Types Of Fishing Lures: 10 Baits & When To Use Them

Selecting the right lure can make all the difference between a memorable day on the water and returning home empty-handed. With New Zealand’s rivers, lakes, and coastal waters supporting a remarkable range of fish and habitats, understanding the different types of fishing lures—along with when and where to use them—is crucial for any keen angler. Whether you’re casting for snapper off the rocks, flicking soft plastics for trout, or experimenting with the latest hybrid baits, matching your approach to local fish behaviour and habitat is key to improving your catch rate.

This guide breaks down the ten main lure types, highlighting their unique features, the conditions they excel in, and the species they’re best suited for across Aotearoa’s diverse fisheries. Along the way, you’ll find practical tips for gear selection, rigging, and retrieval, as well as advice on tailoring your lure choices to local environments—drawing on trusted resources like NIWA’s habitat insights. Before heading out, be sure to check the latest New Zealand fishing regulations to stay compliant.

Let’s get started by looking at the first essential lure category, and discover how the right bait, in the right place, can turn opportunity into action.

1. Jigs: Versatile Bottom Lures for Precision Fishing

When you need pinpoint accuracy along the seabed or riverbed, jigs are the go-to lure. Their simple yet effective design makes them a favourite among anglers targeting fish that sit tight to structure—think reefs, drop-offs and ledges. From depth-charge snaps of cold-water trout to lively snapper drifts, a well-worked jig can turn even the pickiest feeder into a willing strike.

What Are Jigs and How Do They Work?

A jig consists of a weighted head moulded around a strong hook, often paired with a rubber skirt or soft-plastic trailer. Some models also include a slim weedguard to push aside kelp and spines. When you lift the rod tip, the jig shoots off the bottom; as you lower it, the weight descends in a fluttering, “lift-and-drop” action. That vertical wiggle mimics crabs, shrimps and other bottom dwellers darting back to shelter—an invitation most ambush predators can’t ignore.

Ideal Conditions and Target Species

Jigs excel wherever fish hug the bottom: rockpiles, gravel trenches or sand channels. They’re most effective in clear to moderately stained water, whether you’re pottering along a drift in a boat or working the shallows from shore. In Aotearoa, jigs have proven deadly on:

• Snapper and tarakihi in coastal reefs and drop-off zones
• Kahawai in estuarine channels and tidal gutters
• Freshwater trout and koura (freshwater crayfish) stalking river bends
• Eels and tench on deeper lake flats when the light dips

Rigging, Gear and Techniques

For confidence on the bite, pair a medium-heavy jigging rod or stout spinning outfit with a braided main line (20–50 lb) and a 30–60 lb fluorocarbon leader. From there:

• Vertical jigging: Drop straight beneath the boat, lift sharply, then let the jig flutter back down.
• Slow-pitch jigging: Use moderate rod angles to impart a broad, tantalising shimmy at various depths.
• Hop retrieves: Cast out, let settle, then twitch the rod tip in short hops—ideal for targeting fish holding tight to edges.

If you prefer locally made gear, Action Outdoors stocks NZ favourites like Catch Kabura Jigs, Pocket Rocket Jigs and The Boss Jigs—each designed for Aotearoa’s unique bite.

2. Crankbaits (Plugs): Diving Hard Baits for Structure and Cover

Crankbaits are hard-bodied lures with a plastic or metal lip that forces them to dive and wobble on the retrieve. Built to deflect off snags and hold a steady running depth, they’re ideal for probing structure where fish often lie in wait.

Anatomy and Action of Crankbaits

A typical crankbait includes:

• A bill (lip):
  • Square-bill for tight, erratic deflections off timber and rocks
  • Round-bill for wider wobble and deeper diving
  • Lipless designs that sink and produce a tight vibration
• A durable plastic or wood body shaped like baitfish or other prey
• Two or three treble hooks positioned along the belly and tail

When you cast and reel, the lip pushes water downwards, creating a rolling or wobbling action. Vary your speed to make the lure dart, pause and resume—perfectly imitating a fleeing or injured baitfish.

