Nomad Design
Nomad Design lures, built by bluewater charter fishing experts for kingfish, tuna and other pelagic fish. Shop the DTX Minnow heavy duty sinking trolling lures, Riptide floating, slow sink and fast sink stickbaits, Madscad stickbaits, Chug Norris poppers, Ridgeback long cast jigs, Squidtrex vibes, Madmacs and SlipStream trolling lures, and casting gloves.
Explore more fishing lures, from stickbaits to trolling lures.
Ask our team to match a Riptide to your target at our Grey Lynn concept store at 36 Pollen Street, or order online for fast, tracked delivery across New Zealand.
Nomad Design Vibe Lures
About Nomad Design
Nomad Design was created by a team with decades of experience running premium bluewater sportfishing charters, and every lure carries that hands-on knowledge. Its guiding principles are experience, innovation and design, and its lures are tested hard on big, powerful fish before they reach the shelves, so they are built to swim right and stay in one piece.
The range focuses on lures for pelagic fish such as kingfish, tuna, trevally and mahimahi, covering casting, trolling and jigging, and Nomad Design lures have become a favourite with New Zealand sport anglers.
Stickbaits, poppers and trolling lures
For casting, the Riptide stickbait comes in floating, slow sink and fast sink versions, so you can work the surface or get down below the wash, and the Madscad is another proven stickbait. The Chug Norris popper spits and splashes across the surface to draw fish up. These lures are made for casting at kingfish and tuna around reefs, pins and work ups.
For trolling, the DTX Minnow Heavy Duty is a tough, sinking minnow in 200mm and 220mm sizes built to handle big fish at speed, and the Madmacs and SlipStream flying fish lures cover high speed trolling offshore. Running diving minnows alongside surface trolling lures lets you cover different depths in the same spread.
Jigs, vibes and Nomad Design at Land & Sea
The Ridgeback long cast jig is a compact metal that casts a long way to reach feeding fish, and the Squidtrex vibe lure has a tight vibrating action that works for snapper, kingfish and other species. Nomad Design casting gloves protect your hands during long sessions of casting heavy lures with braid.
At Land & Sea we stock a big Nomad Design range in many colours, and our team can help you choose the right lure for your target species and the conditions. Upgrade hooks and split rings for the biggest fish, and rinse your lures after every trip.
Frequently asked questions about Nomad Design
What is the difference between a floating and sinking stickbait?
A floating stickbait sits on the surface when you stop winding and is worked across the top with sweeps of the rod, creating a wake and splash that kingfish and tuna attack. A sinking stickbait, like the Nomad Design Riptide slow sink and fast sink versions, sinks below the surface, so you can work it under the wash or in rougher water where fish are holding deeper. Carry both to cover the conditions.
What is a popper used for?
A popper is a surface lure with a cupped face that pushes water, creating a loud pop, splash and bubble trail when you jerk it with the rod. The commotion imitates baitfish fleeing on the surface and draws predatory fish up from below. The Nomad Design Chug Norris popper is popular for kingfish, trevally and tuna around reefs and work ups. Pause between pops to give the fish time to strike.
How fast should I troll a DTX Minnow?
The Nomad Design DTX Minnow Heavy Duty is designed to be trolled at moderate to high speeds for pelagic fish such as tuna, wahoo and mahimahi. Check the lure's packaging for its recommended speed range, and watch the lure in the water to make sure it is swimming cleanly without blowing out to the surface. If it rolls or skips, slow down a little until it tracks straight and dives properly.
What is a vibe lure?
A vibe lure is a compact, sinking lure with a tight, fast vibrating action that sends out strong vibrations fish can sense through their lateral line, even in murky water. You can cast and retrieve it, or lift and drop it near the bottom. The Nomad Design Squidtrex vibe is shaped like a squid and works well for snapper, kingfish and other species. Vary your retrieve speed until you find what the fish want.
Why wear gloves when casting lures?
Casting heavy stickbaits and poppers with braid for hours can cut and blister your fingers, especially on the finger that holds the line. Casting gloves protect your hands from braid cuts, sunburn and hooks, and give you a better grip on the rod when fighting fish. Nomad Design casting gloves are designed for long sessions of topwater fishing and leave your fingertips free for tying knots.
Which lure should I use for kingfish?
Kingfish respond to a range of lures. Stickbaits and poppers, such as the Nomad Design Riptide, Madscad and Chug Norris, are exciting choices when kingfish are near the surface around reefs and pins. When they are deeper, metal jigs and sinking stickbaits work well, and trolling minnows such as the DTX Minnow cover ground. Use strong hooks, split rings and leader, as kingfish will head straight for the reef.