Winter Softbaiting with Daiwa Bait Junkies

Top Tips For Winter Softbaiting

Winter might slow the bite, but Daiwa NZ’s crew of seasoned ambassadors know how to turn cold days into hot sessions. We’ve tapped seven of our best to share their top winter softbait tactics, spotlighting the Bait Junkie range that keeps producing when the fish go quiet. If you're keen to keep rods bent this winter, these tips - and the right softbait - will make all the difference.

WILLY LOMAS

1. What's your go-to Bait Junkie style and colour in winter, and why? 

Winter can be tough for softbaiting, as the fish aren’t as active. I find natural colours work better when fish are less aggressive, which is common in cooler temperatures. My go-to is the Bait Junkie Jerkshad in Wakasagi colour, paired with the lightest possible jig head for the conditions. This allows for a slow sink, giving fish more time to spot and strike the bait.

2. Top three colours for winter softbaiting?

1. Motor Oil
2. Wakasagi
3. Nuked Pilchard

3. Pattern or colour that has surprised you most?

The Island Ihe in the 5.5” Wave Minnow has performed exceptionally well this year.

4. Favourite winter areas to target?

I usually fish deep during winter—50 to 70 meters—with 1 to 2 oz jig heads depending on drift. That said, some anglers are finding success in shallower areas too, so it pays to explore.

5. Final tip for successful winter softbaiting?

Keep moving and cover ground. Don’t stay at one depth. Start deep and work your way shallower. Pay attention to bite times and tides, as these factors are more influential in winter.

@WildNorthAddiction

FRANK WATKINS

1. What’s your go-to Bait Junkie style and colour in winter, and why?

The 7” Jerkshad in Smashed Kina is my go-to. Jerkshads swim really well, and the tail action draws in strikes. I’ve had consistent success with purple, orange, and pink tones, which makes Smashed Kina—a blend of all three—an ideal choice.

2. Top three colours for winter softbaiting?

1. Smashed Kina
2. Iwashi Glow
3. Takasagi

3. Pattern or colour that has surprised you the most?

Killer Kutai surprised me the most. Dark green isn’t a colour I’d normally pick, but it’s caught big snapper—and even a butterfish, which is very rare.

4. Favourite winter areas to target?

I love targeting big snapper in the shallows—6 meters or less—especially in bouldery bays with bombies and structure.

5. Final tip for successful winter softbaiting?

Persistence is key. I’ve had days where 200–300 casts produced just one or two fish—but they were 10lb+ models. Keep casting and stay confident.

@Beyondthecoast1

LEITH MAIN

1. What’s your go-to Bait Junkie style and colour in winter, and why?

I usually start with the 7” Jerkshad in Island Ihe. In clear, calm water I go for natural colours, and in dirty or rougher conditions I switch to brighter ones like Smashed Kina. Oranges also tend to do well.

2. Top three colours for winter softbaiting?

1. Island Ihe
2. Banana Split
3. Baby Bass

3. Pattern or colour that has surprised you the most?

Takasagi has impressed me in rougher conditions where natural colours weren’t producing.

4. Favourite winter areas to target?

I target super shallow, rocky coastlines—shingly or bouldery bays with lots of foul. Stealth is crucial.

5. Final tip for successful winter softbaiting?

Use calm days to sneak into shallow bays that are usually too risky. Drift quietly, turn off your motor and even your sounder. These areas are full of piper and squid—ideal prey for snapper. Moon phases also play a big role.

@leithmain2284

TONY WOOD

1. What’s your go-to Bait Junkie style and colour in winter, and why?

I’m targeting big, sluggish snapper in close. I prefer baits with active tails like the 7” Jerkshad or the Wave Minnow. I pair these with a 3/8 oz 3/0 jig head for added lure action. My favourite colour is Grey Nomad Glow, but Killer Kutai, Baby Bass, and Banana Split also work well.

2. Top three colours for winter softbaiting?

1. Grey Nomad Glow
2. Killer Kutai
3. Banana Split

3. Pattern or colour that has surprised you the most?

Using tiny minnows in shallow water has been surprisingly effective—even on big snapper and trevally.

4. Favourite winter areas to target?

Super shallows are my go-to. I pitch baits into fishy-looking zones like bombie edges and kelp clearings. Watching a snapper chase your bait is hard to beat.

5. Final tip for successful winter softbaiting?

Leave the bait at home, be patient, stay stealthy, and use 30lb leader for land-based fishing.

@moocherhunters

BEN BROWN

1. What’s your go-to Bait Junkie style and colour in winter, and why?

My former go-to was the 7” Jerkshad in Baby Bass—it’s caught me many big snapper. These days, I start with the 5.5” Wave Minnow in Island Ihe. Its lively drop action is deadly in winter.

2. Top three colours for winter softbaiting?

1. Island Ihe
2. Baby Bass
3. Killer Kutai

(Honourable mention: Smashed Kina)

3. Pattern or colour that has surprised you the most?

The Risky Critter. Though small, it’s highly effective and has landed me some big fish.

4. Favourite winter areas to target?

The wash zone. Fishing gnarly, shallow terrain delivers incredible results, but demands skill—the fish know how to use the structure against you.

5. Final tip for successful winter softbaiting?

Patience is crucial. Stick with it through quiet spells. Also, try Pink Glow on clear, calm days—it might surprise you.

@BuiltToFish

HAYDEN SPEED

1. What’s your go-to Bait Junkie style and colour in winter, and why?

The 5” or 7” Jerkshad in Baby Bass is my top pick. It consistently produces big snapper and a wide variety of species. It’s so effective, I rarely use anything else.

2. Top three colours for winter softbaiting?

1. Baby Bass
2. Wakasagi
3. Takasagi

(Honourable mention: Creaming Soda—great in late afternoon sessions)

3. Pattern or colour that has surprised you the most?

Takasagi and Creaming Soda surprised me. I usually favour natural colours, but these bright ones have delivered amazing results.

4. Favourite winter areas to target?

Ultra-shallow reefs (4–10 meters) are my favourite winter terrain. It’s challenging but incredibly rewarding.

5. Final tip for successful winter softbaiting?

Fish the change of light—especially mornings. Early starts in winter can yield the best results.

@mayhemfishing2882

GENE BRYANT

1. What’s your go-to Bait Junkie style and colour in winter, and why?

The 5” Jerkshad in Iwashi Glow is my absolute go-to. It’s highly effective on dark days, especially when casting into wash zones from the rocks.

2. Top three colours for winter softbaiting?

1. Iwashi Glow
2. Smashed Kina
3. Banana Split

3. Pattern or colour that has surprised you the most?

The 2.5” Grub has amazed me—so many great fish on such a small bait. It really works.

4. Favourite winter areas to target?

I always fish from the rocks, so drop-offs between 2–8 meters with wash at my feet are ideal.

5. Final tip for successful winter softbaiting?

Try those shallow, rocky bays you usually drive past. Whether boat or land-based, reduce jig head weight and fish the shallows. The fish there may be fewer, but they’ll be in top condition and well worth the effort.

@strictlylandbased

Ready to gear up for winter?

Cold water softbaiting isn’t for everyone - but for those willing to put in the time, the payoff can be huge. Daiwa NZ’s Bait Junkie range gives you the confidence to fish slow, fish light, and fish smart. From deep water drop-offs to skinny wash zones, the right colour and action can turn quiet winter days into ones you won’t forget. Pack the right softbaits, stay patient, and let the Bait Junkies do their thing.