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How to Rig for Red Gurnard

Chelidonichthys kumu

Red gurnard walk along sand and mud bottom on finger-like fin rays, probing for crabs and shrimp, and they are a common, very good-eating catch in New Zealand harbours and off beaches. Their huge blue-edged pectoral fins make them easy to recognise. Baits fished on the bottom over sand, especially during the rising tide, catch them reliably.

Answer at a glance
Best rig
High-Low Rig
Best bait
Squid, pilchard, or shellfish on a two-hook dropper rig from beaches and wharves
Where
surf, boat, pier
Typical size
10–18 in
Season
Caught year-round, often best in spring and summer over sand and mud. Southern Hemisphere seasons: summer is roughly December to February and winter June to August.
#1 Best Matchbeginner

High-Low Rig

Two hooks sit above a bottom weight so bait hovers just off the sand. Simple to tie and easy to re-rig on the beach, which makes it the standard starting point for surf and pier fishing.

Main line
12-15 lb monofilament
Leader
15 lb fluorocarbon
Hooks
1/0 - 3/0 circle hook
Weight
Pyramid sinker, 2-4oz
Leader length
8in from main line to each hook
Sinker drop
4-6in from bottom swivel to sinker
Open complete guideSee alternatives
Bait guidance
Squid, pilchard, or shellfish on a two-hook dropper rig from beaches and wharves
High-Low surf fishing rig visual guide showing line, swivels, hooks, sinker, bait, target species, and recommended tackleView full visual guide →
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.
View rig →
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 Red Gurnard?

The High-Low Rig is the top recommendation for Red Gurnard. Two hooks sit above a bottom weight so bait hovers just off the sand. Simple to tie and easy to re-rig on the beach, which makes it the standard starting point for surf and pier fishing.

What bait works for Red Gurnard?

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

When is the best time to catch Red Gurnard?

Caught year-round, often best in spring and summer over sand and mud. Southern Hemisphere seasons: summer is roughly December to February and winter June to August.. Typical size runs 10–18 in. Always check current regulations before keeping fish.

Where do you catch Red Gurnard?

Red Gurnard is caught while surf, boat, pier fishing. Red gurnard walk along sand and mud bottom on finger-like fin rays, probing for crabs and shrimp, and they are a common, very good-eating catch in New Zealand harbours and off beaches. Their huge blue-edged pectoral fins make them easy to recognise. Baits fished on the bottom over sand, especially during the rising tide, catch them reliably.