bait types helps you choose fast and fish smarter. Live baits and fresh whole baits are deadly on larger fish and resist pecks from pickers; frozen bait is convenient and widely available; salted baits are tougher and last longer; and scented artificials are a handy back‑up, including in freshwater where permitted by regulations.

• Live bait: Top choice for predators; keeps small fish off. Needs a tank and gentle handling.
• Fresh dead (whole/fillet): Oily, natural and durable; great strike rates if well cared for on ice.
• Frozen: Easy to buy and stock; ideal everyday option. Thaw carefully to avoid mushy baits.
• Salted: Firmer, casts well and stores easily; some species (e.g., gurnard) often like it.
• Scented artificial: Clean, reusable option; in freshwater only where “Bait” is permitted under F/S/B rules.

Step 3. Match bait to common NZ species (snapper, kingfish, kahawai, gurnard, tarakihi, JD, trevally, blue cod)

Choosing fish bait is easiest when you pair it to each species’ natural food. Use locally proven options that are oily, fresh and sized right for the mouth you’re targeting. Below are NZ‑specific matches backed by on‑water results and classic bait lists.

• Snapper: squid, mackerel, pilchards; cut octopus, skipjack, mullet, kahawai.
• Kingfish: live mackerel (yellowtail/slimy), koheru, kahawai; flying fish, big piper, squid.
• Kahawai: live sprats/mackerel; whole or cut pilchards; skipjack strips; piper.
• Gurnard: fresh fiddler crabs; cut mullet and skipjack.
• Tarakihi: pipi, tuatua; squid and skipjack cut baits.
• John dory (JD): live sprats, piper and mackerel.
• Trevally: tuatua, mussels; cut squid, skipjack and pilchards.
• Blue cod: octopus and barracouta cut baits.

Step 4. Freshwater bait basics for NZ trout and when it’s permitted

Bait fishing for NZ trout is deadly simple where it’s allowed. Use a light 7ft spin rod with 6–8lb line and a running barrel sinker to a ~50cm trace and single #6 hook. Top bait is the common garden worm; in lower tidal rivers try smelt when available, and cooked shrimp is a handy convenience option. Target deep slow holes, gentle tidal reaches, and lake stream mouths.

• Permitted trout baits (check your region): natural worms, insects/spiders, natural crustaceans, whole natural fish, uncoloured bread dough, scented artificial baits.
• Rules: Look for F/S/B codes in the regs booklet; “FSB” means bait allowed, “FS” or “F” means no bait.

Step 5. Choose the right presentation and rig for your bait (strayline, ledger, float, sabiki, livebait)

Presentation beats quantity. Keep hooks sharp, barbs clear, and don’t overload the hook—too much bait chokes the point and costs bites. Use bait elastic to bind soft baits (shellfish, cray) so they cast cleanly and survive pickers. Then choose the rig that makes your bait move naturally in the water you’re fishing.

• Strayline (shallow/slow current): Minimal or no sinker for a natural glide. Ideal for oily baits like pilchard, mackerel and squid.
• Ledger/paternoster (deeper/current): Keeps baits tidy and near bottom without tangles. Great when you need controlled presentations and firm, durable baits.
• Float rigs (surface/near‑surface): For piper, run a float, small split shot and tiny hooks with very small baits or dough; sight‑fish when they’re close.
• Sabiki (catching baitfish): Use small sabikis on a soft‑tip rod; add a 1–2oz sinker and gently lift‑drop. Watch for slack line as macks hook up on the drop.
• Livebait (predators/structure): Handle as little as possible, match hook to bait size, and keep the tank well aerated. Avoid manhandling delicate baits like piper.

Step 6. Use berley the right way (types, deployment, current, and when to skip it)

Berley turns interest into bites when it’s matched to your fish bait and the water. In NZ, ready-made options include traditional berley bombs and 1.5–3kg shellfish or pilchard/bonito blocks, while floating mixes excel for surface feeders. The goal is a steady trail that drifts back to your baits with the current, not a feed that fills fish or birds.

• Pick the type: 1.5–3kg shellfish or pilchard/bonito berley blocks/bombs for snapper-style fishing; floating surface berley (e.g., crumbled Weetbix, oats, breadcrumbs) for piper; light berley can also draw squid at night.
• Deploy smart: Set your berley up‑current so the scent washes over your baits; maintain a gentle, continuous release rather than big dumps.
• Work with current: Position so the trail runs clearly behind you; if it’s racing away sideways, reposition.
• When to skip it: At lit wharves where jack mackerel are already stacked, you often need no berley at all—just drop sabikis into the school.

