Soft Bait Rods
Soft bait rods with light, sensitive graphite blanks for casting soft plastics and feeling every bite in the harbour and around the reef. Our range is led by Daiwa and Shimano, alongside Abu Garcia, Okuma and PENN, in spin and baitcast models.
Most soft bait rods are 7 to 8 feet long, rated for PE 0.8 to 1.5 braid and jig heads from around 1/8 to 1 ounce. Pair one with a light soft bait reel, load up with soft baits and jig heads from our hooks range, or choose a matched soft bait combo.
Feel the sensitivity for yourself at our Grey Lynn concept store, or order online for tracked delivery across New Zealand.
Frequently asked questions about soft bait rods
What length and rating should a soft bait rod be?
For most New Zealand soft baiting, a 7 to 7 foot 6 rod rated around 2 to 5 kg or 3 to 6 kg, or PE 0.8 to 1.5, is the sweet spot. It casts light jig heads a long way while having enough power for a big snapper. Longer rods around 8 feet cast further from the shore or a drifting boat, while shorter rods are easier in small boats and kayaks. Try a few lengths in hand if you can.
Why do soft bait rods have a fast action?
A fast action rod bends mostly near the tip, which gives the sensitivity to feel subtle bites as the soft bait sinks and the quick, stiff response needed to set the hook through braid at distance. The stronger lower section then has the power to steer a fish away from the reef. A soft, slow rod would absorb too much of the bite and the hook set.
What jig head weight can my soft bait rod cast?
Most soft bait rods list a lure or casting weight, often around 7 to 35 grams, which covers jig heads from about 1/8 to 1 ounce. Use lighter heads in shallow water and calm conditions so the bait sinks naturally, and heavier heads in deeper water or strong current. Staying within the rod's rated range gives the best casting and avoids overloading the tip.
Does a more expensive soft bait rod make a difference?
For soft baiting, higher-end graphite blanks really do help. They are lighter and more sensitive, so you feel more bites and fish more comfortably all day. Better guides reduce friction for longer casts and handle braid smoothly. A mid-range rod catches plenty of fish, but if you soft bait often, stepping up in rod quality is one of the most noticeable upgrades you can make.
Spin or baitcast soft bait rod - which should I choose?
Spin soft bait rods are the most popular because they are easy to cast with light jig heads and pair with the spin reels most anglers own. Baitcast soft bait rods suit anglers who like the control and comfort of a baitcaster, and they excel when fishing vertically or working heavier jig heads. If you are new to soft baiting, start with a spin setup.
How do I avoid breaking the tip of a soft bait rod?
Most soft bait rod breakages happen through knocks and high-sticking, not fish. Avoid lifting the rod too high when landing fish, which overloads the fine tip; use a net or grab the leader instead. Never wind the lure or swivel into the tip guide, keep the rod out of car doors and boat hatches, and transport it in a rod tube or sleeve. Most tip breaks are avoidable with a little care.