Adam’s Spring Fishing Tips: Lures, Bait, and Smart Rigs
Springtime in New Zealand is a dream come true for anglers. After months of waiting, the water warms up, baitfish flood into the harbors, and hungry snapper, trevally, and kahawai are right behind them, ready to feast! It’s the perfect opportunity to dust off your gear and dive into some exhilarating fishing action.
But remember, successful spring fishing isn’t about sticking to just one method. Variety is key! Some days, fish will voraciously attack lures, while other days, they’ll only nibble on well-presented bait. Having the right tools at your disposal can make all the difference—let’s make sure you’re ready for anything!
Lure Magic: Flutter and Flash
Spring is the time to harness the power of Black Magic’s lure collection.
The Sunaaku slow-pitch jigs are your secret weapon this season! With their balanced bodies that flutter like injured baitfish, just a simple lift-and-drop can entice even the laziest snapper hanging mid-water or just off the sand.
If tiny anchovies or whitebait are the targets of your fishing mission, then the Black Magic Micro Flippers should be your go-to. These little jigs can be cast far and are irresistible, especially for trevally and kahawai. As they dart through the current, the frantic flash is just too good for them to resist!
And for the perfect hybrid of natural bait and lure attraction, the Black Magic Flasher Rig is unbeatable. Pre-tied with quality hooks and added flash, it’s a surefire way to land a mix of snapper, gurnard, and tarakihi. Just drop one over the sand, and watch the action unfold!
Fishing with the Black Magic Sunaaku
The Sunaaku jig is a top choice for Kiwi anglers. Built for New Zealand waters, it consistently hooks snapper, kingfish, trevally, and other reef dwellers—especially in spring when fish are eagerly feeding on baitfish schools. But to maximize your success, you have to know how to fish it right!
Why the Sunaaku is a Winner?
Its unique asymmetrical design creates a slow, enticing flutter as it drops, sending the perfect signal of an easy meal to lurking predators. Unlike mechanical jigs that necessitate vigorous rod action, let the Sunaaku do the work with gentle lifts and pauses. It's all about that effortless technique, which is particularly effective for snapper, who often bite on the drop.
Choosing the Right Weight
Getting the weight right is essential:
- 60–80g: Ideal for shallow waters (10–25m)with light currents, perfect in harbors and sandy bays.
- 100–120g: Great for medium depths (25–50m)and moderate currents—think reef edges!
- 150–180g: Your go-to for deep waters(50–80m) or strong currents; the extra weight ensures your jig gets down quickly while maintaining that irresistible flutter.
In the Hauraki Gulf, the 80g and 100g models are often spot-on. But when working outer reefs or chasing fast schools off Great Barrier, bump up to the 150g Sunaaku!
Bait Fishing Simplified
Spring isn’t just about lures—bait fishing is still a top contender! A solid dropper rig is a classic choice that never disappoints. Build it tough enough for the rugged reef environments, yet fine enough to attract those picky bites.
A tried-and-true setup includes a dropper rig crafted with 60lb Black Magic Tough Trace—resilient against shells and rocks so you can fish with confidence. Add two dropper loops and finish up with a sinker, and you have a simple, effective, and reliable rig.
Don’t overlook the Black Magic KL 5/0 hooks! These circle-style hooks set themselves as the fish pulls away—no need for a sharp strike. Just lift steadily, and you’re in for a fight!
Pro Tip: Keep your baits small! Fish can be tentative in spring. A big chunk of pilchard might go ignored, but a neatly cut strip of squid or a thumb-sized piece of fresh kahawai is sure to get you bites. Smaller baits also better fit the KL hook, boosting your hookup rate.
Embracing the Spring Advantage
Spring fishing is dynamic—stay ready to switch between lures and bait. If the bites slow down, don’t hesitate to move spots!
Gear up with Sunaaku lures, Micro Flippers, Flasher Rigs, and a robust dropper setup, and you’re ready to tackle the challenges of spring fishing. The fish are on their move, the weather is warming up, and the thrill of the first hot bites is just around the corner. Grab your Black Magic gear, keep it straightforward, and immerse yourself in the exhilarating spring fishing scene!