Step 7. Check NZ rules and biosecurity (permitted baits, F/S/B codes, regional notes)

Regulations change by region and waterway, so confirm what’s legal before you buy or rig fish bait. For freshwater trout, your licence booklet spells out “authorised methods” using the F/S/B codes, and lists exactly which baits are permitted. Regional and temporary closures also apply for biosecurity reasons, so keep an eye on local notices (for example, restrictions around sensitive islands) and plan accordingly.

• Permitted trout baits: natural insects/spiders, worms, natural crustaceans, whole natural fish, uncoloured bread dough, scented artificial baits.
• F/S/B codes: FSB = Fly, Spin, Bait allowed; FS or F = bait not permitted.
• Regional rules: Check your specific river/lake entry in the regs booklet before you go.
• Biosecurity: Respect local closures/restrictions and any environment protection notices that may affect where and how you fish.

Step 8. Where to buy fish bait in NZ (in-store, delivery, supermarkets, and local tips)

You’ve got plenty of reliable options for fish bait across New Zealand. Most towns have tackle or marine stores with bait freezers, while specialty suppliers and seafood companies can deliver to your door. For convenience baits, supermarkets can help in a pinch for trout‑friendly options.

• Specialty bait/tackle stores: Wide ranges and advice (e.g., Top Catch, Fishing Direct).

• Marine/outdoor retailers: Bait & ice handy for boaters (e.g., Burnsco in‑store only; Sailors Bait & Ice – Auckland).

• Seafood suppliers: Premium bait delivered overnight NZ‑wide (e.g., Solander Gourmet Seafood).

• National chains: Hunting & Fishing stores often stock bait alongside lures.

• Supermarket convenience: Cooked shrimp is a proven trout bait when permitted.

• Local tips: Ask stores for fresh delivery days, choose firm shiny baits (no freezer burn), carry a chilly bin, and pre‑order or arrange delivery before remote trips.

Step 9. Typical NZ prices for popular baits and berley (what to budget and how to compare)

Prices swing with season, region and supply, so budget by type and size rather than chasing a “best price”. Compare fairly using a simple per‑kg check: unit price ÷ net weight (kg). For berley, common blocks are 1.5kg and 3kg; pick the size you’ll actually use to avoid waste.

• Do the per‑kg math: Some packs carry water/ice glaze—buy firm, shiny baits with minimal bleed.
• Match pack size to trip: 1.5kg berley for short missions; 3kg for longer sessions or bigger crews.
• Quality vs bulk: Whole vacuum‑packed or “premium” baits cost more but last and fish better than soft, freezer‑burned trays.
• Delivery costs: If buying online/overnight, include freight and rural surcharges in your per‑kg comparison.
• Stock up smart: Ask stores for fresh delivery days; rotate older bait to berley or cut baits to minimise waste.

Step 10. Catch your own bait (piper, jack macks, kahawai, squid, shellfish) with simple methods

Catching your own fish bait is quick, cheap and often outfishes frozen packs. It also lets you match what’s in the water that day. Keep it simple, handle livebaits gently, and keep your tank well aerated.

• Piper: Float, ~1m trace, tiny hooks + small split-shot; surface berley (crumbled Weetbix/oats/breadcrumbs); use tiny slivers or dough.
• Jack mackerel: Wharves at night under lights; drop sabiki with 1–2oz sinker, gentle lift–drop; keep in a well‑aerated livewell.
• Kahawai: Small metals or a white fly behind a 1/4oz sinker and 300mm trace; find white‑fronted terns over workups.
• Squid: Night + lights with squid jigs; expect ink; most available in winter–spring.
• Shellfish: Collect tuatua/mussels where legal; bind to hooks with bait elastic.

Freshly caught bait pays off—now keep it firm and fishable with smart storage.

Step 11. Store, salt, brine and transport bait so it stays firm and effective

Treat bait like food: keep it cold, pack it right, and firm it with salt when needed. Whole fish baits freeze best when individually wrapped and laid flat so they stay shiny and oil‑rich when rigged. Soft shellfish should be shucked and frozen in their own natural juice, then bound with bait elastic on the day. For softer fillets (skipjack, mullet, kahawai), cut into bait‑size pieces, cure with preserving salt, then freeze; salted baits cast better and some species (notably gurnard) often favour them. Livebaits survive longest when handled minimally and kept well aerated.

• Keep it cold: Use a chilly bin with ice, avoid repeated thaw/refreeze cycles.
• Salt‑cure fillets: Lightly cover pieces in preserving salt, drain, bag, then freeze.
• Shellfish care: Shuck and freeze in pots of natural juice; bind to hooks later.
• Whole baits: Wrap individually and lay flat before freezing to prevent freezer burn.
• Livebait transport: Aerated tank, shade, and minimal handling (especially piper).

