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How to Rig for Kahawai

Arripis trutta

Kahawai are hard-fighting, acrobatic schooling fish found all around New Zealand and along south-eastern Australia, where they are called eastern Australian salmon. They are not a true salmon. Schools chase small fish at river mouths, harbours, and beaches, and hit small lures, flies, and strip baits readily. Bleed and ice them straight away, since the flesh is much better that way.

Answer at a glance
Best rig
Float Rig
Best bait
Strip of fresh kahawai, pilchard, or squid under a float off wharves and river mouths
Where
surf, pier, jetty, boat, river
Typical size
14–24 in
Season
Caught all year, with schools most active near river mouths and beaches from summer into autumn. Southern Hemisphere seasons: summer is roughly December to February and winter June to August.
Realistic Float Rig fishing rig setup
#1 Best Match

Float Rig

intermediatepier · jetty · boat · river

A float suspends bait at a fixed depth instead of dragging it on the bottom, letting current or light wave action carry it naturally past holding fish. This is the standard technique for salmon and steelhead in rivers, fished with roe or beads under a pencil float, and for light-tackle pier species like jacksmelt, where a small float and a multi-hook leader with tiny bait covers a school as it drifts through. Use it whenever fish are holding off bottom rather than on it, or when you want a natural drift through a current seam without snagging.

  • Main line8-15 lb monofilament running through the float
  • Leader15-25 lb fluorocarbon
  • Leader length18-24in from the float to the hook, shorten in clear water, lengthen in off-color water
  • Hooks1/0 - 3/0 hook
  • WeightSmall split shot on the leader, just enough to cock the float upright
  • Line to sinkerShot placed 8-12in above the hook, or spaced 2in apart in a cluster halfway down the leader for salmon
  • BaitStrip of fresh kahawai, pilchard, or squid under a float off wharves and river mouths
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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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Main lineLeader3-5 linked hooksthrough a whole pilchard or garfish
Ganged Hook Rig
Three to five hooks are linked in a chain, each point passing through the eye of the next, and the whole gang runs the length of a pilchard or garfish.
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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 Kahawai?

The Float Rig is the top recommendation for Kahawai. A float suspends bait at a fixed depth instead of dragging it on the bottom, letting current or light wave action carry it naturally past holding fish. This is the standard technique for salmon and steelhead in rivers, fished with roe or beads under a pencil float, and for light-tackle pier species like jacksmelt, where a small float and a multi-hook leader with tiny bait covers a school as it drifts through. Use it whenever fish are holding off bottom rather than on it, or when you want a natural drift through a current seam without snagging.

What bait works for Kahawai?

Check the recommended rig cards above for bait notes specific to Kahawai.

When is the best time to catch Kahawai?

Caught all year, with schools most active near river mouths and beaches from summer into autumn. Southern Hemisphere seasons: summer is roughly December to February and winter June to August.. Typical size runs 14–24 in. Always check current regulations before keeping fish.

Where do you catch Kahawai?

Kahawai is caught while surf, pier, jetty, boat, river fishing. Kahawai are hard-fighting, acrobatic schooling fish found all around New Zealand and along south-eastern Australia, where they are called eastern Australian salmon. They are not a true salmon. Schools chase small fish at river mouths, harbours, and beaches, and hit small lures, flies, and strip baits readily. Bleed and ice them straight away, since the flesh is much better that way.