800g Anchovies

Anchovies Are the Ultimate Bait for Fishing

When it comes to surfcasting off the beach or fishing from the rocks, you want a bait that works—and anchovies tick every box.

Anchovies are packed with natural oils and a strong scent trail that travels quickly through the water, drawing fish in from a distance. Their soft, oily flesh makes them irresistible to a wide range of species found around New Zealand’s coasts—whether you’re targeting snapper, kahawai, trevally, gurnard, or even kingfish.

They’re also an easy bait to use. Cut them into strips for smaller hooks, or fish them whole if you’re chasing something bigger. The natural shine of the anchovy mimics small baitfish in the surf, which instantly triggers predatory instincts in hungry fish.