Surf & Landbased Combos
Surf and landbased rod and reel combos ready to cast from New Zealand's beaches, rocks and wharves. Our range features Daiwa, Jarvis Walker and Okuma, in long surf outfits and shorter rock combos.
A matched surf combo pairs a long rod with a big, long-cast reel for reaching fish beyond the breakers. Stock up on grapnel and ball sinkers and hooks and rigs, and keep your gear clear of the sand with a rod spike from our terminal tackle extras.
Talk through beach setups at our Grey Lynn concept store, or order online for tracked delivery across New Zealand.
Frequently asked questions about surf and landbased combos
What bait works best for surf casting?
Pilchards, squid, bonito, mullet and fresh-caught kahawai are popular surf baits in New Zealand, with fresh bait usually outfishing frozen. Thread baits firmly onto the hook and secure them with bait elastic so they survive a long cast. Squid is tough and stays on well, while oily baits like pilchard and bonito leave a scent trail. Carry a couple of options to see what the fish want on the day.
What rig should I use for surf fishing?
A simple running sinker rig or a ledger rig with one or two hooks above a grapnel sinker works well on most beaches. Grapnel sinkers have wires that grip the sand, holding your bait in place in the surf and current. Use a strong shock leader to take the strain of casting heavy sinkers. Circle hooks are a good choice, as they hook fish in the corner of the mouth while your rod sits in a spike.
How do I read a beach to find fish?
Look for gutters and holes, the darker, deeper water between sandbanks where waves are not breaking as much. Fish patrol these areas looking for food stirred up by the surf. Rips, where water flows back out to sea, and the edges of sandbanks are also productive. Arriving at low tide lets you spot the features you will fish over as the tide comes in.
Is rock fishing safe?
Rock fishing can be dangerous, so take it seriously. Always wear a lifejacket and shoes with good grip, never fish alone, and check the swell, wind and tide forecast before you go. Watch the sea for several minutes before setting up, and never turn your back on the waves. Avoid ledges that are wet, which shows waves reach them, and have an escape route planned.
When is the best time to fish from the beach?
The hours around dawn and dusk, and a rising tide, are often the most productive times to fish from the beach, as fish move in closer to feed. Overcast days and slightly rough water can also bring fish in. The best tides vary between beaches, so keep notes on when you catch fish. Night fishing is also popular for snapper and school sharks from the surf.
Do surf combos come ready to fish?
Many surf combos come with the reel already spooled with line, so you only need to add a shock leader, rig and bait. Others come unspooled so you can choose your own line. Check the product description before buying. Either way, a surf combo saves you matching a long rod to a suitable reel, which can be tricky because of the large spool sizes involved.