Fly Combos
Fly fishing combos with a matched rod, reel and line, ready to fish New Zealand rivers and lakes or chase fish in the salt. Our range features Primal, in freshwater, saltwater and Euro nymph outfits.
A fly combo takes the guesswork out of matching rod, reel, line and backing. Add leaders and tippet, a few flies and the right tools, and you are ready for the river.
Order online for fast, tracked delivery across New Zealand, or talk through setups with the team at our Grey Lynn concept store.
Frequently asked questions about fly combos
What is included in a fly combo?
A fly combo usually includes a fly rod, a matched fly reel, fly line and backing, often already set up and spooled, and sometimes a rod tube. Some combos include a leader too. Because the components are matched by weight, the outfit casts properly straight away. Check the product description for exactly what is included, as some combos differ.
Freshwater or saltwater fly combo - which do I need?
Freshwater combos, typically 4 to 7 weight, suit trout in rivers and lakes. Saltwater combos, typically 8 to 12 weight, have heavier rods, sealed reels with stronger drags and lines designed for warm water and bigger flies, suiting kingfish, kahawai and trevally. If you mainly fish for trout, start with a 5 or 6 weight freshwater combo. Many anglers own one of each.
What is a Euro nymph fly combo?
A Euro nymph combo pairs a long, light rod, often 10 feet in a 2 to 4 weight, with a light reel and a specialised thin line for tight-line nymphing. The setup lets you fish weighted nymphs close to the bottom with excellent bite detection, which is very effective in fast New Zealand rivers. It is a specialist outfit, often added once you have an all-round trout setup.
What fly combo is best for a beginner?
A 9 foot 5 or 6 weight freshwater combo with a weight-forward floating line is the best place to start in New Zealand. It casts well, handles wind and covers dry flies, nymphs and small streamers on most rivers and lakes. Pair it with a casting lesson and a few basic flies. Choose a combo with a rod tube for protection when travelling. Practise casting before your trip.
Can I upgrade parts of a fly combo later?
Yes. As your skills grow, many anglers upgrade the fly line first, which can make a big difference to casting, then the reel or rod. Keep the rod and line weights matched when you upgrade. A quality combo can serve as a reliable spare outfit or a second rod for a different weight once you buy a more specialised setup. Lines wear out with use, so replacing an old line on a combo often makes it cast like new.
Are fly combos good for travelling anglers?
Fly combos with 4-piece rods and a rod tube are ideal for travelling, as everything packs together and is ready to fish on arrival. Having a matched outfit means you are not relying on borrowed gear in remote places. Keep your reel in a padded case, carry spare leaders and tippet, and remember Check, Clean, Dry when moving between waterways. Pack a spare leader or two.