If you haven't tried inchiku jigging for snapper yet, you're missing one of the most consistent techniques in New Zealand fishing. The inchiku is a Japanese-style lure that combines a weighted head with a trailing skirt and assist hooks — and snapper absolutely love it.
What Is an Inchiku Jig?
An inchiku is a hybrid between a jig and an octopus/squid lure. The weighted metal head sinks fast, while the soft rubber skirt creates a pulsing, lifelike action on the drop and retrieve. Unlike a standard metal jig, the inchiku doesn't need aggressive jigging — its action does the work for you, making it an ideal technique for anglers of all experience levels.
Why Inchiku Works So Well for NZ Snapper
Snapper are opportunistic feeders with a strong attraction to squid and small octopus — exactly what an inchiku imitates. In NZ waters, inchiku jigs are particularly effective over reef structure and sandy bottom transitions, which are exactly the kind of habitat snapper love around the Hauraki Gulf, the Bay of Plenty, and Northland.
The technique also shines in deeper water (30–80m) where soft baits lose their effectiveness and standard jigs can spook wary fish.
Our Top Inchiku Picks for NZ Snapper
Snapper Crackle Inchiku Jig
Our bestselling inchiku — the Snapper Crackle is designed for NZ reef fishing and has proven itself season after season. The colour combinations are matched to NZ water clarity, and the action on the drop is deadly. If you only add one inchiku to your kit, start here.
Love Train Inchiku Jig
A slightly different profile to the Snapper Crackle, the Love Train works particularly well in deeper water and low-light conditions. The larger skirt creates more water movement and vibration — great for getting snapper's attention when they're sitting tight to the bottom.
Glad-eye Inchiku Jig
The Glad-eye is a finesse option — lighter head weight, slimmer profile — ideal for shallower reef fishing or when snapper are in a more cautious mood. A great complement to the Snapper Crackle in your tackle bag.
Inchiku Technique: How to Fish It
The beauty of inchiku fishing is its simplicity:
- Drop to the bottom — let the jig sink until you feel it hit, then wind up 2–3 turns to get just off the reef
- Slow wind retrieve — wind at a steady medium pace for 5–10 turns
- Pause and drop — stop winding and let the lure flutter back down
- Repeat — most strikes happen on the pause or the drop, so stay alert
You don't need aggressive rod jerking like you would with a knife jig. A smooth, steady retrieve with deliberate pauses is all it takes. The skirt does the rest.
Speed tip: In current, slow down your retrieve. In slack water, speed up slightly to add more action to the skirt.
Gear Setup for Inchiku Jigging
- Rod: Light to medium jigging rod, PE1.5–3, 1.8–2.0m
- Reel: Spinning or overhead with smooth drag — snapper will test it
- Braid: 20–40lb PE braid — multi-coloured braid is ideal for tracking depth
- Leader: 30–60lb fluorocarbon, 1.5–2m
- Assist hooks: Most inchiku jigs come pre-rigged, but check hook sharpness before every session — the OK-Pro assist hooks are a solid upgrade if your hooks dull out
Best Depths and Conditions
- Depth: 20–80m — inchiku works across a wide range but really shines at 40–70m
- Bottom type: Reef edges, foul ground, sandy bottom transitions
- Conditions: Works year-round; most productive in autumn and winter when snapper move deeper
- Time of day: Dawn and dusk bites are reliable, but inchiku will produce throughout the day
Where to Fish Inchiku in NZ
Any snapper ground will hold fish for inchiku, but some standout locations:
- Hauraki Gulf — especially the pinnacles and reef edges between Waiheke and the Coromandel
- Bay of Plenty — deep reef structure from Tauranga to Ōpōtiki
- Northland — the Poor Knights area and Bream Bay reef systems
- Cook Strait — productive for both snapper and kingfish on inchiku
Browse our full range of inchiku jigs in the Snapper Jigs collection.
