The Best Fishing Reels In NZ For 2024 by Land & Sea
The Best Fishing Reels In NZ For 2024
Next to rods, fishing reels are an indispensable companion in an angler's arsenal. If you're pretty new to fishing and want to build up a solid toolkit, a good, reliable reel is an absolute necessity, especially if you want to catch big fish like NZ's monster Kingfish. But, with hundreds of different types out there, it can be quite confusing to pick one that suits you. If this resonates, you've come to the right place.
This is your A-Z guide to all things fishing reels, where we start with the basics and move on to the best reel brands before diving deep into the different types of reels available with quick snapshots of their uses and benefits, and ultimately providing you with a decision matrix to help choose the best reel for you.
Throughout this blog, you'll discover:
Fishing Reel 101: The Basics
- Fishing reel parts
6 Of The Best Fishing Reel Brands In New Zealand
Different Types Of Fishing Reels
- Reels By Type Of Fishing
- Spinning Reels
- Overhead Reels
- Fly Reels
- Reels By Type Of Fish
- Best Stray-lining Reel for Snapper: Daiwa Free Swimmer BR 10000
- Best Softbaiting Reel for Snapper: Shimano 23 Stradic C3000M HG Reel
- Best Slow Jigging Reel for Snapper: Okuma Citrix 364 Baitcaster
- Best Overhead Reel for Kingfish: Accurate Obsidian 500XN
- Best Spin Reel for Kingfish: Daiwa 21 Certate SW (G) 14000-XH
- Best Game Reel for Marlin and Tuna: Shimano Tiagra 50W LRS Lever Drag Game Reel
- Best Electric Reel for Hapuka and Blue Nose: Daiwa Tanacom 1200AJ
- Best Fly Fishing Reel for Trout: Lamson Guru S
- Best Surfcasting Reel For Snapper Off The Beach
What To Look For When Buying A Fishing Reel?
- 3 Simple Steps To Buying A Fishing Reel By Land & Sea
Wrap-Up:
- Key Points To Remember On Fishing Reels
Fishing Reel 101: The Basics
Daiwa 22 Free Swimmer BR 10000 Spin Reel is a great example of a fishing reel with many features.
Fishing reels let you cast your bait or lure, remain in contact with it to feel the fish bite, and reel in your catch. It might sound like a simple device, but they are far from it. These ingenious devices have totally transformed fishing by empowering anglers to cast their lines with precision, control the presentation of their bait, and battle against any aquatic adversaries, from sprat Jack Mackerals to 200kg + Blue Marlin.
Fishing reel parts
- Reel Body: The reel body houses the gears, washers and bearings and is usually made from a rigid composit material.
- Reel Handle: The handle is what you use to retrieve the fishing line.
- Reel Spool: Holds the line and has a big impact on the casting distance and smoothness.
- Drag Adjustment: These can be located in differing locations depending on the reels design but they all set the level resistance the fish will feel when you're hooked up.
- Bail Arm: Acts as a gate for the line on the reel spool. When the bail is engaged, it prevents the spool from unwinding. When it's open, it releases the line during casting and guides line back when retrieving.
- Anti-Reverse Switch: When engaged it prevents the reel from turning backwards, when disengaged it allows reverse reeling.
Fishing reels have come far from the humble wood or bone reels made in ancient China to the absolute units you see today. They are marvels of engineering, constructed from materials like lightweight metals and advanced composites. They feature sophisticated gear ratios, drag systems, and ergonomic designs that cater to the demands of modern angling.
The world's most sought-after reels still come out of Asia. However, Japan is now considered the pioneer of tech advancement within the fishing industry and Land & Sea is proud to be one of the biggest stockists of Daiwa, Shimano & Okuma who all have Japanese Domestic Market (JDM) reels within their arsenals.
With that said, let's now look into the best brands of fishing reels available for NZ anglers.
Of The Best Fishing Reel Brands In New Zealand
Here's our roundup of the best reel brands and why we love them;
- Daiwa Fishing Reels - They have reels catering to every budget without breaking a sweat. With over 70% of their range designed specifically for the NZ market, you'll find reels as affordable as $69 to premium models costing as much as $2500.
