Porae
Porae are a bottom-feeding inshore species found mainly around the northern North Island, where they turn up on sandy reefs and gravel patches from Northland to the Hauraki Gulf.
They're a solid recreational target — tough enough to put a bend in light gear, and good eating when handled well. Most anglers encounter them while fishing for snapper or trevally, but plenty of Northland regulars target them deliberately.
Scientific Name: Nemadactylus douglasii
Also known as Pōrae, grey morwong, rubberlip morwong, blue morwong
- Silvery body with a blue-green tinge along the back and bluish fins; juveniles carry a distinct dark blotch along the flank.
- Thick, fleshy lips and unusually long pectoral fins that extend back as far as the vent — the clearest way to tell them from snapper at a glance.
- Most fish run 40–60 cm and 4–5 kg; the species can reach around 80 cm, with exceptional fish pushing close to 6 kg.
What to know
Habitat Distribution
- A native New Zealand species, most abundant along the northeastern North Island — Northland, the Hauraki Gulf, and west Auckland coasts.
- In summer, range extends south toward Cook Strait and occasionally Kaikoura, but these fish are uncommon that far south.
- Typically found in 20–80 m of water over sandy reefs, gravel patches, and mixed bottom inshore.
- Adults are thought to hold distinct home ranges, with some individuals staying in the same area for years.
Key Locations
- Northland coast — the species' core range in New Zealand, where commercial and recreational catches are highest.
- Hauraki Gulf — regularly taken alongside snapper and trevally on inshore reef and mixed-bottom ground.
- West Auckland inshore grounds — consistent porae habitat on sandy reef within reach of day boats.
- Bay of Islands — one of the original recorded locations for the species and still productive recreational ground.
Specific Spots
- Sandy reef edges and gravel patches where invertebrates concentrate — porae root through the bottom for food rather than hunting open water.
- Mixed bottom transitions (sand meeting reef or rubble) in 20–50 m are productive; fish work these edges systematically.
- Inshore areas with easy access to food-rich bottom, often the same ground where snapper and trevally are found.
Porae FAQ
Answers from onWater's species guide.
What are the best lures and bait for Porae?
Crab and crab pieces are the standout bait, whole small crabs or half a larger crab on a 4/0–6/0 hook fished hard on the bottom. Worms (both fresh and salted) work well, especially when fish are feeding on softer bottom where worm populations are high.
When is the best time to fish for Porae?
Summer (December–March): fish are most widespread, pushing as far south as Cook Strait; good fishing across Northland and the Hauraki Gulf. Autumn (March–May): spawning period; fish remain active and catchable on northern grounds.
How do you catch Porae?
Most recreational anglers fish porae from boats, anchoring or drifting over sandy reef and gravel patches in 20–60 m and fishing bait hard on the bottom.
What do Porae eat?
Bottom invertebrates dominate, worms, brittlestars, sea urchins, and crabs. Baits that sit on or near the bottom and mimic these work best: whole crabs, crab pieces, and worms are go-to choices.
Where do Porae live?
A native New Zealand species, most abundant along the northeastern North Island, Northland, the Hauraki Gulf, and west Auckland coasts. In summer, range extends south toward Cook Strait and occasionally Kaikoura, but these fish are uncommon that far south.
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