Rig
Rig is a small shark found in coastal waters all around New Zealand — the same fish sold in fish-and-chip shops as 'lemonfish.'
It's a genuine target species for South Island surf and estuary anglers, particularly over summer when fish move into shallow water to feed and give birth. Accessible from shore, good eating, and a reasonable scrap on the right gear.
Scientific Name: Mustelus lenticulatus
Also known as Lemonfish, spotted dogfish, makō, mangō, pioke
- Greyish-brown to bronze on top, white belly; scattered small white spots above the lateral line and a tight row of spots running along it from gill to tail — the key ID feature.
- A curved row of white spots runs from behind the eye down toward the cheek; fins sometimes dusky-edged.
- Flattened, paving-stone-style grinding teeth rather than cutting teeth — built for crushing crabs and shellfish, not slicing.
- Females grow larger than males; females reach around 151 cm, males around 125 cm. Most fish caught from shore run well under that.
What to know
Habitat Distribution
- Native to New Zealand — found nowhere else. Distributed around the entire coastline, from estuaries and surf beaches out to the continental shelf.
- In spring and summer, adult females move into shallow coastal waters — estuaries, harbours, surf beaches — to give birth and mate before heading back to deeper water.
- Over autumn and winter, fish move offshore into deeper water and shift further north; most of the commercial catch comes from water shallower than 50 m during the warmer months.
- Prefers sandy and muddy substrates — the kind of bottom that supports the burrowing crabs and crustaceans it feeds on.
Key Locations
- Otago Harbour — a consistently productive estuary fishery, especially at night over summer.
- Lyttelton Harbour — known for larger females moving in to give birth; has produced some of the bigger fish in recent years.
- Canterbury surf beaches — Rakaia, Rangitata, and Waitaki river mouths, plus Baileys Beach near Birdlings Flat and Amberley Beach on Pegasus Bay, are established summer destinations.
- Kaikōura coast — Kowhai and Hapuku river mouth beaches fish well; Rarangi Beach in Marlborough is another reliable spot.
- West Coast — surf beaches around Westport and Whanganui Inlet on the West Coast hold fish through summer.
Specific Spots
- Deep channels at estuary mouths on the top of the tide concentrate rig moving in to feed — fish the channel edges where current slows.
- Large tidal harbours with extensive mudflats are productive at night in summer; the mudflats hold the crabs rig are hunting.
- Open surf beaches with sandy or mixed-shingle bottoms hold roaming fish; gutters and troughs behind sandbars are worth targeting rather than casting blind.
- River mouths — particularly along the Canterbury coast — funnel fish along the beach face; the south side of river mouths often fishes better due to longshore drift and bait accumulation.
Rig FAQ
Answers from onWater's species guide.
What are the best lures and bait for Rig?
Fresh crab is the standout bait, whole small crabs or crab pieces fished hard on the bottom. Freshness matters; rig are scent-driven feeders. Squid, fresh pilchard, and cut fish baits (mullet, kahawai) all work, especially when crab isn't available. Whole pilchard on a two-hook trace is a practical all-rounder.
When is the best time to fish for Rig?
December to March is peak season across the South Island, when warm water brings rig into shallow surf beaches and estuaries. Spring (September–November) sees the first fish moving inshore as water temperatures rise; females begin entering harbours to give birth.
How do you catch Rig?
Most rig fishing in New Zealand is done from shore, surfcasting open beaches or fishing estuary channels and harbour mudflats at night on a running or paternoster rig with fresh crab or fish bait hard on the bottom. Summer nights on an incoming tide in a tidal harbour or at a river mouth are the classic approach.
What do Rig eat?
Crabs are the primary food, rig have grinding plate teeth specifically suited to crushing hard-shelled prey. Fresh crab, either whole or as a bait chunk, is the most consistent producer. Also eat other burrowing invertebrates and bottom-dwelling crustaceans.
Where do Rig live?
Native to New Zealand, found nowhere else. Distributed around the entire coastline, from estuaries and surf beaches out to the continental shelf. In spring and summer, adult females move into shallow coastal waters, estuaries, harbours, surf beaches, to give birth and mate before heading back to deeper water.
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