- Shimano Fishing Reels - A world leader in innovation and continuous improvement. Their reels are built to be strong, lightweight, and incredibly reliable.
- PENN Fishing Reels - One of the most popular brands out there, PENN offers a diverse range of reels, out of which their spinning and conventional reels are especially popular.
- Okuma Fishing Reels - Generally a little less expensive than its competitors but offers value for money with a warranty for long-lasting performance using premium materials.
- Accurate Fishing Reels - This US brand is well-known for producing some of the most light-weight yet strongest reels in the market.
- Lamson - Known for their fly reels, which are reliable and come at an affordable price compared to other premium brands
Now, let's dive into the different types of reels you'll encounter.
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Different Types Of Fishing Reels
To make it easier for you, we've broken down the different kinds of reels by type of fishing and the type of fish.
Reels By Type Of Fishing
Spinning Reels
One of our best-selling spin reels is the Daiwa 20 Saltiga (G) 10000H Spin Reel.
Sinning Reels
Great for: They excel in casting lures and baits, making them suitable for beginners and experienced anglers alike.
Used for: Softbaiting, surfcasting, and topwater fishing when casting hardbody lures both land-based and off a boat.
Also called spin reels or egg-beater reels, spinning reels are known for their user-friendly design and versatility.
Sizes: Different sizes and weights are available to increase your chances of success.
- The smallest spin reels are generally sizes 1000 and 2500 and are designed for super lightweight fishing techniques from NZ’s freshwater lakes and canals to in-shore aji and squid fishing.
- Larger sizes, like 14000 and 18000, have more internal room for heavy-duty componentry, meaning they have more drag and operate smoother when under pressure. So you can use them to catch more aggressive species like NZ's Yellowtail Kingfish.
Within sizes, these specialised reels are often available in different gear ratios. XH (extra-high) and H (high) ratio spin reels are designed for topwater casting and retrieving of lures as the higher ratio allows more line to be picked up onto the spool per revolution, reducing the amount of slack line on the water when sweeping lures.
The other common option within larger spin reels is a P (power) ratio. These reels are mostly used when 'spin-jigging' as they have a lower ratio, enabling you to win line back on big fish faster as you recover less line per revolution, making it easier to complete smaller cranks of the handle.
Overhead Reels
The Accurate Obsidian 600N overhead reel is designed to handle whatever monster fish comes your way.
Overhead Reels
Great for: More experienced anglers, they are built to tackle the biggest fish, which could be a handful for a beginner.
Used for: Trolling, bottom basing, or live baiting
Overhead reels give you better control over your fishing line, especially when dropping lures. By gently touching the spool as the line flows out, you can sense when a fish is interested as your lure descends through the water.
These reels can also offer the advantage of increased spool capacity, allowing you to store more line on your reel and target fish at greater depths.
4 Categories of Overhead Reels
- Baitcasters: Ideal for precision casting and slow jigging.
- Overhead Jigging Reels: Tailored for jigging techniques, great for bottom-dwelling and mid-water species.
- Game Reels: Engineered to tackle formidable game fish, perfect for thrilling battles.
- Electric Reels: Designed with motorised assistance, simplifying the process of reeling in heavy catches from the depths of the ocean.
Fly Reels
The Lamson Liquid Fly Reel is one of best-selling fly reels
Fly Reels
Great for: Casting fly lines and presenting flies delicately to timid freshwater species.
Used for: Fly fishing for Rainbow Trout, Brown Trout and Salmon
Specialised reels, such as fly reels, are made to increase an angler's options. As the name suggests, they are made for the unique demands of fly fishing, where delicate presentation and intricate line management are important.
They allow you to cast and present a huge variety of flies that have generally been tied with one species in mind - trout.
Reels By Type Of Fish
Best Stray-lining Reel for Snapper: Daiwa Free Swimmer BR 10000
- Perfect for classic stray-lining with bait.
- Ultra -smooth secondary drag lets fish swim with bait.
- Popular choice for its slick black design and greater spool capacity.
- Gear ratio of 4.7:1 and 10kg drag for powerful stops.
The Daiwa Free Swimmer BR 10000 is our most popular bite-and-run style reel, perfect for those out there who love a classic stray-lining session with bait. Recently released during the 22/23 season, this reel has quickly become a fan favourite.