When and Where to Use Them

Crankbaits excel around any cover or depth change:

• Timber and fallen branches along riverbanks
• Rocky shorelines, breakwalls and submerged boulders
• Underwater ledges, reefs and drop-offs

Depth choices:

• Shallow (0–2 m): small round-bill or lipless plugs for flats and estuaries
• Medium (2–5 m): standard square- or round-bill baits for reef edges
• Deep (5 m+): heavy deep-diving or weighted lipless models for offshore structure

Targets include kingfish off reef drops, kahawai in harbour channels, trevally around breakwalls and even freshwater bass holding tight to weed edges.

Retrieval Styles and Gear Recommendations

For confident casts and solid hook-sets:

• Rod/Reel: medium-action rod with a fast tip; baitcaster for larger plugs or spinning outfit for smaller models
• Line: monofilament (8–12 kg) offers a little stretch for float-and-deflect action; braid (10–20 lb) provides instant bite feel

Effective retrieves:

• Steady retrieve: maintain a constant pace so the lure runs true at its design depth
• Stop-and-go: pause mid-retrieve to let it rise slightly, then crank again to trigger follows
• Cranking against cover: intentionally bump the lure into timber or rocks—fish often strike on the rebound

Finally, match bait size and colour to local forage: bright patterns on sunny days, natural tones in clear water. This simple tweak can make all the difference when tempting wary pelagic hunters.

3. Spinnerbaits: Flash and Vibration for Murky Water

When visibility dips and fish rely more on their lateral line than their eyes, spinnerbaits come into their own. These lures combine reflective flash with pulsing vibration, cutting through stained or weed-choked water to draw strikes from species that lie in ambush. Whether you’re targeting kahawai in an estuary gutter or bass in a silty back-pond, a well-chosen spinnerbait can be the difference between blanking and loading the livewell.

Components and Blade Variations

At its core, a spinnerbait consists of a jig-style head, a hook hidden beneath a silicone or rubber skirt, and one or two metal blades spinning on a wire arm. Blade choices make all the difference:

• Single-blade designs are simpler, often pairing a willow-leaf blade (slim and pointed) for minimal resistance and long casts.
• Double-blade models typically feature a combination of willow and Colorado or two Colorado blades. Colorado blades are broader and more rounded, creating a strong thumping vibration that fish detect at a distance.
• Skirt profiles range from slim, tapered skirts that allow more blade movement, to bulky, teased skirts that give a larger silhouette. You can also add soft-plastic trailers—grubs, craws or paddle-tails—to tweak your presentation for local forage.

Best Conditions and Fish to Target

Spinnerbaits shine when water clarity is low, or when you need to punch through vegetation to reach hidden predators:

• Water Colour: Stained rivers, muddy estuaries or weedbeds where shine and vibration reach fish before they see the bait.
• Light Levels: Early morning, late afternoon or overcast days further reduce visibility, making the lure’s thump and flash irresistible.
• Cover: Cast adjacent to weed edges, submerged logs or rock bars—blade action spins best with just enough space to turn freely.

In New Zealand, spinnerbaits are a go-to for:

• Freshwater bass skulking in shaded backwaters or around weed mats.
• Estuarine kahawai and trevally cruising just off the shoreline.
• Perch and even trout in tannin-stained streams when they’re keying on tiny baitfish.

Rigging Tips and Retrieval Methods

For maximum blade rotation and hookup rates, gear up thoughtfully:

• Rod: A medium-power, fast-action rod gives enough backbone to rip through snags while maintaining sensitivity to detect light bites.
• Line: A 10–20 lb braided main line paired with a 12–20 lb fluorocarbon leader strikes the right balance of strength and low visibility.
• Rod Tip Position: Keep your rod tip elevated to help the blades spin cleanly, especially when working heavy skirts or trailers.

Retrieval styles vary with conditions:

• Slow-Roll: Reel slowly with just enough tension to keep the blades turning, ideal when fish are hesitant.
• Burn-and-Pause: Crank at a moderate pace, then pause for a few seconds; the sudden stop often triggers reaction strikes.
• Weed-Punch: Cast into dense vegetation or lily pads, let the spinnerbait sink slightly, then stake-hammer the retrieve to pull fish right out of the cover.

Master these approaches and you’ll find spinnerbaits earn their keep on even the gloomiest of days.

