Fishing Hints, Tips and 'How to' Articles

  • How to

There's a lot to learn about fishing, and the more you know, the more you realise just how much you don't know. In this section you'll get hints, tips and fishing 'how-to's' from some of the most knowledgeable fishing writers in New Zealand.

Want to learn how to tie a specific rig? Click here. For our complete section on how to target individual species click here.

Rigging Livebaits
March 2026

Different fishing situations and different baitfish species mean livebaits need to be hooked in various ways to get the best results... Read More >

Inshore Fishing in Autumn
March 2026

Traditionally, autumn can provide some of the best inshore fishing of the year for popular species... Read More >

How to Strayline for Snapper
February 2026

In a country full of fishos who grew up obsessed with chasing snapper, there’s nothing more iconic than a good old-fashioned strayline session... Read More >

Broadbill Swordfish - Tips from the Experts
February 2026

Soon we had a nice broadbill on the deck, followed by the obligatory photo shoot and icing down.... Read More >

Expert Tips to Catch Gurnard
January 2026

There’s an underrated species that makes a worthwhile target around our coastal waters and harbours – the glorious gurnard... Read More >

Mono vs Fluoro Leaders
January 2026

There are two main types of leader used in NZ – monofilament (mono) and fluorocarbon (fluoro). So how do you know which one to buy?... Read More >

Maximising the Eating Quality of Fish
December 2025

Given the significant investment these days to get out fishing, we should make every effort to look after the fish we catch. Dan Govier shares his... Read More >

Gamefishing Tips from NZ's Top Skippers
November 2025

Ben Brown talks to New Zealand's top gamefishing skippers to explore what makes them so successful and how we can improve our own outcomes... Read More >

Fishing in Auckland City
November 2025

Summertime snapper are on the move, bringing the action back to our very doorsteps... Read More >

Fishing & Thinking Outside the Square
November 2025

Sam Mossman likes to assemble a catch when the situation may be less than ideal. This often involves thinking outside the usual square... Read More >

    Latest News

    Jetski Angler Lands 100kg-plus Bluefin Tuna

    22 June 2026

    A spectacular offshore battle off Waihau Bay has resulted in what could be one of the largest tuna ever landed from a jetski in NZ waters...

    Fishing Reports Visit Reports

    Saltwater Fishing Reports
    Hauraki Gulf Fishing Report 11/06/26

    Workups the best option mid-Gulf for quality snaps and kingfish Fishing across the Hauraki Gulf... Read More >

    11 Jun 2026
    Saltwater Fishing Reports
    Bream Bay Fishing Report - 11/06/26

    Normal transmission returns! It seems only the hardy have been wetting a line these last... Read More >

    11 Jun 2026
    Saltwater Fishing Reports
    Raglan Fishing Report - 11/06/26

    Solid snapper hook-ups out deep With the continuation of more settled weather there’s been some... Read More >

    11 Jun 2026
    Freshwater Fishing Reports
    Canterbury Fishing Report - 11/06/26

    Brave the cold, reap the rewards With a big southerly blow through here yesterday, it’s... Read More >

    11 Jun 2026

    Fishing bite times Fishing bite times

    Major Bites

    Minor Bites

    Major Bites

    Minor Bites

    Fishing Reports, News & Specials

    Popular Articles

    Softbait Fishing - Part 1 - gear selection

    John Eichlesheim writes an article about selecting the right equipment for softbait fishing... Read More >

    Softbait fishing Pt 2 - tips and tricks

    Techniques, tips and tricks of softbait fishing – getting the most from your soft baits.... Read More >

    Surfcasting - setting yourself up

    Gary Kemsley helps sort out the necessary gear for intending surf fishers.... Read More >

    Squid - How to catch them

    Squid fishing is a rapidly growing aspect of fishing - Paul Senior shares some hints and tips to get started.... Read More >