Lure brands take advantage of buoyant New Zealand market

Local and global tackle suppliers in New Zealand are taking advantage of the positive mood within the industry with a number of new launches for anglers in the region.

This includes a renowned and innovative New Zealand lure designer who has launched what has been described as one of the most technically advanced slider lures available. Wes Braddock, founder of Glowbite, has introduced the Grumpy Fish, a kabura-style slider lure that is available in a variety of sizes and colours in readiness for the spring snapper season. It features the company’s red/white/green light sequence every second, a dispenser to disperse an enhancer, twin tails, UV reflective hook flies and a sound vibration rattle.

It has been launched around the same time that another well known New Zealand lure maker, Catch Fishing, released the Rainbow Warrior version of its popular and very effective Double Trouble jigs. Depending on what end you connect to, it can act as either a flutter or mechanical jig.

Shimano has released an exclusive lure for the New Zealand market, the Lucanas UV Black (pictured). Developed by the local team there, the black lure features plenty of UV and is available in four sizes, from 60g through to 120g.

Other major brands, including Daiwa, Berkley, Okuma and Ocean Angler, have also introduced a number of new lures and soft baits onto the market. Grant Dixon, Angling International’s correspondent for the region, said: “New Zealand is approaching the spring and summer period, traditionally a time when fishing activity increases, so the trade is in a positive mood and quietly confident as to its future.

“Tackle outlets are reporting excellent sales, only hindered by restrictions in the supply chain with most products sourced from overseas manufacturers.”