It's available in an 8000 size, the 10000 offers a greater spool capacity, which is always welcome, especially when using 10-15kg mono as your main line. Its gear ratio of 4.7:1 and 10kg of drag complement this nicely, providing the angler with plenty of stopping power for when a big fish decides to bite and run.
Best Softbaiting Reel for Snapper: Shimano 23 Stradic C3000M HG Reel
- Packed with Shimano's Infinity DRIVE system for smooth reeling.
- Durable Dura-Cross drag washeg.
- Ideal for spectacular snapper softbaiting action.
- Affordable reel with cutting-edge Shimano technology - one of the best Spin Reels under $400.
Shimano 23 Stradic C3000M HG Reel is the latest in mid-range soft baiting reels from Shimano. Its Infinity DRIVE system and Infinity XROSS componentry have trickled down from the Shimano Stella range, offering frontier technology at an affordable price point.
The Dura-Cross drag washer is revolutionary within reels sub $400 as it produces perfectly smooth drag pressure whilst also being made from material that is 10 times more durable.
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Best Slow Jigging Reel for Snapper: Okuma Citrix 364 Baitcaster
- Perfect pick for slow jigging sliders targeting snapper.
- Low-profile design, a frame die-cast from aluminium
- 6-pin centrifugal braking system.
- Detect even subtle bites with 11kg drag and a toal weight of 312g.
- Affordable choice for an exciting slow jigging experience.
The Okuma Citrix 364 Baitcaster is our number one pick for slow jigging sliders/kaburas targeting snapper. This overhead bait cast reel fits snuggly into your palm and can be controlled precisely by thumbing the spool, detecting even the most subtle of bites when dropping your slider of choice through the water column.
Best Overhead Reel for Kingfish: Accurate Obsidian 500XN
- Designed for live-baiting and jigging, perfect for kingfish.
- Built to handle New Zealand waters with 25kg drag.
- Quality assurance with 100% USA-made construction.
- Patented TwinDrag system for ultimate power and control.
Built and tested, especially for New Zealand’s waters, the Accurate Obsidian 500XN reel is designed with two purposes in mind, both live-baiting and jigging, meaning it doesn’t compromise when you switch tactics out on the water.
The combination of the patented TwinDrag system, the milled power arm and the stainless steel anti-reverse bearing make the Accurate Obsidian 500XN overhead reel the ultimate kingfish reel, whether you’re targeting harbour kingfish or looking to tackle the resident 30kg + Three Kings kingfish.
Best Spin Reel for Kingfish: Daiwa 21 Certate SW (G) 14000-XH
- Top choice for targeting kingfish with XH gear ratio.
- Less slack line, more chance for topwater bites.
- Competitive spin option, 25kg drag, and affordable price.
- Cast topwater lures like a pro, on land or from a boat.
The Daiwa 21 Certate SW (G) 14000-XH has a XH (extra-high) gear ratio that allows for more lines to be picked up onto the spool per revolution of the handle.
This creates a scenario where there is less slack line between the angler and their lure, meaning the angler can capitalise when the much-anticipated topwater bite occurs.
One step down from Daiwa’s coveted Saltiga 14000-XH, the Daiwa Certate SW (G) 14000-XH still has 25kg of drag, providing anglers with a competitive spin option for targeting kingfish when casting topwater lures from the land or the boat, for a fraction of the price.
Best Game Reel for Marlin and Tuna: Shimano Tiagra 50W LRS Lever Drag Game Reel
- Legendary resilience and performance for big game.
- Trusted by global game fishermen with 20kg drag.
- Gold adonised finish and anti-rust bearings for durability.
- Tackle the biggest ocean challenges with confidence.
The Shimano Tiagra 50W LRS Lever Drag Game Reel is hands down the best game reel in the market. It has a cult-like following due to the reel's resilience and prowess. It has 20kg of drag with an incredible 750m spool capacity so when spooled with a 24kg line, it gives anglers plenty of time to get back on top of swordfish, marlin and tuna when they decide to run deep.