4. Spoons: Classic Metal Lures for Wobble and Shine

Spoons are among the oldest yet most enduring lures in an angler’s arsenal. Forged from polished metal, their gently curved profile creates a distinctive wobble and flash that mimics an injured baitfish. Whether you’re casting long into a lake for trophy trout or vertically jigging over a deep reef for snapper, a spoon can cut through the water’s glare and entice even the wariest predators.

How Spoons Attract Fish

The secret lies in the concave shape of a spoon’s body. As you retrieve, water pressure causes the lure to rock side to side, producing a pulsating wobble. Each swing reflects sunlight or artificial light in rapid flashes—an optical trigger that signals easy prey. The larger the curvature, the wider the wobble; smaller spoons offer a tighter shimmy suited to finicky fish. When paused, a well-designed spoon will gently flutter downward, resembling a dying baitfish settling back toward the bottom.

Optimal Uses and Species

Spoons shine in cool or deep conditions where visibility is reduced and fish sit tight to structure:

• Cold-water fishing: In winter or during sharp temperature drops, species like trout and kingfish become sluggish. Slow rolling or vertical jigging a spoon at their level often draws reaction strikes.
• Deep structure: From lake basins to offshore reefs, spoons can be cast or trolled to depths beyond 20 metres, making them ideal for blue cod and deep–water snapper.
• Trolling: Shotgun-style spread trolling with multiple spoon weights covers water fast and keeps lures in the strike zone. In clear water, brightly polished or holographic finishes entice curious fish, while darker, more subdued hues work in stained or low-light situations.

Gear Setup and Techniques

To get the most from your spoons, match your tackle and technique to depth and species:

• Rod/Reel: A medium–heavy spinning rod or overhead reel offers the backbone to manage heavy spoons and deliver solid hook-sets.
• Line: Braided main line (20–40 lb) provides the sensitivity to feel every wobble, while a 20–30 lb fluorocarbon leader helps resist abrasion on rocky bottom or reefs.
• Casting retrieval: Cast beyond your target zone, let the spoon sink on a count (e.g. “one-one-thousand, two-one-thousand”), then reel back with pauses and variable speed. Fast retrieves tighten the wobble; slow rolling emphasises the flutter.
• Vertical jigging: Drop directly beneath the boat, lift the rod with a smooth upward sweep, and then let the spoon flutter back. Adjust lift height and pause duration until you find the sweet spot.
• Trolling: Use downriggers or lead-core line to hold spoons at depth. Space lures evenly behind the boat and vary speeds—2–4 knots for most reef species, 1–2 knots for timber or weed-covered flats.

When spoiled with choice, keep a small selection of spoon sizes (10–80 g) and finishes handy. Matching the spoon’s size and flash to local forage is often all it takes to turn a blank day into a memorable haul.

5. Soft Plastics: Flexible Imitations for Finesse Fishing

Soft plastics have revolutionised finesse fishing, offering anglers lifelike profiles and subtle action that can coax bites from wary fish. These supple lures range from slender worms to paddle-tail swimmers and bulky creature baits, all crafted from rubber or silicone. Their natural feel under the fish’s lip and the ability to mimic a variety of local forage make them indispensable when subtlety is paramount.

Variety of Profiles and Colours

Soft plastics come in an astonishing array of shapes and hues. Common profiles include:

• Worms: straight-tail or tapered bodies that pulse gently on the fall
• Paddle-tails: segmented fins or tails that create a realistic swimming action
• Grubs: compact bodies with curly or ribbon-like tails for a tight, enticing wiggle
• Creature baits and craws: imitations of shrimp, crayfish or small scuttling critters whose legs and claws provide extra quiver

Colour choice is just as critical. In clear freshwater streams and rivers, natural greens, browns and translucent patterns often outfish brighter offerings. In tannin-stained estuaries, tried-and-tested pumpkin or charcoal blends cut through murky tides. Match the size and shade of your soft plastic to local koura, grass prawns or juvenile baitfish for maximum realism.

