Topwater Lures
Topwater lures for kingfish, kahawai and trevally, from stickbaits and poppers to swimming poppers and metals. Our range is led by Malosi and OTL, alongside Nomad Design, Shimano, Daiwa and Ocean's Legacy.
Watching a kingfish smash a lure on the surface is one of the great thrills in fishing. Throw them on a long, powerful topwater rod with a large spin reel and heavy braid, and upgrade the hooks with strong split rings and singles or trebles from our hooks range.
Check out the latest colours at our Grey Lynn concept store, or order online for fast, tracked delivery across New Zealand.
Frequently asked questions about topwater lures
What is the difference between a stickbait and a popper?
A stickbait is a slim, cigar-shaped lure that swims and darts just under or on the surface when worked with sweeps of the rod, imitating a fleeing or injured baitfish. A popper has a cupped face that throws water and makes a loud splash and pop when you jerk it, drawing fish up from below. Stickbaits often catch more fish, while poppers are great for raising fish in rough water.
How do I work a stickbait for kingfish?
Cast the stickbait long, then work it back with long, sweeping pulls of the rod while winding up the slack, making it dart and splash across the surface. Vary the speed and rhythm until the fish respond. When a kingfish strikes, keep winding until you feel the weight, then set the hook with a firm lift. Stopping too early often makes fish turn away.
How do I fish a popper?
Cast the popper, then give the rod sharp, short downward jerks so the cupped face throws a splash and makes a popping sound, pausing between pops. The commotion attracts fish from a distance, and they often hit during the pause. Speed up in rough water or when fish are aggressive. Keep your rod tip low and stay ready, as strikes are explosive.
Floating or sinking stickbaits - which should I choose?
Floating stickbaits stay on the surface, creating visible splashes and wakes that are great in calm to moderate seas and when fish are feeding up top. Sinking stickbaits dive below the surface and can be worked deeper and faster, which helps in rough water, wind or when fish are holding a little deeper. Carrying both gives you more options for changing conditions.
Should I use single hooks or trebles on topwater lures?
Many anglers switch to single inline hooks for kingfish, as heavy singles hold big fish well, are less likely to bend or straighten, and are safer and easier to unhook, especially when releasing fish. Trebles can improve hook-ups on fast or short strikes. Whichever you choose, use hooks and split rings strong enough for kingfish, and check they do not spoil the lure's action.
When is topwater fishing for kingfish best?
Topwater fishing is often best in low light at dawn and dusk, on moving tides and around structure where current and baitfish gather. Summer and early autumn are prime times in many parts of New Zealand. Look for kingfish chasing bait on the surface or holding around washes, points and pins. Calm to moderate seas make it easier to work the lures and see strikes.