Some great advice here, thanks chaps. As a (still) noob softbaiter I find judging the bottom is the hardest thing to master, so CBF's post is very useful.
Also, judging when to change baits, colours and weights. (Any tips here?)
Sometimes drifting isn't possible - One boat I'm lucky enough to crew on likes to anchor in the Rangitoto Channel, A-buoy, Noises area so the other guys can fish with smelly baits. So I migrate to the bow and cast up-wind, up-current and let the softy come back towards me while I work it. It's harder work and I have to retrieve and re-cast before the bait goes under the boat or catches the anchor rope. The current flow in the channel is quite fast I find.
It's not ideal but I still catch a few fish.
Because it can be deeper there, I'm adding jigging to my arsenal. (research phase at this stage while I acquire the tackle).
PJC: You do need braid and a softy rod. You're right about the 'no mess' and that's the big attraction for me. (Same goes for the jigs).