Lures and Poppers in NZ and the Pacific Islands

Lures and Poppers in NZ and the Pacific Islands

Discover the Ultimate Selection of Lures and Poppers for New Zealand and the Pacific

When it comes to fishing in the New Zealand coastlines and the Pacific Islands, having the right lures and poppers can make all the difference between a slow day on the water and an unforgettable catch. Whether you’re chasing giant trevally, kingfish, tuna, mahi-mahi, snapper, or coral reef predators, Action Outdoors stocks a full range of top-quality fishing lures, poppers, and surface baits tested in real conditions across the region.

From the rugged rocks of Northland to the deep blue waters off Fiji, Tonga, Samoa, and Vanuatu, anglers rely on the right combination of movement, color, and size to attract serious bites. Our collection is curated to suit both saltwater and freshwater fishing, helping you match the hatch, mimic prey species, and trigger aggressive strikes.

Why Lures and Poppers Are Essential for NZ and Pacific Anglers

Unlike live bait, artificial lures and poppers offer precision, versatility, and reusability. They’re engineered to replicate the swimming action, flash, and vibration of small fish, squid, or other prey species. In the dynamic environments of the Pacific reefs and open bluewater, these characteristics are vital to drawing attention from fast-moving game fish.

In New Zealand, lures are a must-have for targeting kingfish, kahawai, snapper, and tuna, especially when fish are feeding near the surface. In the Pacific Islands, poppers are a go-to weapon for big trevally (GTs) and dogtooth tuna around reef drop-offs, coral heads, and lagoons. These explosive surface strikes are what make popper fishing such an adrenaline-fueled experience.

Popular Types of Fishing Lures for NZ and the Pacific

The right lure depends on your target species, water conditions, and technique. Below are the most common types used across New Zealand and the Pacific Islands:

1. Surface Poppers

Designed to splash, spit, and create a commotion, poppers are perfect for provoking visual strikes from predatory fish. Their concave faces push water and make a “pop” sound that mimics struggling baitfish. Use heavy-duty poppers when chasing GTs, kingfish, or tuna around reefs and headlands.

Pro tip: Use a fast retrieve and pause between pops. Many strikes occur just after a pause when the lure sits motionless on the surface.

2. Stickbaits

Stickbaits glide and dart through the water with subtle side-to-side movement. Ideal for topwater fishing, they can be worked slower and more naturally than poppers. This makes them highly effective for finicky or pressured fish that are wary of noise.

Best for: Kingfish, trevally, tuna, and mackerel in both calm and choppy conditions.

3. Soft Plastics

Soft plastics are incredibly versatile and ideal for inshore fishing around rocks, sand flats, and estuaries. Rig them on jig heads or weedless hooks for snapper, kahawai, or reef fish. They imitate baitfish, crabs, and squid depending on color and shape.

Hint: Match your lure color to water clarity—natural tones for clear water and bright colors for murky conditions.

4. Metal Jigs

Vertical jigs are perfect for deep-water species such as kingfish, hapuku, and tuna. Their fast-falling, reflective design mimics a fleeing baitfish when jigged up and down. They’re essential for offshore anglers looking for action below the surface.

5. Trolling Lures

For bluewater adventures, trolling lures are unbeatable. Whether you’re targeting mahi-mahi, wahoo, marlin, or albacore tuna, these lures create irresistible vibration trails behind your boat. Skirted lures, bibbed minnows, and resin heads are all proven performers in Pacific waters.

Top Fishing Destinations for Lures and Poppers

New Zealand

• Bay of Islands: A paradise for popper and stickbait fishing, especially for kingfish around reefs and bait schools.
• Coromandel Coast: Ideal for casting soft plastics for snapper and using metal lures for kahawai.
• Fiordland and Stewart Island: Deepwater jigging heaven for cod, groper, and other bottom species.
• Auckland Harbours: Perfect for beginners to practice lure casting and surface retrieves in calm conditions.

Pacific Islands

• Fiji: The reefs of Kadavu and the Yasawas are GT and dogtooth tuna hotspots. Poppers and stickbaits reign supreme.
• Vanuatu: Bluewater trolling for wahoo and marlin; inshore casting for coral trout and trevally.
• Tonga: Known for explosive topwater action. Use large, durable poppers around reef edges.
• Samoa: A mix of lagoon and offshore fishing—soft plastics for reef fish, poppers for trevally and mackerel.

Tips for Successful Lure and Popper Fishing

1. Vary Your Retrieve Speed: Fish respond differently depending on mood and water conditions. Experiment with pauses, jerks, and steady retrieves to find what triggers strikes.
2. Use Strong Gear: Pacific predators are powerful. Equip yourself with heavy-duty rods, reels, and terminal tackle rated for saltwater combat.
3. Pay Attention to Light and Tide: Early morning and late afternoon are prime times for topwater strikes. Rising and falling tides move baitfish and activate predators.
4. Match the Hatch: Observe local baitfish species and choose lures that mimic their size, color, and movement.
5. Keep Hooks Razor-Sharp: Saltwater dulls hooks quickly. Sharpen or replace them frequently for maximum hook-up rates.
6. Use Leaders: A fluorocarbon or wire leader prevents bite-offs from toothy fish like mackerel and barracuda.
7. Be Patient: Some of the best bites happen when you least expect them—especially after a long, consistent retrieve.

Lure and Popper Materials and Construction

Modern lures use advanced materials for performance and durability.

• Resin-bodied poppers withstand repeated strikes from GTs and tuna.
• Balsa or hardwood stickbaits offer a lifelike wobble and buoyancy.
• Soft plastics are scented and flexible for realistic movement.
• Metal jigs are made from lead, zinc, or alloy for controlled sinking and flutter action.

At Action Outdoors, we only stock premium brands proven in New Zealand and Pacific conditions, ensuring your gear lasts through countless fishing missions.

Choosing the Right Color and Size

• Bright lures (red, orange, yellow) stand out in low light or murky water.
• Natural colors (silver, blue, green) mimic baitfish in clear water.
• Dark lures create strong silhouettes against bright skies—great for surface fishing.
• Large poppers (120–200 mm) are ideal for big GTs and kingfish.
• Smaller soft plastics (50–100 mm) attract snapper, trevally, and reef fish.

Pro tip: Always carry a selection of sizes and colors to adapt to changing conditions.

Sustainable and Responsible Lure Fishing

Fishing responsibly ensures the sustainability of our marine ecosystems.

• Practice catch and release for large breeding fish.
• Use barbless hooks or crimped barbs to reduce injury.
• Avoid snagging reefs by using weedless rigs or floating lures where possible.
• Dispose of soft plastics properly—never overboard.

Action Outdoors supports eco-conscious fishing by sourcing environmentally friendly packaging and promoting brands that reduce plastic waste.

Essential Gear for Lure and Popper Anglers

To get the most from your lures, pair them with the right setup:

• Rods: Medium to heavy spinning rods with fast action for casting distance and hook-setting power.
• Reels: Saltwater spinning reels with strong drag systems (e.g., 6000–10000 size).
• Line: 30–80 lb braid for strength and casting efficiency.
• Leaders: 60–120 lb fluorocarbon for abrasion resistance.
• Accessories: Split ring pliers, lure wraps, tackle storage boxes, and hook sharpeners.

All these essentials are available through Action Outdoors, with expert advice to help you build your ultimate setup.

When to Use Lures vs. Bait

While bait is traditional, lures often outperform it under certain conditions:

• Active fish: Lures provoke aggressive strikes even when fish aren’t feeding naturally.
• Remote islands: Lures are reusable and convenient where bait supply is limited.
• Travel fishing: Lightweight and easy to pack—ideal for anglers flying between islands.
• Sport fishing: Lures offer more action, excitement, and cleaner handling.

Why Buy from Action Outdoors

• NZ and Pacific tested: Every lure and popper is chosen for performance in local waters.
• Wide selection: From budget-friendly starter kits to high-end GT poppers and stickbaits.
• Fast shipping: Reliable delivery throughout New Zealand and Pacific regions.
• Expert support: Our team are anglers who test gear in the same waters you fish.
• Trusted brands: We stock Halco, Nomad Design, Ocean’s Legacy, Daiwa, Shimano, and Z-Man, among others.

Shopping local with Action Outdoors means you’re supporting a Kiwi-owned business dedicated to outdoor adventure and sustainable fishing.

Final Thoughts: Mastering the Art of Lure and Popper Fishing

The thrill of watching a giant kingfish explode on your popper or feeling the sudden hit of a tuna on a fast retrieve is second to none. With the right lures, poppers, and techniques, every cast becomes a new opportunity for an unforgettable catch.

Whether you’re exploring New Zealand’s coasts or the turquoise waters of the Pacific Islands, Action Outdoors has you covered. Our curated collection is built for performance, durability, and excitement—helping you fish smarter and catch bigger.

Explore our full range of Lures and Poppers in NZ and the Pacific Islands today and gear up for your next adventure!