Berkley
Berkley soft baits and fishing tools for snapper, kahawai and trout. Shop Berkley Gulp! soft baits including the 5 inch Jerk Shad and Crazy Legs Jerk Shad, 6 inch and 4 inch jigging grubs and Gulp! Alive tubs, Gulp! Trout Nuggets, Nitro jig heads, Catch and Release landing nets, kayak nets, Fishingear fillet knives, pliers and digital scales, and insulated fish bags.
Browse Berkley fishing lures, fishing accessories, terminal tackle and outdoor tools for soft baiting and boat fishing.
Ask our team which Gulp! colour is catching at our Grey Lynn concept store at 36 Pollen Street, or order online for fast, tracked delivery across New Zealand.
Berkley Outdoor Gear & Accessories
About Berkley
Berkley began in 1937 in Spirit Lake, Iowa, when a teenager named Berkley Bedell started tying fishing flies to sell, and it grew into one of the biggest fishing tackle brands in the world. Berkley is known for investing heavily in research, with scientists and anglers testing baits and lines to find out what really makes fish bite, and its products are used by anglers in almost every country.
In New Zealand, Berkley is best known for its Gulp! soft baits, which have become a go-to for snapper and kahawai fishing, and for its practical fishing tools and nets.
Gulp! soft baits
Gulp! soft baits are made from a water based material that releases scent into the water far faster than a standard plastic soft bait, so fish find them quickly and hold on for longer. The 5 inch Jerk Shad and Crazy Legs Jerk Shad are classic snapper soft baits, with a flicking tail that swims on the drop, and the 6 inch and 4 inch jigging grubs have a curly tail that keeps moving even on a slow retrieve.
Gulp! Alive baits come in tubs filled with scented liquid, which recharges the baits between uses. For trout, Gulp! Trout Nuggets are scented baits in bright colours. Pair your soft baits with Berkley Nitro Stealth and Nitro Salt Pro jig heads, matched to depth and drift.
Nets, tools and Berkley at Land & Sea
Berkley Catch and Release landing nets, including a telescopic version, and the Berkley kayak nets make landing fish easier and gentler. The Fishingear range covers fillet knives, multi pliers, split ring pliers, a 50lb digital fish scale and a fish scaler, and Berkley insulated fish bags keep your catch cold on the way home.
At Land & Sea we stock a wide Berkley range, and our team are happy to share which Gulp! colours and sizes are working on the local fishing grounds. Reseal Gulp! packs and tubs after use so the baits stay soft and full of scent.
Frequently asked questions about Berkley
What makes Berkley Gulp! different from plastic soft baits?
Berkley Gulp! soft baits are made from a water based material rather than standard plastic, which lets them release scent into the water much faster. That scent trail helps fish find the bait and encourages them to hold on longer after biting, giving you more time to set the hook. Gulp! must be kept sealed in its pack or tub so it does not dry out, and it should be stored separately from plastic soft baits.
Which Gulp! soft bait is best for snapper?
The Berkley Gulp! 5 inch Jerk Shad and 5 inch Crazy Legs Jerk Shad are two of the most popular snapper soft baits in New Zealand, and the 6 inch grub is another proven option. Natural colours such as Nuclear Chicken, New Penny and Pumpkinseed are popular choices, but the best colour changes with water clarity and light. Carry a few colours and rig them on a jig head matched to the depth.
What is Gulp! Alive?
Gulp! Alive baits come in a resealable tub filled with Gulp! scented liquid. The baits soak in the liquid, and after you use one you can drop it back into the tub to recharge its scent and soften it up for the next session. That makes Gulp! Alive great value for regular anglers. Keep the lid closed tightly so the liquid does not leak or evaporate, and store the tub somewhere cool.
What weight jig head should I use for soft baiting?
Use the lightest jig head that lets your soft bait reach the bottom in the depth and drift you are fishing, as a slow, natural sink draws more bites. In shallow water and calm conditions, 1/4oz to 3/8oz is often enough. In deeper water, current or wind, step up to 1/2oz to 1oz or more. Berkley Nitro jig heads come in a range of weights and hook sizes, so you can adjust as conditions change.
Why use a catch and release landing net?
A catch and release landing net, like Berkley's Catch and Release landing nets, uses a softer, fish friendly mesh that removes less of the protective slime from the fish's skin and is less likely to damage fins, which gives released fish a better chance of survival. The mesh also tangles less with hooks, so you can unhook the fish quickly. A telescopic handle helps when fishing from a high bank or boat.
How do I keep my catch fresh on the way home?
Bleed and chill your fish as soon as possible after catching them, ideally in an ice slurry made from seawater and ice. An insulated fish bag, such as the Berkley insulated fish bag, keeps fish cold and stops them sliding around the boat or the car, and is easier to clean than a chilly bin. Gut and fillet the fish soon after you get home, and keep the fillets refrigerated or frozen.