Bait and Bait Presentation: The Art of the Offering

Kia ora whānau. Many of you have been messaging me about what baits I use and how I rig them. Back in 1995, I used to just cube some bait, shove a hook through it, and hope for the best. We caught the odd fish, but not consistently.

After years of trial and error, I’ve learned that presentation is everything. It dictates how the bait travels through the air (aerodynamics) and how natural it looks to a fish in the current.

Snapper Tactics

For Snapper, my go-to baits are pilchards, anchovies, bullet tuna, mullet, crayfish, and octopus. Here is how I prep them:

• Pilchards: I cut them in half and use the tail end, or remove the head/tail and use the belly flap. I use a "keeper hook" (two-hook rig) so more hook points are exposed. I always use Bait Buddy (elastic thread) to secure the bait so it lasts longer.
• Anchovies: I remove the heads and tie them to the hooks. For a larger profile, I’ll tie two anchovies together to mimic the size of a large pilchard.
• Bullet Tuna & Mullet: I fillet a side off, cut it to the length of my little finger, fold it inside out, and secure it with bait elastic.
• Crayfish & Octopus: These are tough baits. I skin octopus tentacles and cut them into finger lengths. For crayfish, I use the tail meat tied into a long shape. Note: These baits are hardy and can often be reused for multiple casts if they aren't hit!

Gurnard & Kahawai

Gurnard love oily baits. I use pilchards, anchovies, bullet tuna, and kahawai. For kahawai bait, I scale the fish first, fillet it, and fold it inside out to expose the oils and scent. Kahawai themselves aren't picky; they will take almost any of the baits mentioned above.

Trevally & Moki

These species prefer crustaceans. I use shrimp, mussels, and crayfish. I rig mussels the same way I do crayfish—tied securely with bait elastic—and I prefer using one-hook traces for these fish. Remember: for Moki, you only need to cast 10–20m behind the dumper wave.

Kingfish (Live Baiting)

For Kingfish, I use a "slider" live bait rig with a kahawai between 20cm and 40cm. Place the hook through the back, just in front of the dorsal fin, and let it swim out into the strike zone.

The "Soak Time" Rule

Don't just leave your bait out there forever. Here is my checking schedule:

I hope this helps you champions with your baiting game. Take that extra minute to tie your bait properly—it makes all the difference.

Tight lines, whānau — Ham

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