Stick baits, known for their sleek and elongated bodies, have increasingly become a popular lure type in New Zealand’s waters. They are designed to mimic the action of a baitfish, providing a rewarding and thrilling experience for anglers looking to have consistent bites, make explosive strikes, or catch a trophy fish.
Those who have no experience with stick baits will require extensive knowledge and practice to be successful in stick bait fishing. Getting informed about stick bait offers plenty of opportunities to master how to select the best stick bait and how to maximise it.
Understanding Stick Baits
Stick baits are elongated lures designed to imitate smaller fish. They usually rely on the fisher’s manipulation and water resistance to create an enticing movement. Their slender body is equipped with treble hooks and comes in a variety of colours and finishes to mimic different baitfish species.
There are three main types of stick baits.
· Sinking: These lures are designed to sink at different rates. They are more effective in deeper water or when targeting fishes that stay below the water column.
· Floating: This stick bait type is made to stay on the water’s surface and is ideal for topwater fishing. It works better in calmer conditions, where fish usually notice surface disturbances.
· Sub-Surface: Designed to hover just beneath the surface. They often create a rolling or darting action and entice fish species that are hesitant to strike at topwater lures.
Some of the popular fish targets for stick baiting are Giant trevally, Kingfish, Tuna, Pike, Bass, and Trout.
How Stick Baits Mimic Natural Play
One key reason stick baits are effective is their ability to imitate the natural movements of injured or fleeing baitfish. This attracts many predatory fish, who usually rely on visual cues to detect weaker or vulnerable prey.
For instance, incorporating sudden stops and twitches during retrieval simulates a wounded fish trying to escape. This can also create ripples or splashes, especially in clear and calm waters, getting the attention of the target fish from a distance.
Factors to Consider When Choosing the Right Stick Bait
Water Conditions
Stick baits come in different types and designs, catering to different fishing environments. To maximise their use, it is crucial to find stick baits designed for the preferred fishing spot.
Floating stick baits work best in calmer waters since they create noticeable surface action. Meanwhile, sinking or subsurface stick baits are more effective in choppy or deep waters since fish actively feed deeper in these conditions. For those who like to fish in murky or stained water, investing in brightly coloured stick baits enhances their visibility.
Target Species
Having a specific target fish in mind can help anglers narrow down the choices, especially since most predator fishes bite on particular types of bait.
Anglers who want to go for aggressive and surface-feeding species, such as GTs, bass, or snook, can purchase floating stick baits, while those who target deep-dwelling fishes like tuna and kingfish can go for sinking stick baits. Those who prefer freshwater species, such as pike and muskie, should invest in stick baits that match the size or movement of local baitfish.
Material Type
Stick baits come in various materials, each offering different benefits.
· Wooden Stick Baits: Provides natural buoyancy and superior movement that makes them highly effective around the surface.
· Plastic Stick Baits: More durable and resistant to damage, especially against sharp-toothed fish. They can also be weighted to create different sinking rates.
Conclusion
Stick bait fishing is an exciting and rewarding technique every fishing enthusiast should consider adding to their arsenal. These lures allow anglers to fine-tune their retrieval techniques and improve their chances of making thrilling strikes and memorable catches.
Are you looking for the best store to buy stick baits and other fishing equipment? SaveBarn has got you covered. We are a 100% Kiwi-owned business offering the best deals and great-value products for a wide range of uses, including fishing, boating, hunting, camping, sports, technology, home living, and more.
If you wish to visit our physical store to check out our top-notch stick baits, rods, reels, and other items, we are located at 22 Saleyards Road, Otahuhu, Auckland, NZ. For our other branches – please check out our Store Finder.
Sources:
https://www.fishlures.com.au/fishing-lures/hard-baits/stickbaits/
https://www.sportfishingmag.com/an-anglers-guide-to-stickbaits-and-how-to-fish-them/
https://www.oceanbluefishing.com/magazine/how-fish-using-stick-baits/?noamp=available
https://inthespread.com/blog/fishing-stickbaits-for-pelagic-heavyweights-322
https://lifeonthebank.co.uk/2024/03/06/perch-fishing-with-stickbaits/
