Trolling Lures
Trolling lures for kingfish, kahawai, tuna and more, from bibbed diving minnows to high-speed skirted and metal lures. Our range features Nomad Design and Rapala, alongside Shimano, Jarvis Walker, Ocean's Legacy and Salta.
Trolling lets you cover water and find fish while you travel, whether that is kahawai along the coast or tuna offshore. Use a matching overhead reel or large spin reel, and step up to game lures for marlin.
Order online for fast, tracked delivery across New Zealand, or ask the team about trolling setups at our Grey Lynn concept store.
Frequently asked questions about trolling lures
What types of trolling lures are there?
Bibbed diving minnows wobble and dive to a set depth, which suits kahawai, kingfish and tuna at slower speeds. High-speed lures, such as weighted metal-headed lures, track straight at faster speeds for tuna and wahoo-style fishing. Skirted lures create a bubble trail on the surface for tuna and marlin. Choose lures that suit the species, depth and speed you plan to troll.
What speed should I troll at?
It depends on the lure. Many bibbed minnows swim best at around 4 to 8 knots, while high-speed lures are designed to run faster. The product details usually give a speed range. Watch the lure close to the boat to check it swims properly without spinning or breaking the surface, then let it out to the right distance and keep the boat at that speed.
What lures work for trolling kahawai?
Small to medium bibbed minnows, small skirted lures, spoons and metal lures trolled at moderate speed work well for kahawai. Look for birds working and baitfish on the surface, and troll around the edges of the action rather than through it, so you do not scatter the school. Kahawai fight hard on light tackle and make excellent bait for snapper fishing.
How far behind the boat should I run trolling lures?
Most lures are run somewhere between 15 and 50 metres behind the boat, depending on the lure, the species and how shy the fish are. Diving minnows often need more line out to reach their working depth. Run lures at different distances so they do not tangle, and position them in clean water rather than directly in the white water of the wake. Stagger them to avoid tangles.
How deep do diving trolling lures swim?
Diving depth depends on the size and angle of the bib, the line diameter, the trolling speed and how much line you have out. Lure packaging often lists a running depth. Thinner line and more line out let lures dive deeper. To reach fish holding well below the surface, use deep-diving minnows, a heavier lure, or a downrigger or paravane to take the lure down.
What lures should I troll for tuna?
Small skirted lures, bibbed minnows and high-speed metal-headed lures all catch tuna. Albacore and skipjack often take small lures trolled quickly in clean, warm offshore water, while bigger yellowfin and bluefin tuna need stronger lures and tackle. Look for birds, bait and temperature breaks on your sounder. Use strong hooks and leaders, as tuna are powerful and fast.