Game Fishing Lures
Game fishing lures for marlin and tuna, from skirted trolling lures to rigged lures in proven New Zealand colours. Our range is led by Bonze, alongside Boone.
Run a spread of skirted lures behind the boat at trolling speed to raise marlin and tuna over summer. Rig them with crimps, leaders and hooks from our game fishing accessories, and fish them on a matched game reel and rod.
Talk through spreads and colours at our Grey Lynn concept store, or order online for tracked delivery across New Zealand.
Frequently asked questions about game fishing lures
What is a skirted game fishing lure?
A skirted game lure has a hard head, often made from resin, with a soft plastic or vinyl skirt behind it and a rigged hook. When trolled behind a boat, the head pushes water and creates a bubble trail and splash, while the skirt pulses like a squid or baitfish. This commotion raises marlin, tuna and other pelagic fish, which strike the lure at trolling speed.
What do different lure head shapes do?
Head shape changes how a lure swims. Pusher or flat-faced heads push water and create a big smoke trail, suiting rough water and strong action. Cupped or chugger heads pop and spit water for maximum disturbance. Bullet or straight-running heads track straight and fast with less commotion. Running a spread with a mix of shapes gives fish a choice.
How do I set up a game lure spread?
A typical spread runs four or five lures at different distances behind the boat, positioned on clean water between the wake's white water, or the waves created by the wake. Larger lures often run close and smaller lures further back. Outriggers help spread lures wider. Adjust the positions until each lure swims cleanly without tumbling, and keep an eye on all of them for strikes.
What trolling speed should I use for game lures?
Most skirted game lures are trolled at around 6 to 9 knots, depending on the lure design and sea conditions. The right speed is when the lure swims consistently, pushing water and diving briefly before resurfacing, without tumbling or skipping out. Watch each lure and adjust the speed and its position in the wake until they all work well together.
Single or double hook rigs for marlin lures?
Single hook rigs are popular for their simplicity, good hook-up rates and easier, safer release of marlin, which many anglers now tag and release. Double hook rigs can improve hook-ups but are more dangerous to handle and can cause more damage to fish. Check any competition or club rules, which sometimes specify hook rigs, and always use hooks and crimps rated for game fish.
What size game lure should I use for marlin and tuna?
For striped marlin and mixed tuna in New Zealand waters, lures around 8 to 12 inches are a good all-round size. Smaller lures, around 5 to 8 inches, suit albacore, skipjack and yellowfin tuna, while larger lures over 12 inches suit blue and black marlin. Running a range of sizes in your spread helps find out what the fish want on the day. Note which sizes get bites.