Step 12. Prepare and rig baits that stay on and get bit (cuts, hooks, bait elastic)

Good prep turns average fish bait into bites. Keep pieces small and slim so fish can inhale them, leave some skin on for toughness, and always keep the hook point and barb clear. Bind soft baits with bait elastic so they cast cleanly and resist pickers. Match hook size to the bait and target; use tiny hooks for shy baitfish, and handle livebaits as little as possible. For worms (trout), secure them through the tough section so they don’t fly off. Tie reliable knots (e.g., improved clinch) and check them.

• Pilchard/mackerel strips: Cut slim, skin‑on pieces or small halves; hook once through the skin; add light bait‑elastic wraps.
• Skipjack/mullet/kahawai: Use firm, skin‑on strip baits (salted if needed); single pass so the point is fully exposed.
• Squid/octopus: Long tapered strips; nick the tough flesh once or twice—don’t crowd the hook.
• Shellfish/crayfish: Shuck, then bind to the hook with bait elastic to survive casting.
• Worms (trout): Hook through the clitellum, then a couple more times to secure.
• Piper/other baitfish: Small hooks (size 12–16 trout style) and tiny baits; avoid over‑baiting. Keep livebaits pristine and minimally handled.

Step 13. Seasonal and water-condition picks (clear vs dirty water, summer vs winter)

Match your fish bait to what fish can find and sense right now. Clarity dictates visibility; season dictates what’s abundant. Keep presentations natural in clear water and lean on scent and profile when it’s murky.

• Clear water: Go smaller, slimmer baits, lighter leaders and natural drifts (strayline). Sight‑fish piper with tiny baits; trout can be line‑shy, so scale down.
• Dirty water: Use oily baits (pilchard, skipjack, mullet) and a gentle berley trail; for trout, baiting still works in elevated, discoloured flows.
• Spring–summer: Live jack macks stack under wharf lights; smelt run in lower rivers; skipjack show in warmer months.
• Winter–spring: Squid are most available and tough on the hook; salted strips shine when pickers are thick.

Step 14. Sustainable, safe and tidy bait fishing (limits, seabirds, disposal, hygiene)

Fishing with bait is deadly effective, so fish responsibly. Take only what you need for the session, protect seabirds around berley trails, and keep decks clean and crew safe. Every baitfish you remove impacts the food web, so balance success with stewardship and basic hygiene.

• Respect limits: Follow local size/bag limits and any livebait or method rules; take what you’ll use today.
• Protect seabirds: Keep berley below the surface, sink baits quickly, and cover unattended hooks; pause casting if birds are working close.
• Dispose properly: Bag bait offcuts and packaging; bin ashore. Never dump plastics, sabikis, or bait elastic.
• Release right: Return unwanted livebaits where caught, gently and quickly.
• Hygiene: Separate bait from food; wash hands/knives/boards; keep bait cold to avoid contamination.
• Crew safety: Manage sabikis and elastic carefully; use de-hookers/pliers to avoid injuries.

Step 15. Quick buying and packing checklist (bait, berley, tools and backup options)

Use this no‑fuss checklist the night before. Pack your primary fish bait for the target species, a tougher back‑up, and the gear to keep baits firm and working properly in your berley trail.

• Bait: Primary (pilchards/squid/skipjack), back‑up salted strips; trout: worms/smelt/cooked shrimp where permitted.
• Berley: 1.5–3kg block/bomb, pot/cage and rope; surface mix (Weetbix/oats/breadcrumbs) for piper.
• Rigs/terminal: Strayline/ledger sets, sabikis + 1–2oz sinkers, #6 trout hooks, size 12–16 for piper, barrel/running sinkers.
• Tools: Bait board/knife, scissors, bait elastic, pliers/de‑hooker, spare leader, swivels/clips.
• Storage: Chilly bin + ice, zip‑locks, paper towels, preserving salt, rubbish bags.
• Livebait care: Aerated tank/pump, small net/bucket, minimal handling.
• Night/regs: Headlamp/torch, trout licence if needed, regs check (F/S/B).

Key takeaways

You now have a simple NZ bait playbook: decide species, spot and conditions; pick the bait type that suits; present it clean on the right rig; use berley that carries to your baits; respect regs and biosecurity; and care for bait so it stays firm. Catching your own rounds it out and saves coin. Need gear and practical advice? Visit Action Outdoors to kit out with rigs, sabikis, berley pots, chilly bins and tools.

• Start with intent: target fish + location + conditions.
• Prioritise freshness: live/fresh = highest conversion; frozen/salted = durability.
• Match matters: choose proven baits for each NZ species.
• Rig right: strayline, ledger, float, sabiki or livebait to suit.
• Berley smart: light, up‑current; often skip it under wharf lights.
• Know the rules: check F/S/B codes and permitted baits.
• Care for bait: keep cold, salt or bind soft baits.
• Fish responsibly: protect seabirds, bin waste, take only what you need.