A mate of mine caught a nice typical gulf kingie on a stick bait last week, casting to a likely looking bit of country near one of the islands south of Kawau.

Using a pink Shimano Orca. First cast ever on his new Okuma set up!

And another work mate caught a really nice Northland kingie near a harbour entrance on an Orca (purple/gold). 

If the fish are on the chew, I reckon those of us with lures at the cheaper end of the market are in with a chance.

Good point mate.

As he has recently sacrificed two Carpenter stickbaits to the fishing Gods, I suspect he will be blessed with a good season!

When is Mr Zilla going to take you out on one of his missions?

I took a punt and bought a couple in the yellowfin tuna colour just before they sold out - they definitely look reasonably well put together for the price - have Owner trebles etc. And that colour looks very lifelike (in terms of a jack mackerel etc). 

Capt A - really appreciate the tip re the Doggies action. Sounds more like a popper blooping action, but underwater - if that makes sense? I'll try the action I use with my small Williamson Jets from the shore and see how I get on!

I've got some Starwalkers in the kahawai and koheru, which I'm going to outfit with inline singles, as per some of the older threads on here. given how long it takes me to change split rings and hooks, I'd better have everything ready to go before I get out there.

A first kingie on top water is my mission this summer, so I'll let you know how I go.

Tamure Kid

Here you go, Capt A.

http://www.marine-deals.co.nz/braid-gt-swash-minnow-lure-105g

Ps. I've got some of the Doggies you like for up in the islands, just wondering if these are kind of in the same ballpark for reliability on a modest budget. I sold my second born child and bought a Carpenter Bluefish from overseas, but that'll be for later in summer when I know what I'm doing!!

PPS: judging by the fact they are now down to the last couple of particular colours, I think people are just buying up regardless.