Rigging Styles and Applications

One of the greatest strengths of soft plastics lies in their versatility. Popular rigging methods include:

• Texas rig: a weedless setup ideal for working heavy cover; slide the hook point into the body until it sits flush, then cast into kelp beds or snaggy reefs.
• Carolina rig: a bullet sinker ahead of a swivel and leader gives your bait undulating motion above the bottom—perfect for cruising snapper flats.
• Drop-shot rig: suspends your plastic vertically in the strike zone; excellent when trout and perch hold in deeper pools.
• Neko rig: pin a nail weight through the head so the tail flares on the drop, then twitch gently for subtle action.
• Jighead presentations: pairing a jighead (1–10 g) with soft plastics imparts a lift-and-drop action, great for targeting fish on ledges and reefs.

These rigs let anglers adapt to pressured fish that have seen every hard bait in the box. Soft plastics offer a finesse approach: small changes in action can spark otherwise absent strikes.

Gear, Line and Techniques

For a finesse programme, dial down your tackle:

• Rods: light to medium-light spinning rods (6–7 ft) with a fast tip to detect subtle bites
• Line: 6–12 lb fluorocarbon is nearly invisible underwater and has low stretch, so you feel every nibble
• Retrieval: combine slow drags along the bottom with occasional twitches, pauses and “lift-and-drop” rod lifts—then let the lure settle naturally

Soft plastics shine on species that scrutinise their food: freshwater bass and perch in clear lakes, trout holding in riffles, and estuarine flounder ambushing prey on sandy basins. A well-presented grub or worm can turn an indifferent day into a series of light tugs and confident boofs along the line.

Ready to refine your finesse game? Explore our Soft Plastics Collection at Action Outdoors and discover the baits that will take your next session to the next level.

6. Flies: Artful Surface and Subsurface Offerings

Flies combine artistry with precision, offering the keen angler the chance to present delicate imitations directly to sight-feeding fish. From weightless dry patterns that dance on the surface film to weighted streamers that swim through deeper seams, fly fishing demands a careful match of insect or baitfish behaviour. In New Zealand’s clear rivers, still backwaters and even estuarine mouths, flies can unlock feeding windows that other techniques simply cannot reach.

Fly Types and Imitations

• Dry flies: Light imitations of mayflies, midges or terrestrials (grasshoppers, ants). Tied with buoyant materials like hackle and deer hair, they sit on the surface and tempt rising trout.
• Nymphs: Weighted or bead-headed flies crafted from feathers, fur or synthetic dubbing. They sink to drift through riffles and runs, imitating underwater insect stages that fish key into.
• Wet flies and emergers: Soft-dressed patterns that mimic drowned insects breaking the surface or newly hatching bugs. Subtle movement of fibres provokes takes from wary trout.
• Streamers: Larger flies tied with bucktail, rabbit strip or synthetic fibres. Their slashing, pulsing action imitates small baitfish, koura or shrimps—ideal for chasing aggressive trout, kahawai and even perch.
• Speciality patterns: Emergers, soft hackles and foam-body flies tailored to local hatch timings and koura appearances in backcountry streams.

When to Choose Flies

Flies shine when fish rely on vision and subtle presentation:

• Riffles and runs: Nymphs drift naturally near the bottom where trout and koura feed.
• Calm pools and backwaters: Dry flies and emergers offer a drag-free drift for rising fish.
• Overhanging banks and leaf-litter edges: Terrestrial imitations draw intrigued takes.
• Estuary and tidal mouths: Small streamers and shrimp patterns can trigger kahawai or trevally blitzes when bait is pushed inshore by tides.

Whenever water is clear and fish are keyed to surface or near-surface prey, a well-chosen fly—including colour, size and profile—can outfish heavy hardbaits every time.

Fly Rod Gear and Techniques

A balanced outfit ensures your flies land softly and present correctly:

• Rods: 5–6 wt for trout and koura, 7–8 wt for kahawai and larger estuarine species.
• Reels and lines: Smooth-drag fly reels loaded with weight-forward floating lines; add an intermediate or sinking tip when fishing deeper runs or tidally influenced flats.
• Presentation: Cast beyond your target, then mend line upstream to achieve a drag-free drift. For nymphs, keep a tight indicator or use an invisible strike indicator. When fishing streamers, employ short strips and pauses to impart lifelike action.
• Match the hatch: Observe local insect activity and adjust fly size, profile and colour accordingly. In low-light or tannin-stained waters, darker silhouettes often draw more attention.

