Fishing Reels
Fishing reels for every style of New Zealand fishing, from light spin reels for soft baits and surf reels for the beach to overhead, electric, jigging and lever-drag game reels for offshore. Our range is led by Shimano, Daiwa, Okuma and PENN, with smooth drags and saltwater-tough construction across every price point.
Choose spin reels for versatile casting and soft bait reels for light braid, overhead reels for boat fishing and baitcasters for precise control. Go deep with jigging reels and electric reels, chase marlin and tuna with game reels, and cast long off the beach with surf casting reels.
Feel the difference in drag and build quality at the Land & Sea concept store at 36 Pollen Street, Grey Lynn, where the team can help match a reel to your rod and line. Or order online for fast, tracked delivery across New Zealand, or click and collect from our Westgate collection point at 4B Topere Way.
Frequently asked questions about fishing reels
Spin reel or overhead reel - which should I choose?
Spin reels sit under the rod and are easy to cast with light lures and baits, which makes them the most versatile choice for beginners, soft baiting, surf and topwater. Overhead reels sit on top of the rod and give more cranking power and line control, which suits boat fishing, jigging and fighting big fish in deep water. Many anglers own both: a spin setup for casting and an overhead for dropping baits or jigs offshore.
What do reel size numbers mean?
Reel sizes give a rough idea of line capacity and the fish a reel suits, but every brand numbers them a little differently. On spin reels, 1000 to 2500 sizes suit light freshwater and harbour fishing, 3000 to 4000 suit soft baits and general snapper fishing, 5000 to 8000 suit heavier boat and surf work, and 10000 and up suit kingfish, topwater and heavy jigging. Check the line capacity on each reel to compare properly.
What does gear ratio mean on a fishing reel?
The gear ratio tells you how many times the spool turns for each turn of the handle. A high ratio, often marked HG or XG, retrieves line faster, which helps with fast lures, soft baits and picking up slack quickly. A lower ratio retrieves less line per turn but gives more cranking power, which helps when winching heavy fish or jigs up from deep water. