Kabura lures and sliders are one of the most effective and enjoyable ways to target snapper and other bottom-feeding fish around New Zealand. They're deceptively simple to fish, but the technique is quite different from traditional jigging. One of the biggest mistakes is working them too aggressively.
The basic approach is simple: get your Kabura or slider to the bottom, keep it close to the strike zone and work it slowly while drifting over productive ground.
Kabura fishing has become a favourite technique for many NZ boat anglers because it can produce excellent results without requiring an aggressive jigging action. Once you understand how to control your lure, maintain bottom contact and work with the boat's drift, it becomes a very effective way to target snapper and a range of other species.
If you're new to Kabura fishing, already have a few sliders in the tackle box or simply want to improve your technique, these tips will help you get more from them.
What Is a Kabura Lure?
Kabura lures are a style of slow-jigging lure that have become extremely popular with New Zealand anglers, particularly for snapper fishing.
They generally feature a weighted head, skirt or rubber tentacles and assist-style hooks. The lure is designed to be fished close to the bottom with a slow, controlled retrieve rather than being aggressively ripped through the water like a traditional metal jig.
You'll hear anglers use several names for similar lures, including Kabura, slider and slow-jig style lures. Designs vary between manufacturers, but the basic principle is similar: keep the lure in the strike zone and let the movement of the boat, current and lure itself do much of the work.
Lure Me's current Kabura Jigs collection includes Kabura and slider-style lures in a range of weights and colours, including Catch and SnapperTackle options.
Why Are Kabura Lures So Effective?
Part of the appeal of Kabura fishing is how little movement is actually required from the angler.
The combination of the weighted head, hooks and flexible skirt creates a subtle presentation as the lure is lifted and lowered through the water. When fishing over the bottom, the lure can imitate a small creature or bait item moving close to the seabed.
For snapper, in particular, this can be extremely effective.
Another advantage is that Kabura fishing doesn't require you to constantly work the lure aggressively. Once you've established the correct depth and drift, the technique can be surprisingly simple.
5 Essential Kabura Fishing Tips
1. Rig Your Kabura Correctly
The connection between your main line, leader and Kabura needs to allow the lure to work as intended.
A slimline leader-to-mainline connection is important because you don't want a bulky connection interfering with the movement of the lure.
Always check the manufacturer's rigging instructions for the particular Kabura you're using, as designs can vary. The important principle is to make sure the lure and hook arrangement can move naturally without being unnecessarily restricted by your connection.
Use a leader that is appropriate for the target species and the structure you're fishing around. Snapper over relatively clean ground may allow lighter leader, while foul or reef can justify stepping up in strength.
2. Fish With the Drift
Kabura lures are particularly effective when you're fishing with the boat's drift.
The drift allows your lure to cover ground while staying in the area where fish are feeding. Rather than dropping straight down and remaining directly underneath the boat, the lure can work across different parts of the bottom as the boat moves.
If the boat is drifting too quickly, your lure can move through the strike zone too quickly and become difficult to control.
In stronger wind or current, using a sea anchor or drogue can help slow the drift and give you more time to work the lure effectively.
3. Slow Really Is the Key
Slow, slow and slower.
One of the biggest mistakes people make when fishing Kaburas is working them too quickly.
Drop the lure until you feel it reach the bottom. Once it touches down, slowly wind it up approximately 3–6 metres, depending on depth and conditions.
Keep the rod movements controlled and avoid violently ripping the lure upwards. You're looking for a steady, subtle presentation rather than a fast jigging action.
If you're not getting bites, don't automatically speed up. Often the better approach is to slow down even further and spend more time keeping the lure close to the bottom.
4. Don't Strike Aggressively
This is one of the biggest differences between Kabura fishing and traditional bait fishing.
Don't smash the rod back when you feel a bite.
When you feel taps, weight or repeated interest from a fish, keep winding steadily. If you think the fish has properly connected, gently lift the rod to apply pressure while continuing to wind.
The small assist hooks used on many Kabura lures can hook fish effectively without a huge strike. An aggressive strike can actually work against you, particularly when fishing relatively light tackle and small hooks.
Let the fish load the rod and maintain steady pressure.
5. Keep Repeating the Process
Sometimes the most important technique is simply persistence.
Drop to the bottom, slowly wind up several metres, then drop back down and repeat.
If nothing happens, do it again.
And again.
Once your line starts moving well away from vertical, perhaps reaching a 30–40 degree angle, wind the lure in and start another drift.
The aim is to keep the lure spending as much time as possible in the productive part of the water column.
What Weight Kabura Should You Use?
There isn't one perfect Kabura weight for every situation.
The general rule is to use the lightest lure that still allows you to maintain reliable contact with the bottom.
However, when you're learning, it's often better to start slightly heavier and work lighter as you understand the conditions.
The weight you need will depend on:
- Water depth
- Current speed
- Wind
- Boat drift speed
- Line diameter
- Leader diameter
- Target species
- The amount of bottom contact you need
If your lure is taking too long to reach the bottom or you're constantly losing contact, try going heavier.
If you're fishing relatively shallow water with little current, a lighter Kabura can provide a more subtle presentation.
The current Lure Me Kabura range includes options from small 7–28g Beady Eye Kaburas through to larger 60–150g Kabura jigs, giving anglers plenty of options for different depths and conditions.
How Deep Should You Fish a Kabura?
Kaburas can be used across a wide range of depths.
The key is not simply finding a particular depth but keeping your lure close to the area where fish are feeding.
