I am a keen lure troller mainly for marlin. I’ve been busted off by a dolphin sized king in jellicoe channel on 15kg between horn and broken islands on a CD18 rapala blue and silver.. probably 3rd of way across, was memorable. Caught decent kings on marlin lures when trolling near knights .. outside reserve of course. Caught numerous smaller specimens on rapalas round maharangi. Seen big fish crash a towed stick bait at Elisabeth reef and not hook up. But that’s where I’d say you want catch decent kings .. going fishing with lures is largely off track statistically… my statistics anyway and not the best way by far!
The best way to catch them is very slow trolling a live kahawai, is so much more effective. And usually much bigger fish if use medium to larger bait. Been catching kings with slight obsession for years. Long jigs also very good in certain spots usually deeper… but livies best in gulf and shallower spots… work most times if decent king or kings are present. Randomly towing lure will likely be very unproductive.
Fish in photo year or so ago, on livey in among stickbaiters and those trolling. Easy as, and probably one of biggest caught in gulf that year. But we catch good one or two most times they are around. All about technique and targeting your fish. You’d be better to catch a kahawai or skippy and slowdown and putter round a while .. no telling what might grab it if towing north over summer from Whangarei heads north.
Want to borrow a rod?