Mastering these presentations and choosing flies that faithfully imitate local forage will elevate your fishing to a new level of engagement—and success.

7. Swimbaits: Lifelike Hard and Soft Predators

Swimbaits occupy a unique niche in the angler’s arsenal. At their core, these large, baitfish-imitating lures are built to provoke trophy-class strikes. From the schooling kingi that patrol subtropical reefs to the lunker bass in crystal-clear lakes, swimbaits offer unmatched realism and presence.

Available as hard-body models or soft-plastic versions, swimbaits can be fished slowly along structure or retrieved with a steady pace to mimic the natural swim of local prey. In Aotearoa’s varied waters—whether diving deep on a northland snapper bank or stalking a South Island trout lake—knowing which style and size of swimbait to deploy will put you a cast ahead.

Hard-Body vs Soft-Body Swimbaits

Hard-body swimbaits include glide baits and multi-jointed models. Glide baits feature articulated two-segment bodies that roll seductively from side to side, imitating injured fish fleeing cover. Multi-jointed lures add even more segments, creating a seamless wave through each section for an ultra-lifelike profile. Their durable plastic or wood shells can withstand repeated hits from powerful predators.

Soft-body swimbaits, on the other hand, use supple silicone or rubber compounds. Paddle-tail and fluke designs produce subtle vibrations on the fall and during the retrieve. The flexible tails move with an authentic swimming motion that often fools wary fish in pressured or clear-water situations. Soft swimbaits also sink more naturally, making them ideal for precise depth control.

Ideal Conditions and Target Species

Swimbaits shine in calm, clear or slightly stained water where fish rely on sight to detect prey. They excel near structure—reefs, drop-offs, submerged timber and weed lines—where predators ambush baitfish. In New Zealand, key targets include:

• Kingfish: Cast large glide baits along offshore breakwalls or reef margins as schools hunt baitfish.
• Snapper: Rig soft paddle-tails on weighted swim jigheads and drift them over gravel beds and pinnacles.
• Freshwater bass: Work multi-jointed swimbaits near weed edges and timber in northern lakes for trophy bass.
• Trout: Oversize soft swimbaits can tempt brown and rainbow trout in spring, when they target larger prey.

Gear and Retrieval Techniques

To fish swimbaits effectively, lean on stout tackle and measured retrieves:

• Rods and reels: Choose a medium-heavy to heavy power rod (7–8 ft) paired with a high-speed spinning or baitcasting reel.
• Line: Use 20–50 lb braided main line for backbone and castability, matched with a 30–50 lb fluorocarbon leader for abrasion resistance.
• Retrieve style: Employ a slow, consistent retrieve to let the swimbait’s action play out. Glide baits thrive on long, sweeping pulls, while soft paddle-tails need a rhythmic twitch-pause sequence.
• Pauses and twitches: Occasional pauses in the retrieve allow the bait to flutter; a quick rod shake mid-stream can trigger a reaction strike from following fish.

Experiment with swimbait sizes ranging from 12 to 30 cm and adjust your presentation until you find the sweet spot. When the fish are chasing larger forage, nothing beats the confidence of a lifelike swimbait landing just where the predators lurk.

8. Topwater Lures: Explosive Surface Baits for Excitement

Few fishing moments rival the visceral thrill of seeing your lure break the surface in a spray of white water and feeling that explosive tug. Topwater lures are designed to provoke these dramatic surface strikes by imitating injured or fleeing prey in a way that triggers aggressive, sight-driven bites. Ideal for early mornings, late afternoons, or anytime gamefish patrol the margins, surface baits transform a quiet cast into an action-packed encounter.

In Aotearoa, topwater assaults can come from schooling kahawai tearing through bait, trevally patrolling shallow reefs, freshwater bass lurking beneath weed mats, or even perch rising under a dung beetle pattern. These lures work best when fish rely on sight and reaction, offering instant feedback the moment a predator commits. Matching the right pattern to the conditions—and being ready to set the hook at a moment’s notice—turns surface fishing into an unforgettable spectacle.

