My interest in softbaiting waxes and wanes as I prefer jigging of one form or another, but the easterlies this summer have kept me in the harbour and my feeling is that bright (or dark!), slow moving softbaits are better in dirty water compared to jigs which require a faster action. 

Fishing tackle shops in America are something else. Haven't been tempted by Bait Junkies and the fact that they are in the bargain bin at my local shops probably says a lot.

Yeah, it's interesting. I don't for a moment believe soft baits are made of angel wings and fairy dust, or that one brand is very different to another with the exception of Gulp. That said, softbaits which we throw at snapper need to be resilient (obviously, Gulp is famous for not being resilient, but that is a special case) and I do believe UV reactivity and luminosity can be beneficial at times. Funnily enough, Glowing Gurnard is my go to for snapper in the Catch range. Orange in good light which we know is a killer colour for snapper and a strong glow in the dark, what's not to like!

Small disclaimer, I genuinely believe that a microjig will out-fish softies when fished side-by-side most of the time, but under some circumstances softies take the prize!

Vibes have caught my eye too, but the hook position looks like a nightmare for snagging up, plus I wonder how resilient they are to snapper teeth.

MB wrote: Vibes have caught my eye too, but the hook position looks like a nightmare for snagging up, plus I wonder how resilient they are to snapper teeth.

The Tamure Kid wrote: MB wrote: Vibes have caught my eye too, but the hook position looks like a nightmare for snagging up, plus I wonder how resilient they are to snapper teeth. I know what you're saying re the teeth, but some of the fish they get in Aussie - e.g. the coral trout, seem to have some decent gnashers and i haven't seen them destroy a vibe. They fish a lot over foul/coral reefy territory, and don't appear to snag up more than with a jig. I might have to buy one of the Nomad ones next time I order some softbaits from Anglers warehouse, just to have a sneaky go with. I reckon in 20m+ over sand, for example, they could be pretty successful. I know they probably won't hands down out-fish other methods, but it might be fun to give one a go.

The Tamure Kid wrote: Of all the jigging methods, the slow pitch seems to be the most complicated - if you believe the articles and vids. I can see how a flipping and fluttering lure would really appeal to snaps under work ups etc.What doesn't appeal to me is what I understand is the recommended method (once you hook up) of simply winding straight off the reel with little or no rod intervention. I would find that bizarre.

Interesting comments above.

riga wrote: Interesting comments above. I really rate the ability of the baitjunkies.  Fishing side by side I have found the baitjunkies get more fish than zman - both 7 inch jerkshads. The major downsides are that after a few fish they slide off the jighead easier and they are no where near as durable. So I mostly just use them now in shallow water where I am retrieving and casting a lot and can reset the lure. For deeper water softbaiting 30m to 70m I use the zman as they stay on the hook better and hold up more to the fish. Just my comments.   I need to keep an eye out for the baitjunkies in the bargain bins and stock up while I can then.

Kandrew wrote: riga wrote: Interesting comments above. I really rate the ability of the baitjunkies.  Fishing side by side I have found the baitjunkies get more fish than zman - both 7 inch jerkshads. The major downsides are that after a few fish they slide off the jighead easier and they are no where near as durable. So I mostly just use them now in shallow water where I am retrieving and casting a lot and can reset the lure. For deeper water softbaiting 30m to 70m I use the zman as they stay on the hook better and hold up more to the fish. Just my comments.   I need to keep an eye out for the baitjunkies in the bargain bins and stock up while I can then. have you tried the new bait Junkie jig heads https://www.marine-deals.co.nz/tackle-jig-heads/daiwa-baitjunkie-2x-jig-head-1-qty-6?gclid=EAIaIQobChMIl8iW_tjI_QIVmQsrCh0erAzdEAQYHiABEgI-YvD_BwE