Overhead Combos
Overhead rod and reel combos for boat fishing, from star drag outfits for snapper to lever drag combos for jigging and live baiting. Our range features Daiwa and Accurate, alongside Okuma, Shimano, PENN and Jarvis Walker.
Overhead combos give you cranking power and control for dropping baits to the bottom and winching fish up from deep water. Rig up with flasher rigs and hooks and sinkers, or upgrade later with a separate overhead reel.
Compare outfits at our Grey Lynn concept store, or order online for tracked delivery across New Zealand.
Frequently asked questions about overhead combos
Why choose an overhead combo for boat fishing?
Overhead combos give more cranking power and line control than spin outfits, which makes them ideal for dropping baits and rigs straight down from a boat and winding fish up from deep water. The reel sits on top of the rod, which feels natural when holding the rod for long periods. They are a favourite for snapper, gurnard, bottom fishing and live baiting from boats.
What rating overhead combo do I need for snapper?
For most snapper boat fishing, an overhead combo rated around 6 to 10 kg is ideal, with a reel holding 15 to 30 lb braid or similar mono. It handles ledger rigs, flasher rigs and strayline baits in typical depths. For fishing deep water, strong currents or reefs where bigger snapper and kingfish live, step up to a 10 to 15 kg combo with more drag and capacity.
Are overhead combos easy for beginners?
Overhead combos are easy to use for dropping baits straight down from a boat, as you simply free-spool the line and lock the reel when the sinker reaches the bottom. Levelwind reels make winding easy too. Casting an overhead takes more practice, so if you plan to cast a lot from shore, a spin combo is simpler. For boat fishing, an overhead combo is a great starting point.
Can an overhead combo be used for live baiting kingfish?
A heavier overhead combo, rated around 15 to 24 kg with a strong drag and plenty of line capacity, is well suited to live baiting kingfish around reefs and pins. Overhead reels give the power to lift kingfish away from structure, and lever drag models make drag adjustments easy. Lighter snapper combos are likely to be overpowered by a big kingfish.
How do I fish a ledger rig with an overhead combo?
Tie a ledger or flasher rig to your main line with a sinker at the bottom and baited hooks above it. Free-spool the reel until the sinker hits the bottom, then engage the reel and wind up slightly so the sinker just touches the seabed. Hold the rod or place it in a rod holder, and watch for bites. When a fish bites and pulls the tip down, wind steadily rather than striking hard.
What makes a lever drag overhead combo worth it?
Lever drag combos use reels with smoother, more precise and repeatable drag settings, which helps when jigging, live baiting and fighting powerful fish. They typically have stronger frames, better gears and more drag power than basic star drag combos. If you target kingfish, fish deep water or want an outfit that will last for years of hard use, a lever drag combo is a worthwhile step up.