LOCAL BAIT, STRAIGHT FROM THE SOURCE
In a world where convenience often trumps quality, a small local fishing company founded and owned by Dave and Wendy Moore of Warkworth is redefining what quality bait really means.
Dave, a second-generation fisherman, has exclusively supplied premium chilled fish to Leigh Fisheries for more than 40 years. His company, Wild Fish (NZ) Ltd, operates small longline vessels along the northeast coast of New Zealand. As professional longliners, Wild Fish understands that premium fishing starts with premium bait.
To ensure their own commercial boats had a constant supply of top-quality, New Zealand-caught bait, the team purchased a small but unique processing vessel from Australia. This vessel allows them to catch and process immediately on board.
Fish are pre-rigor and individually quick- frozen to lock in superior quality while minimising unnecessary distress or suffering – a standard the team is proud to uphold. The vessel is registered with the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) under a Regulated Control Scheme (RCS) as a Limited Processing Vessel, ensuring all fish have edible-grade status.
Specialising in pilchard, sardine, jack mackerel, and anchovy, the family decided their premium bait was too good to keep to themselves. Leading to the formation of Wild Fish Seafoods Ltd, managed by Dave and Wendy’s daughter, Shanna Hodder.
The Wild Fish Seafoods approach is simple: package, distribute, and sell. By cutting out the middlemen, they ensure commercial fishers, recreational anglers, and customers all receive quality, sustainably caught fish at a fair price.
Wild Fish Seafoods is a small, family- run operation with a dedication to quality, sustainability, and care that feels refreshingly old-fashioned. Every bag and box of fish is hand-graded and packed by local staff who share the company’s values. It’s not uncommon to see Shanna’s children lending a hand during school holidays, helping to pack bait or bag ice.
Still new to the market and learning as they grow, the company has already gained loyal customers who report that Wild Fish bait is fresher, stays on the hook longer, and is more effective than imported alternatives – giving both recreational and commercial fishers the best chance of success on the water.
Whether chasing snapper in the shallows, targeting kingfish offshore, or stocking up for the next big trip, premium fishing starts with premium bait. With next-day delivery available North Island-wide for online orders, every haul, every box, and every satisfied customer proves that Wild Fish Seafoods truly delivers the best.