Types of Topwater Patterns

• Poppers: These lures feature a concave face that splashes and gurgles when twitched. A short, sharp “pop” imitates a prey item struggling at the surface, drawing fish from a distance.
• Walking baits (Walk-the-dog): Slim, elongated plugs that dart side to side on alternating twitches. The zig-zag action perfectly mimics fleeing minnows or small baitfish.
• Buzzbaits: Though technically subsurface, buzzbaits run just below the surface, churning foam and bubbles. Their spinning blades create a consistent thump ideal for punching through weed or mangrove fringe.
• Hollow-body frogs: Soft plastic designs with a hollow skirt and weedless hook. Paddling legs and skirt action mimic frogs or small lizards, making them lethal over lily pads and heavy cover.

Timing and Conditions for Surface Fishing

Topwater lures excel when fish are both active and relying on vision. Look for:

• Light windows: Dawn and dusk—when low angles enhance lure silhouettes.
• Overcast days: Diffuse light makes fish bolder, and surface action shows clearly against a darker sky.
• Schooling zones: Baitfish pushes in estuaries or shallow bays often cue blitzes by kahawai and trevally.
• Water temperature: Above 18 °C in lakes and harbours, fish are more likely to chase surface offerings.
• Calm to slight ripple: Too much chop masks lure action, while a light chop adds realism without hiding the strike.

Strike Recognition and Hook-Setting

A topwater strike can be brutal—or so subtle you almost miss it. Watch for:

• Surface disturbance: A splash, gurgle or flurry of bubbles around your lure.
• Line twitches: Even without seeing the hit, a sudden tension or slight kick often signals a latched predator.
• Rod tip movement: Keep the tip low and responsive; stiffening or snapping indicates a take.

When the strike comes, resist the urge to yank. Instead, drive the hook home with a firm but controlled lift of the rod, maintaining constant tension. A quick set ensures the lure’s treble or hookpoint embeds cleanly, turning that initial “pop” into a trophy-worthy haul.

Ready to experience the heart-racing action of topwater fishing? Browse our range of poppers, walkers, buzzbaits and frogs at Action Outdoors and gear up for your next explosive strike.

9. Blade Baits: Vibration-Centred Options for Cold Water

When water temperatures dip and fish slow down, vibration becomes a crucial trigger. Blade baits—both bladed jigs (often called chatterbaits) and lipless crankbaits—generate a pulsating thump that fish can detect even when lethargic. These lures cut through cold-season apathy by delivering strong, repeated vibrations and a compact profile that fish can’t resist investigating.

Bladed Jig vs Lipless Crankbait

• Bladed Jigs (Chatterbaits): A metal blade mounted on the line-tie vibrates against the jig head as you retrieve. The result is a broad, aggressive pulse that carries through cold water and mud. Chatterbaits often come with a silicone skirt and a stout hook, making them ideal for both casting and vertical presentations.
• Lipless Crankbaits: These are streamlined, sinking plugs without a bill. Their tight, wobbling vibration produces a rapid series of pulses on a straight-line retrieve. Lipless designs cast well, sink quickly to the strike zone and can be worked at any depth simply by varying your reel speed.

When to Deploy Blade Baits

• Winter and Cold Fronts: As fish metabolism slows, they’re less inclined to chase fast-moving lures. Blade baits’ rhythmic thump draws them out of lethargy with minimal effort.
• Deep Structure: Over submerged ledges, rocky drop-offs and sunken reef—areas where trout, perch and even estuarine kahawai hold in colder months.
• Low-Light Periods: Early mornings, late afternoons or overcast days when vibration outperforms flash. A blade bait’s pulsing vibration acts like a built-in fish finder.

Gear, Tuning and Presentation

• Rod & Line: A medium-power, fast-action rod paired with 10–20 lb braid (and a 12–20 lb fluorocarbon leader) strikes the right balance of sensitivity and power to feel every pulse.
• Retrieve Techniques:
  • Bladed Jig: Cast or drop it to depth, then reel steadily to spin the blade. For vertical work, lift and drop in short “yo-yo” motions—each descent delivers a fresh burst of vibration.
  • Lipless Crankbait: Cast beyond your target, let it sink to the desired depth, then wind at a constant pace. Experiment with gear ratios: faster retrieves stay higher, slower brings it deeper.
• Tuning: Trim skirt length on chatterbaits to adjust thump intensity, or bend trebles slightly on lipless baits to ensure a level run. Match lure size and colour to local forage—darker tones in stained water, natural hues in clear conditions.

