How to Catch Piper

Piper are a small slender fish with a bill similar to a marlin but protruding from the lower jaw.   The are silver with a green back.

Piper are abundant around the north island of New Zealand.  They seem to be more common in sheltered areas but can also be found in exposed locations.  Piper make great bait for snapper and kingfish.

The best way I've found to catch piper is to use a float with a small size 14-16 trout hook about 30cm below the float.  A tiny sliver of fish flesh or skin works well for bait, bread is also good.  You can just cast out and wait for bites but they take the bait so gently it can be hard to know when you've got a bite.  A better method is to cast out and after allowing your bait to sink a bit just retrieve it very slowly.  The piper love follow the moving bait and they will most likely hook themselves as they take.

Berley is a great way to attract piper and will greatly increase your chances.