Topwater Casting for Spring Kingfish: Tips to Get You Hooked Up

by Kaz Otsubo - Ocean Legacy

As spring rolls around in New Zealand, the waters start warming up – and that means one thing for keen anglers: kingfish are back on the prowl! Spring kingfish are active, aggressive, and eager to chase down a topwater lure, making it the perfect time to dust off your gear and start casting. Whether you're new to topwater fishing or a seasoned pro, here are some tips to help you make the most of this exciting season.

1. Gear Up Right: Rods, Reels, and Lures

When it comes to topwater casting for kingfish, having the right setup makes all the difference.

A medium-heavy to heavy action rod around 7-8 feet provides the strength needed to handle hard strikes while staying light enough for long, accurate casts. The Ocean's Legacy Focal series is a top choice, offering the ideal balance of sensitivity and power for working both stickbaits and light poppers.

Pair your rod with a spinning reel in the 8000-10,000 size range, spooled with PE4-PE6 braided line and a 100-150lb mono leader. Braided line offers excellent casting distance and strength, and the softness of the mono leader helps it pass smoothly through the rod guides, improving casting distance. Also, mono makes tying knots easier, as the braid binds tightly to it, forming secure connections.

Poppers: These create splash and noise on the surface, mimicking distressed baitfish and drawing aggressive strikes.

Stickbaits: Gliding just beneath the surface, they provide a more subtle presentation – great for when fish aren’t responding to poppers. If you're new to stickbaits, sinking models are easier to control since they remain stable underwater.

Pro tip: Use lures with natural belly colours like sardine or mackerel to attract kingfish from below. Add vivid colours on the back for better visibility and control, helping you react to strikes quickly.

2. Read the Water and Find the Fish

Spring kingfish often lurk around reefs, rocky points, buoys, harbour mouths, and markers, hunting baitfish. Target early mornings or late afternoons, especially during moving tides that carry in fresh schools of bait. 

Look out for signs of activity like working birds, baitfish on the surface, or boils of fish thrashing at the top. Reefs also have pressure zones – areas where baitfish gather, creating ideal spots to cast your lure.

Position yourself up-current of the action and cast beyond the fish. Use the wind and current to work the lure naturally back toward the fish, setting the stage for that explosive topwater strike.‍

3. Master the Action

How you work your rod can make or break your session. Here are a few go-to actions:

Poppers: A steady "pop-pop-pause" creates just the right splash to attract attention. If the fish are particularly fired up, continuous popping can trigger an immediate reaction.

Stickbaits: A sweeping retrieve with pauses will glide and dart the lure through the water. Stick to the zone, and don’t hesitate to change up your rhythm if fish aren’t committing.

Many strikes happen right after a pause, so stay sharp and be ready to set the hook!

4. Set the Hook and Hang On!

When a kingfish strikes, it’s heart-pounding – but don’t rush the hookset! These fish often hit sideways, and pulling too early can cost you the hookup. Instead, keep the line tight until you feel the fish's weight, then set the hook with
confidence.

Once hooked, get ready for blistering runs and deep dives. Keep your drag tight enough to control the fish but not so tight that you risk pulling the hooks. Use your rod to lift and turn the fish – don’t give it any slack, or it might shake the hooks loose.

5. Catch, Release, or Keep?

Kingfish are incredible sport fish, and whether to keep or release one is a personal choice. If you plan to keep one, make sure it’s within legal size limits and handled properly for the best eating quality.

If releasing, handle the fish with care – avoid unnecessary contact, support its weight, and return it to the water promptly for a healthy release.

Spring kingfish on topwater offer an unforgettable challenge for every angler. With the right gear, smart tactics, and a bit of patience, you’re in for some thrilling action on the water. So grab your gear, head to the coast, and start casting – those spring kingies won’t wait!