For bottom-feeding species such as snapper, maintaining contact with or close proximity to the bottom is usually the priority.
That doesn't necessarily mean dragging the lure continuously along the seabed. Instead, touch down, lift it several metres and then allow it to return to the bottom before repeating the process.
Do You Need to Fish Workups?
No.
Kabura fishing can be extremely effective around workups, but you don't need birds, baitfish and surface activity to catch fish on a slider.
Workups can certainly be exciting because predatory fish are actively feeding, but Kaburas can also be effective when fishing structure, channels, pins, foul ground and areas where your sounder shows fish close to the bottom.
Can You Catch Fish With the Rod in the Holder?
Yes, you can.
While actively fishing the lure is generally the more effective approach, a Kabura can still produce fish when left in a rod holder and worked naturally by the movement of the boat.
This can be a useful way to have another lure in the water while you're actively working a second rod.
Just make sure your setup is secure and your drag is appropriately adjusted.
What Fish Can You Catch on Kabura Lures?
Kabura and slider-style lures can catch a wide range of New Zealand species.
Depending on location, depth, structure and conditions, potential catches include:
- Snapper
- Kingfish
- John Dory
- Gurnard
- Blue cod
- Other bottom-feeding and predatory species
Snapper are one of the obvious targets, but don't assume you're only going to catch snapper. One of the attractions of Kabura fishing is the variety of species that can take them.
Use Your Sounder When Kabura Fishing
Your fish finder and GPS can be extremely useful when fishing Kaburas.
Rather than randomly drifting around, use your electronics to identify areas worth fishing and pay attention to your boat's drift direction.
Make a note of productive areas and look for:
- Fish holding close to the bottom
- Changes in depth
- Drop-offs
- Reef and foul ground
- Channels
- Structure holding baitfish
It can take a drift or two to understand exactly where the boat is travelling. Once you've established the drift, you can position the boat to repeatedly cover the most productive ground.
Try a Short Lob Ahead of the Drift
You don't always have to drop the lure directly underneath the boat.
A short lob ahead of the direction you're drifting can give the lure additional time in the productive zone. Ideally, by the time the lure reaches the bottom, your line will be reasonably close to vertical and you can begin your slow retrieve.
Don't cast aggressively. A controlled lob is all that's required.
What Tackle Do You Need for Kabura Fishing?
Kabura fishing is best enjoyed on tackle that allows you to feel the lure, detect subtle bites and maintain controlled pressure during the fight.
A relatively light boat rod matched with a suitable reel, braid and leader can make the technique extremely enjoyable.
The exact setup will depend on lure weight, depth, target species and fishing conditions.
For snapper and general inshore fishing, the goal is to balance enough power to control a good fish with a sensitive setup that lets you feel what the lure is doing.
For a broader selection of lures and boat-fishing tackle, check out our Boat Fishing Lures & Jigs collection.
Kabura Fishing: Common Mistakes to Avoid
If you're new to sliders, avoiding a few common mistakes can make a big difference.
- Fishing too fast: Kaburas generally work best with a slow presentation.
- Losing bottom contact: If you can't reach or maintain the bottom, consider changing lure weight.
- Striking too hard: Let the fish load the rod rather than ripping the lure away.
- Drifting too quickly: Slow the boat's drift if necessary.
- Ignoring your electronics: Use your sounder and GPS to identify productive ground.
- Changing everything at once: If you're not catching fish, change one variable at a time so you know what actually made the difference.
Kabura Fishing FAQ
How do you fish a Kabura lure?
Drop the Kabura to the bottom, then slowly wind it several metres off the bottom before allowing it to drop again. Repeat this process while drifting across productive ground.
What weight Kabura should I use?
Choose a weight that allows you to maintain reliable bottom contact. Start slightly heavier if you're unsure, then work lighter when conditions allow.
Do you jig a Kabura lure?
Kaburas are generally fished with a much slower action than traditional metal jigs. A controlled lift and slow retrieve is usually more effective than aggressive jigging.
How fast should you retrieve a Kabura?
Slowly. After reaching the bottom, try a controlled retrieve of around 3–6 metres before dropping the lure back down.
Should you strike when fishing a Kabura?
Avoid aggressive strikes. When you feel a fish taking interest, continue winding and gradually apply pressure by lifting the rod.
Can you catch snapper on Kabura lures?
Yes. Snapper are one of the most popular target species for Kabura and slider-style lures in New Zealand.
Can you fish Kaburas in deep water?
Yes. Kaburas can be used in deeper water, although you may need a heavier lure to maintain contact with the bottom when current, wind or drift speed increases.
What other fish can you catch on Kabura lures?
Depending on where you're fishing, Kaburas can catch snapper, kingfish, John Dory, gurnard, blue cod and other predatory or bottom-feeding species.
Shop Kabura & Slider Lures at Lure Me
Ready to give Kabura fishing a try?
Lure Me stocks a growing range of Kabura and slider-style lures for New Zealand anglers, including Catch and SnapperTackle options in a range of sizes, weights and colours.
You can also explore our broader range of fishing lures and boat fishing lures and jigs.
Final Kabura Fishing Tip
Don't overcomplicate it.
Get your lure to the bottom, keep it in the strike zone, drift over productive ground and fish it slowly.
When you get a bite, resist the temptation to smash the rod upwards. Keep winding, maintain pressure and let the hooks do their job.
Sometimes the simplest approach is the one that catches the fish.
Slow down, stay in the zone and let the Kabura do the work.