Softbaiting for Snapper: A Beginners Guide to Catching More Fish
Few things beat the thump of a good snapper smashing a softbait. Softbaiting for snapper is one of the most popular ways to fish in New Zealand. It’s light-tackle fun, you don’t need to cut bait, and it often out-fishes bait when the snapper are on the chew. As the water warms through late spring and summer and snapper move into the shallows, it’s the perfect time to give it a go.
Here’s everything you need to get started.
Why softbaits work so well on snapper
Softbaits imitate the baitfish, shrimp and crabs that snapper feed on. Fished on light gear, they sink slowly and naturally through the water column, which triggers a snapper’s instinct to strike.
There are other advantages too:
- Cover more ground. You can work a drift and find fish faster than sitting at anchor.
- Fewer pickers. Softbaits are tougher than bait, so small fish and pickers do less damage.
- Better-quality fish. Many anglers find softbaits tend to attract larger snapper.
- Clean and simple. There’s no bait to cut, and a scented softbait can be reused several times.
Where and when to softbait for snapper
Where to fish:
- Foul ground and reef edges. Snapper hold around rocky patches, weed beds and reef edges, often in 5–30 metres of water.
- Work-ups. Diving gannets and feeding fish are a sign of baitfish being pushed to the surface. Snapper are often feeding underneath.
- Sand and mud flats. In spring and summer, snapper move into shallow harbours and bays to feed. A slow drift across the flats can be very productive.
- Current lines and points. Anywhere the tide pushes food past structure is worth a cast.
When to fish:
- The change of light. Dawn and dusk are often the most productive times.
- Moving water. The hour either side of the tide change is usually when the bite turns on.
- Calm conditions. Light winds make it easier to control your drift and feel bites.
A fishfinder makes a big difference. It helps you find structure, baitfish and fish holding near the bottom.
Setting up your softbait gear
Rod
A dedicated softbait rod makes softbaiting much easier. Look for a light, sensitive spin rod around 7 feet long, rated around 3–6 kg or 4–8 kg. A sensitive tip helps you feel the soft “tap” of a snapper picking up your softbait.
Shop: Softbait Rods
Reel
A spinning reel in the 2500–4000 size range is ideal. Choose one with a smooth drag and a good line capacity. Snapper can make strong runs, especially around foul ground.
Shop: Softbait Spin Reels | Softbait Rod & Reel Sets
Braid
Braid is essential for softbaiting. It has almost no stretch, so you can feel every bite and set the hook quickly, even in deeper water. Most anglers run 6–10 kg (around 12–20 lb) braid for snapper. Thinner braid sinks faster and gives you better casting distance.
New to braid? Check out our post on Black Magic 13x Hyperglide braid.
Shop: Braid
Leader
Tie on a length of fluorocarbon leader, usually 15–25 lb, about one to two rod lengths long. Fluorocarbon is hard for fish to see and resists abrasion from rocks, shells and snapper teeth. Use a strong, slim knot such as an FG or double uni knot to join it to your braid.
Shop: Leader | Fluorocarbon Leader
Choosing softbaits
There’s a huge range of shapes and colours. As a starting point, these styles all catch snapper:
- Jerkshads: slim baitfish profiles. These are a great all-rounder and probably the most popular snapper softbait in NZ.
- Paddle tails: these give off a swimming “thump” that attracts fish, especially in murky water.
- Grubs and curl tails: these have plenty of action on a slow drop.
- Prawn and shrimp patterns: these work well around reefs and weed beds.
Colours: natural colours like pilchard, anchovy and New Penny are reliable in clear water. Brighter colours like chartreuse, pink and glow can work better in murky water or low light. Carry a few different colours and swap them until you find what the fish want on the day.
Scent: many softbaits come pre-scented, like Berkley Gulp! and Z-Man’s scented range. You can also add a scent gel to boost their appeal.
Shop: Softbaits | Berkley Gulp! | Z-Man | Scents
New: Daiwa Bait Junkie Servo Squid, only at Smart Marine
Looking for something different in your softbait wallet? Daiwa’s Bait Junkie softbaits now come in Servo Squid, a natural squid-inspired colour that you can only get in New Zealand from Smart Marine.
