Soft Baits
Soft baits for snapper, kingfish, kahawai and more, from jerk shads and grubs to paddle tails, plus scents and gels. Our range is led by Daiwa, Z-Man and Berkley, alongside Rapala, Ocean Angler and Lunker City.
Rig them on a jig head matched to your depth, cast and let them sink, then work them back with lifts and drops. Pick up jig heads in our hooks range, a sensitive soft bait rod and a fluorocarbon leader.
See what is working this week at our Grey Lynn concept store, or order online for fast, tracked delivery across New Zealand.
Frequently asked questions about soft baits
What are soft baits made of?
Most soft baits are made from soft plastic, often with added scent and salt. Some brands use special materials: Z-Man's ElaZtech is extremely stretchy, durable and buoyant, while Berkley Gulp baits are made from a water-based material that releases scent strongly into the water. Each material has a different feel and action, so many anglers carry a few types to see what the fish prefer.
Do scents and gels on soft baits really help?
Scents and gels can make a real difference, especially when fish are slow or feeding by smell, as they add scent that encourages fish to hold on to the bait longer. They also mask human scents like sunscreen. Apply a little gel to the soft bait before casting and top it up every few casts. On hot bite days the fish may not care, but scent rarely hurts.
How do I rig a soft bait on a jig head straight?
Hold the soft bait alongside the jig head to see where the hook should come out, then push the hook point into the centre of the nose and thread the bait up the shank, bringing the point out of the back at the marked spot. Push the bait up snugly against the head so it sits straight. A crooked bait spins and twists your line, so take a moment to get it right.
Why do Z-Man soft baits last so long?
Z-Man soft baits are made from ElaZtech, a highly stretchy and tough material that resists being torn by fish teeth, so one bait can catch many fish. ElaZtech also floats, which makes the tail stand up off the bottom when the jig head rests. Store Z-Man baits separately from other soft plastics, as the materials can react with each other and melt.
Can soft baits catch kingfish?
Yes, large soft baits such as 7 to 9 inch paddle tails and jerk shads on heavier jig heads catch plenty of kingfish, especially around reefs, channels and workups. Use strong jig heads with heavy-gauge hooks, a stout rod and reel, and heavy fluorocarbon leader. Kingfish often hit soft baits retrieved quickly through the water column rather than worked on the bottom.
How should I store soft baits?
Keep soft baits in their original packets or tubs, which stop them drying out and keep different materials apart, and store them out of direct sun and heat, which can deform or melt them. Gulp baits should stay in their liquid so they do not dry out. Do not leave soft baits in a hot car or on the boat deck, and throw away any that have become sticky or misshapen.