Soft Bait Reels
Soft bait reels built light, smooth and balanced for casting soft plastics all day in the harbour and around the reefs. Our range is led by Shimano and Daiwa, alongside PENN and Okuma, in the 2500 to 4000 sizes most soft bait anglers use.
A good soft bait reel pairs a light, stiff body with a smooth drag and a fast retrieve for picking up slack line. Match it with a sensitive soft bait rod, spool it with thin braid and a fluorocarbon leader, and stock up on soft baits.
Feel the balance on a soft bait rod at our Grey Lynn concept store, or order online for fast, tracked delivery across New Zealand.
Frequently asked questions about soft bait reels
What size reel is best for soft baiting?
Most soft bait anglers use a 2500 to 3000 size spin reel for harbour and shallow reef fishing, and a 4000 size for deeper water, bigger snapper or windy days. These sizes hold plenty of light braid, cast light jig heads well and balance nicely on a 7 to 8 foot soft bait rod. A lightweight reel reduces fatigue over a full day of casting and retrieving.
What braid weight should I use on a soft bait reel?
Most soft baiting in New Zealand is done with braid around PE 0.8 to 1.5, often 10 to 20 lb, which casts light jig heads a long way and gives excellent sensitivity to feel bites. Go lighter in clear, shallow water and heavier around reefs, structure or kingfish country. Always add a fluorocarbon leader of around 15 to 30 lb, which is less visible to fish and resists abrasion.
Why does gear ratio matter for soft baiting?
Soft baiting involves a lot of slack line as the bait sinks and drifts, so a higher gear ratio, often marked HG or XG, picks up slack quickly and helps you stay in contact with the lure to feel bites and set the hook. It also lets you retrieve and recast faster. For deep or heavy jig heads, a slightly lower ratio gives more winding power, but most anglers prefer a fast reel.
How light should a soft bait reel be?
Lighter is better within reason, as you will be casting and twitching all day, and a light reel balances better on a sensitive rod, helping you feel bites. Modern carbon and magnesium-bodied reels are very light yet stiff. Do not sacrifice strength and saltwater protection for weight alone, though, as snapper and kingfish can test a reel hard around structure.
Do I need a separate reel for soft baits?
Not necessarily. A quality 3000 to 4000 size spin reel spooled with light braid works well for both soft baiting and general light fishing. Dedicated soft bait reels are simply optimised for light line, smooth drag at low settings and a fast retrieve. If you already own a good spin reel, add a spare spool of light braid and you have a capable soft bait setup.
How do I stop wind knots with braid on a soft bait reel?
Wind knots usually happen when loose loops of braid form on the spool. Close the bail by hand after casting, then tighten the line before you start winding, and keep slight tension on the line as you retrieve, especially in the wind. Avoid overfilling the spool, and do not wind on slack line. Spooling braid tightly over a mono backing also helps prevent loops from forming.