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How to Rig for Hapuku (Groper)

Polyprion oxygeneios

Hapuku, also called groper, are large, deep-water fish that live on rocky pinnacles and reefs from roughly 100 to 400 meters around New Zealand and southern Australia. Heavy tackle, big baits, and electric or stout reels are standard for deep dropping. Fish brought up from that depth cannot usually be released successfully, so stop once you have enough.

Answer at a glance
Best rig
Deep-Drop Rig
Best bait
Whole or half mackerel, squid, or a large fish fillet on deep reefs
Where
boat
Typical size
30–50 in
Season
Caught year-round in deep water, with calmer summer and autumn seas making offshore trips easier. Southern Hemisphere seasons: summer is roughly December to February and winter June to August.
Braid 65-130 lbHeavy mono rig bodyCircle hookson droppers3-4ft apart2-6lb weight
#1 Best Match

Deep-Drop Rig

advancedboat

A long heavy rig body carries two to four circle hooks on short droppers, pulled to the bottom by a 2-6lb weight in 300-1,000ft of water. It is built for grouper, hapuku, halibut, and snapper that live on deep ledges and pinnacles beyond the reach of normal bottom rigs.

  • Main line65-130 lb braid on a heavy or electric reel
  • Leader80-150 lb monofilament rig body with 60-100 lb droppers
  • Leader length12-24in droppers, 2-4 of them, spaced 3-4ft apart on a 6-12ft rig body
  • Hooks7/0 - 10/0 circle hooks
  • WeightDeep-drop sinker or bank weight, 2-6lb (1-3kg)
  • Line to sinkerWeight clipped to the bottom of the rig body, 3-4ft below the lowest dropper
  • BaitWhole or half mackerel, squid, or a large fish fillet on deep reefs
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Realistic Fish-Finder Rig fishing rig setup
Fish-Finder Rig
The sinker slides freely on the main line, so a fish can pick up bait and move off without feeling resistance.
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Realistic Leadhead Jig Rig fishing rig setup
Leadhead Jig Rig
A single heavy leadhead rigged with a large soft plastic swimbait, dropped straight to bottom and worked with a swim-pause-drop retrieve right in rocky structure.
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Source & regulation note

Technique guidance is educational. Seasons, size limits, bag limits, closures, and protected areas can change. Always verify the current rules before fishing or keeping fish.

FishBase species profile ↗State and territory fisheries agencies ↗Fisheries New Zealand ↗Editorial methodology

Fishing regulations vary by location and season. Check current local regulations before fishing.

Last reviewed: 2026-09-26

Common Questions

What is the best rig for Hapuku (Groper)?

The Deep-Drop Rig is the top recommendation for Hapuku (Groper). A long heavy rig body carries two to four circle hooks on short droppers, pulled to the bottom by a 2-6lb weight in 300-1,000ft of water. It is built for grouper, hapuku, halibut, and snapper that live on deep ledges and pinnacles beyond the reach of normal bottom rigs.

What bait works for Hapuku (Groper)?

Check the recommended rig cards above for bait notes specific to Hapuku (Groper).

When is the best time to catch Hapuku (Groper)?

Caught year-round in deep water, with calmer summer and autumn seas making offshore trips easier. Southern Hemisphere seasons: summer is roughly December to February and winter June to August.. Typical size runs 30–50 in. Always check current regulations before keeping fish.

Where do you catch Hapuku (Groper)?

Hapuku (Groper) is caught while boat fishing. Hapuku, also called groper, are large, deep-water fish that live on rocky pinnacles and reefs from roughly 100 to 400 meters around New Zealand and southern Australia. Heavy tackle, big baits, and electric or stout reels are standard for deep dropping. Fish brought up from that depth cannot usually be released successfully, so stop once you have enough.