By adding blade baits to your cold-water arsenal, you give inactive fish a sensory nudge they can’t ignore. Whether you’re chasing lake trout on a crisp winter morning or targeting kahawai in a chilly estuary, these vibration-centre lures can unlock strikes when other baits simply won’t.

10. Specialty & Hybrid Lures: Innovative Patterns for Unique Situations

As anglers chase bigger, smarter fish in ever-changing conditions, lure designers have mixed and matched classic concepts with fresh technology. Specialty and hybrid lures combine multiple attractors—flash, vibration, sound and profile—to trigger strikes when conventional baits won’t get a look. From multi-hook umbrella rigs that simulate fleeing schools to sonar-friendly designs and internal rattle chambers, these innovative patterns open new opportunities on both salt and freshwater.

Umbrella Rigs and Multi-Hook Lures

Umbrella rigs feature an array of arms, each rigged with a small hook and miniature soft plastic or blade. The result is a tight school-of-bait silhouette that pelagic predators find irresistible. When trolled or slow-rolled through harbour channels and coastal flats, these rigs tempt trevally, kahawai and kingfish into aggressive follows and hammer-downs. Because they cover a wide swath of water and can carry multiple baits, umbrella rigs shine when fish are chasing concentrated forage—think mullet pushes or small anchovy schools. Just remember to stagger retrieves and check knots regularly: more hooks mean more hangups.

Electronics-Friendly and Rattle-Chamber Baits

Forward-facing and side-scan sonar have changed how we locate fish—and some lure companies are responding by crafting baits optimised for those electronics. Models like the Berkley KREJ and Finisher series sport distinct shapes and internal chambers that return a solid target on the screen, then emit a subtle rattle once retrieved. Viewed through sonar, they appear as a single, well-defined object rather than a blur. Anglers report this clarity makes fish less wary, since the lure “holds” on the screen and doesn’t vanish into scattered returns. In practice, these baits work best when toggling between sonar-directed drops and traditional casts, so you can switch up presentations while pinpointing fish.

Testing New Designs in Local Waters

When you pick up one of these hybrid creations, don’t expect a silver bullet on the first cast. Instead, treat every outing as a lab experiment:

• Note water temperature, depth and structure where you deploy the lure.
• Vary retrieve speeds, pause durations and hook-link lengths to see what provokes a response.
• Keep a brief log—date, time, tide or current—and record species and sizes caught.

Over a few trips, patterns will emerge: maybe the umbrella rig works best in spring when baitfish schools form, or the rattle-chamber bait nails a winter kahawai bite under a cliff face. By fine-tuning these novel lures to Aotearoa’s unique fisheries, you’ll gain the upper hand on fish that have grown accustomed to more orthodox presentations.

Ready for Your Next Big Catch?

By now, you’ve seen how each lure brings its own strengths—whether it’s the precise “lift-and-drop” of a jig, the flash-and-thump of a spinnerbait, or the in-your-face drama of a topwater popper. The key to success in Aotearoa’s varied fisheries is simple: match your lure choice to the conditions, the habitat and the fish you’re targeting. Cold, deep water calls for vibration-packed blade baits; clear streams demand the subtle finesse of soft plastics or flies; while murky estuaries reward the rich flash of spoons and spinnerbaits.

As you head out, take a moment to scout the structure, note water clarity and consider your target’s behaviour. Adjust your gear—rod action, line type and retrieval style—to put the right bait at the right depth and speed. Keep an eye on tide changes, light levels and local hatch or baitfish patterns. With that approach, every cast becomes a little experiment, dialing you in faster to where the fish are feeding.

Now it’s your turn: gear up, test a few of these lures and fine-tune your presentations until you find what works best on your home water. For the widest selection of top-quality jigs, crankbaits, soft plastics and more—sourced for New Zealand conditions—check out Action Outdoors. Here’s to landing your next trophy catch!