Best Electric Reel for Hapuka And Blue Nose: Daiwa Tanacom 1200AJ
- Advanced electric reel conquering deep waters.
- Robust 12V Megatwin motor for relentless pulling power.
- Cutting-edge technology with state-of-the-art line counter.
- Empowering LCD display with data on depth, line length, and battery status.
Designed to conquer the depths, Daiwa’s Tanacom 1200AJ is one of the most advanced and best electric reels when targeting hapuka and blue nose in NZ’s deeper waters.
Equipped with cutting-edge digital technology, the Tanacom 1200AJ offers a state-of-the-art line counter, ensuring you always know the exact depth of your bait. The Power Lever allows for intuitive control, while the included remote control ensures you’ll dominate the deep all season long.
Best Fly Fishing Reel for Trout: Waterworks Lamson Guru S
- Sleek design meets technical prowess for trout enthusiasts.
- Crafted for freshwater and saltwater versatility.
- Type II anodisation for corrosion resistance.
- Fully sealed conical drag for smooth control and battles.
Crafted from machine 6061 aluminium, the Lamson Guru S reel boasts an exceptional strength-to-weight ratio, ensuring durability without compromising on sensitivity.
The innovative Type II makes it the ultimate companion for both freshwater and saltwater environments. The large arbour design maximises retrieval rates and minimises line memory, while the fully sealed conical drag system guarantees silky-smooth control throughout the battle.
From delicate presentations to weary brown trout to hard-fighting fresh rainbow trout, the Guru S adapts seamlessly to all conditions.
Best Surfcasting Reel For Snapper Off The Beach: Penn Spinfisher VI 7500 Long Cast Spin Reel
The Penn Spinfisher VI 7500 Long Cast Spin Reel is the best surfcasting reel when fishing for snapper off the beach in New Zealand. This reels long cast ability is generated by its Superline Spool which is angled as well as being designed taller and skinnier allowing for the line to seamlessly flow off the spool when casting long distances.
This means any angler can conquer challenging waves, targeting the elusive snapper which sit out beyond the breakers. Its IPX5 rated sealed body and spool also provides you with the confidence to carry this reel out further into the surf and maximise your casting distance. It has an impressive 11.3kg of drag which is more than enough stopping power if a biig moocher snapper decides to attempt to go for a solid run.
What To Look For When Buying A Fishing Reel? 3 Simple Steps To Buying A Fishing Reel By Land & Sea
Choosing the right fishing reel can be a bit like picking the perfect recipe – it's all about what you're aiming for! Here's a simple decision matrix to help you decide:
1. Who's on the Menu?
Start by thinking about the fish you want to catch. Fishing reels can be very specialised pieces of equipment designed to give you the best chance at landing your preferred species. So, the first step is to identify what you want to be eating for dinner or catching and releasing for sport.
2. Fishing Style Flavour:
Now, consider how you'll be catching your fish. Are you fishing from the shore or a boat? Once you have this figured out, you then need to decide on the technique. If you are fishing from the shore, you will likely be using bait or lures and needing to cast them far. If you are fishing from the boat, your options increase, too.
3. Budget: The Seasoning:
And finally, your budget will direct the final decision. Fancy, high-tech reels often debut at higher prices before becoming more affordable over time.
This means that the more expensive reels will have smoother operating systems, especially when under intense load. Generally, they will be lighter than their cheaper counterparts and will often have a greater ability to prevent water ingress.
The result is that more expensive reels will perform at their peak for longer. Entry and middle price-pointed reels will always have their place as they will do the job expected of them for a reasonable time frame.
Wrap-Up: Key Points To Remember On Fishing Reels
- Fishing reels are tools used for casting bait, feeling fish bites, and reeling in catches.
- Daiwa, Shimano, PENN, Okuma, Accurate and Lamson are the best fishing reel brands in New Zealand.
- Different types of reels are available for different types of fishing, like spinning reels, overhead reels, fly reels, and electric reels.
- When buying a fishing reel, consider the species you're after, your fishing style and location, and the budget needed to purchase it.
Start your fishing adventure with the best reel for the job and become a master of your chosen fishing methods. Visit our Auckland store to check out our rods in person, or shop fishing reels online to get fast and direct shipping New Zealand-wide.
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