Softbaiting is one of the most effective ways to catch snapper in New Zealand — but your results depend massively on how you rig your softbaits and which jighead shape and weight you choose.
NZ fishing isn’t like other countries.
We fish deeper water, stronger current, and drift far more aggressively. That means the right rigging can be the difference between a full bin and a dead day.
This guide strips away the hype and shows you exactly what works in NZ conditions.
1. Why Rigging Matters in NZ
Most softbait bites in NZ happen during:
- the drop
- the first few lifts
- the drift across sign
If your softbait spins, rolls, sits crooked, or falls too fast/heavy, snapper ignore it.
Correct rigging = natural movement, clean fall, and far more hookups.
2. Choosing the Right Jighead Weight
Use the lightest jighead that still gets to the bottom cleanly.
Too heavy = dead bait.
Too light = useless drift.
General NZ guideline:
- 2–8m: 1/8–1/4oz
- 8–20m: 1/4–3/8oz
- 20–40m: 1/2–5/8oz
- Fast drifts: 3/4oz+
Adjust based on current, drift speed, and softbait size.
3. Hook Size — Keep It Balanced
Bigger hooks are NOT better.
Use hooks sized for the bait, not the fish:
- 4” softbaits → 2/0–3/0
- 5–7” jerkshads → 3/0–5/0
- Curly tails → 2/0–3/0
Too big a hook kills movement and ruins hookup angles.
4. Jighead Shapes — Matching the Head to the Softbait
Jighead shape changes everything.
In NZ waters, using the wrong head shape causes spinning, rolling, and unnatural falling — which kills strikes.
Berkley examples explain this perfectly:
Berkley Stealth Jigheads
Slim, tapered, streamlined.
Designed for jerkshads (5–7”).
Best for:
- long, slender baitfish profiles
- jerkshads needing glide
- deeper water or faster current
- natural, straight tracking on the drop
They keep jerkshads darting cleanly and fluttering naturally.
Berkley Saltwater Pro Jigheads
Wider shoulder, shaped to “hug” bulkier baits.
Best for:
- Gulp Grubs
- curly tails
- round-nose minnows
- softbaits needing stability
They prevent rolling and help tails swim properly.
NZ Rule of Thumb:
Match the jighead shape to the softbait’s nose profile:
- Slim bait → slim tapered head
- Chunky bait → wider hugging head
- Weedless terrain → worm hooks or belly weights
This gives:
- cleaner sink rate
- straight tracking
- better flutter
- more bites on the drop
Small detail. Huge difference.
5. Getting the Softbait Dead Straight
A softbait that isn’t straight will:
- spin
- roll
- lose action
- get ignored
How to rig it straight:
- Lay the jighead along the bait to see where the hook should exit.
- Push the hook in dead-centre.
- Come out exactly where you marked.
- Slide up firmly but don’t stretch the bait.
If it’s crooked — redo it.
Straight matters.
6. Keeping the Softbait Locked In Place
Snapper tear baits easily.
These tricks keep them pinned:
- Add a tiny dab of superglue gel at the collar (game changer).
- Use jigheads with proper bait keepers (wire grips beat lead collars).
- Re-seat the softbait after every fish.
7. Choosing the Right Softbait Style for NZ
NZ snapper behaviour favours certain motions:
Jerkshads
Best for:
- deeper water
- faster drifts
- aggressive fish
- big snapper
Loads of flash and glide.
Curly tails / Grubs
Deadly when:
- snapper are slow
- current is moderate
- you want maximum movement
Perfect for beginners and experts.
Minnows / Paddle tails
Good all-rounders for:
- mixed structure
- winter fishing
- midwater bites
8. Common Softbait Rigging Mistakes (NZ Edition)
❌ Softbait not straight
❌ Jighead too heavy
❌ Wrong head shape for the bait
❌ Hook too big
❌ Bait sliding down the hook
❌ Casting and retrieving too fast
❌ Poor drift angle
❌ Using mono instead of braid
Fixing ANY of these massively increases hookups.
9. Pro Tips to Increase Your Softbait Success
- Cast ahead of the drift, not sideways.
- Let it fall on semi-slack line — snapper hit during the drop.
- Lift–drop–pause works better than constant winding.
- Use braid to feel everything.
- Change colours if bites slow.
Small adjustments → huge differences.
SUMMARY
NZ softbait success comes down to:
- correct jighead weight
- correct jighead shape
- straight, natural rigging
- letting the lure work on the drop
- matching softbait style to drift conditions
When those line up, softbaiting becomes absolutely deadly.
FAQ
Q: What is the best jighead weight for softbaiting in NZ?
A: Use the lightest jighead that still reaches the bottom. Typically 1/8–5/8oz depending on depth, drift speed, and current.
Q: Does jighead shape matter?
A: Yes. Slim tapered heads suit jerkshads, while wider hugging heads work better for grubs and minnows. Matching the shape improves action and reduces spinning.
Q: Why does my softbait spin on the drop?
A: Usually because it isn’t rigged straight or the jighead shape doesn’t match the bait profile.
Q: What hook size is best for softbaiting?
A: Match the hook to the bait, not the fish. 4” baits use 2/0–3/0; jerkshads use 3/0–5/0.
Q: Are curly tails or jerkshads better for snapper?
A: Jerkshads work well in deeper water and fast drifts. Curly tails are deadly when snapper are slower or feeding mid-column.