The Bait Junkie Jerkshad has a “slim waist” that splits the body into two sections, so the tail kicks and swims on every twitch of the rod. It also has a vertical fluke tail for extra action, and a belly slit so you can rig it weedless on a weighted EWG hook to keep it high in the water column. That makes it great for snapper over reef, foul ground and sand edges, and it also works well on kahawai and kingfish.
Servo Squid comes in three options:
- Bait Junkie 5" Jerkshad – Servo Squid
- Bait Junkie 7" Jerkshad – Servo Squid
- Bait Junkie 5.5" Wave Minnow – Servo Squid
Shop: The full Servo Squid range
Choosing the right jighead weight
Getting your jighead weight right is the most important part of softbaiting. The goal is to use the lightest jighead that still gets your softbait to the bottom in the depth and drift you’re fishing. A lighter jighead sinks more slowly and naturally, which is when most bites happen.
As a rough guide:
- Shallow water (under 10 m): 1/8–1/4 oz
- Medium depths (10–20 m): 3/8–1/2 oz
- Deeper water or a faster drift (20 m+): 1/2–1 oz
Wind, current and drift speed all affect this, so experiment. If you’re not reaching the bottom, go heavier. If you’re snagging constantly, go lighter.
Make sure the hook size suits your softbait. A 4" to 5" softbait usually pairs with a 1/0 to 3/0 hook, and a 6" to 7" softbait with a 4/0 to 6/0.
Shop: Jigheads & Soft Tackle | Berkley Nitro Jigheads
Rigging your softbait
A straight softbait catches more fish. Thread it onto the jighead so the hook comes out the top of the softbait’s back, and make sure it sits perfectly straight. A bent or twisted softbait spins unnaturally in the water and can put fish off.
Retrieve techniques
Cast ahead of the drift
Cast in the direction the boat is drifting. That way your softbait sinks naturally as the boat drifts towards it, giving it more time near the bottom.
Let it sink
Most bites come as the softbait sinks. Leave your bail arm open and watch the braid as it pays out. If it stops early, twitches or speeds up, close the bail and lift. That’s often a fish.
Lift and drop
Once your softbait reaches the bottom, lift the rod tip slowly, then let the softbait flutter back down on a semi-tight line. Repeat with pauses in between. Bites often come on the drop.
Slow roll
In shallow water or over the flats, try a slow, steady wind with the occasional pause, keeping the softbait just above the bottom.
Setting the hook
When you feel weight or a solid bite, wind down and lift firmly. With sharp jigheads and braid there’s no need for a big strike. Keep steady pressure on the fish, and use the drag rather than winding against a running fish.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Using a jighead that’s too heavy. It sinks too fast and looks unnatural.
- Using a crooked softbait. Take a moment to rig it straight.
- Not watching your line. Many bites show on the braid before you feel them.
- Fishing too fast. Snapper often want a slow, natural presentation.
- Not changing anything. If it’s not working, change colour, profile or weight.
- Using old, frayed leader. Check your leader after every fish and retie if it’s damaged.
Handy extras
- Braid scissors. Braid is tough to cut with standard clippers.
- A softbait wallet to keep your softbaits and jigheads organised.
- A landing net for landing bigger fish safely.
Shop: Braid Scissors | Lure Bags & Softbait Wallets | Landing Nets
Know the rules
Before you head out, check the current snapper size and bag limits for your area. They vary across the country. The easiest way is MPI’s fishing rules page or the free NZ Fishing Rules app. Handle undersized fish carefully and release them quickly.
Gear up for summer softbaiting
Softbaiting for snapper is easy to learn, great fun and incredibly effective. With the right setup and a bit of practice, you’ll be landing more fish in no time.
Pop into any of our five Smart Marine stores for expert advice on rods, reels, softbaits and jigheads, and grab some of our exclusive Servo Squid while you’re there. Or shop the full range online at smartmarine.co.nz.