Spin Combos
Spin rod and reel combos ready to fish from the wharf, beach, rocks or boat, from great-value starter outfits to quality saltwater combos. Our range features Jarvis Walker, Daiwa and Okuma.
A spin combo is the easiest outfit to learn with and the most versatile, casting baits, soft baits and small lures without tangles. Load up with hooks and sinkers, or upgrade later with a separate spin reel.
Get help picking the right size at our Grey Lynn concept store, or order online for tracked delivery across New Zealand.
Frequently asked questions about spin combos
What rating spin combo is best for wharf fishing?
For most wharf fishing, a 6 foot 6 to 7 foot spin combo rated around 3 to 6 kg or 4 to 8 kg is ideal. It is light enough to feel bites from smaller fish like kahawai, mackerel and trevally, while still able to handle a decent snapper. A slightly longer rod helps you keep fish away from wharf pilings, where line can easily be cut on shellfish. Use a net for bigger fish.
What size spin combo do I need for the boat?
For general boat fishing for snapper and gurnard, a 6 foot 6 to 7 foot spin combo rated 6 to 10 kg with a 4000 to 5000 size reel is a strong all-rounder. It handles ledger rigs, strayline baits and soft baits in most depths. Go lighter for shallow harbour soft baiting and heavier if you fish around reefs or deep water where bigger fish are likely.
Is a 6 foot 6 or 7 foot spin combo better?
A 6 foot 6 rod is easier to handle in small boats, on kayaks and for kids, and gives a little more leverage on fish. A 7 foot rod casts further and helps keep line clear of the boat or wharf, which makes it slightly more versatile for shore fishing and soft baits. If you mostly fish from the shore, choose 7 foot; if mostly from a small boat, 6 foot 6 suits.
Can a spin combo handle kingfish?
A light or medium spin combo can land a small kingfish in open water, but kingfish are extremely powerful and head straight for reefs, wharf pilings and moorings, which usually means a lost fish on light gear. If you expect kingfish, use a heavier spin combo rated 10 to 15 kg or more, with a strong drag and heavier braid and leader, or step up to a dedicated jigging or topwater outfit.
How do I cast a spin combo without tangles?
Hold the line against the rod with your index finger, open the bail arm, then swing the rod smoothly over your shoulder and forward, releasing the line as the rod points towards your target. Close the bail by hand rather than by turning the handle, and tighten the line before winding. Avoid overfilling the spool, and practise in an open space before your first trip.
Is a cheap spin combo good enough to start with?
An entry-level spin combo from a reputable brand is perfectly good for learning and for occasional fishing from wharves and beaches. As long as the reel winds smoothly and the drag works, you will catch fish. If you fish often or in salt water regularly, a slightly better combo with a sealed reel and a lighter rod lasts longer and is more enjoyable to use.