A workup occurs when schools of baitfish such as pilchards or anchovies are driven to the surface by predators below. The commotion attracts gannets diving from above, dolphins and whales herding from below, and snapper, kahawai and kingfish all joining the chaos. The surface comes alive with splashes and foam, and beneath it all, hungry snapper feed aggressively.

These events typically occur in inshore waters, around channels and coastal banks, where currents concentrate bait. The Hauraki Gulf is the national hotspot for consistent work-up action and for anglers, they’re an irresistible sign that it’s time to drop a line.

Workups usually begin in late winter and build through spring, reaching their peak during the warmer months before tapering off in summer. In some regions, particularly around the Hauraki Gulf, they may reappear in late summer or autumn when anchovies move inshore.

Productive areas include spots like Fantail Bay north of Coromandel, Whangaparaoa Bay, behind The Noises, east of Flat Rock, The Squiggles, The Broken Islands, and north of Anchorite. Depths between 40 and 60 metres often hold consistent action.

Launching from nearby ramps gives you flexibility, but don’t be afraid to venture further if the conditions are calm, workups can form wherever the bait gathers.

Successful workup fishing begins with sharp observation. The first clue is usually bird activity. Gannets flying fast and low across the horizon often signal they’ve found baitfish. If they begin circling, diving, or sitting in rafts on the surface with their heads dipping into the water, the action is likely starting below.

Dolphins and whales are another strong indicator; when pods split, circle, or herd bait into tight balls, it means the feeding chain is forming. On your sounder, look for dense mid-water returns or layers of bait near the surface, and watch for disturbances such as flicking bait or foamy patches.

Workups tend to travel slowly along consistent paths, so if you’ve found them before, those same trails are good places to start looking again.

Approaching a workup requires patience and respect. It’s important not to drive through the middle of the frenzy, as doing so can scatter the bait and shut the action down for everyone. Instead, hold back and let the event build naturally before positioning your boat. Use the tide and wind to your advantage, setting a drift that allows you to work the edges rather than plough through the centre.

The real gold often lies in the aftermath, the debris field of scales, bait fragments, and stunned fish drifting down-current once the main chaos subsides. Snapper frequently hang back in these zones waiting for easy meals, so focus your efforts there.

Plan your drift carefully and always be mindful of other boats nearby.

For this fast-paced style of fishing, you’ll want a compact overhead or baitcaster setup that gives you quick hook-sets and solid control when things heat up. A rod around 6’6” to 7’0'' with a light to medium action spot on, sensitive enough to feel the taps, but with enough grunt to turn a big snapper. Pair it with something smooth and reliable like a Daiwa Lexa HD 300, Daiwa Saltist 15H or even a Daiwa PR100 and you’ll be ready to get stuck in when the chaos starts.

Run 20–30lb braid for strength and feel, and match it with a 25–40lb fluorocarbon leader to handle any abrasion while keeping things stealthy. When it comes to lures, it’s all about matching the mood of the fish and the depth of the workup. Daiwa Kohga and Blade Breaker slider lures are proven performers, doing a great job of mimicking those panicked baitfish the snapper are chasing. Start with a medium size and tweak the weight to suit your drift. Heavier for deeper or faster drifts, lighter when they’re feeding mid-water.

The retrieve should be steady and varied, drop your lure or softbait through the bait school, wind five to ten turns, pause, and repeat. Keep mixing it up until you find what gets the hits. When the fish are holding deep and you want to dodge the smaller pickers, tie on a Daiwa Saltiga SL or FK jig. They’re built for dropping into the thick of it and hooking the bigger fish hanging below the surface mayhem.

Don’t count out your softbaiting outfit either. While it’s not the classic workup setup, it can be deadly when fished right. A 7’0''–7’6” spin rod with a 3000–5000 size reel and 10–20lb braid gives you great control for casting larger softbaits or jigs around the edges or, into the aftermath once the main frenzy settles down. The lighter gear helps you fish more naturally, and softbaits like Bait Junkie Wave Minnows or Jerk Shads look just like wounded bait drifting through the chaos, snapper can’t resist an easy feed. 

Burnsco’s wide range of gear means you can adapt to any situation on the water. Sliding or Kohga-style lures are great for mimicking erratic, wounded prey, while small, fast-falling Saltiga SL jigs suit days when the fish are feeding on small anchovies.

If you’re after larger snapper, switch to a bulkier Saltiga FK jig or a softbait on a 1oz or 2oz jighead with a strong tail action like a 5.5” Bait Junkie Wave Minnow. High-quality terminal tackle such as assist hooks, and fluorocarbon leaders will make a noticeable difference, and keeping a few spare skirts or blades on hand ensures you can quickly change to match what the fish are chasing.

Versatility is the key to staying connected to the action as conditions shift.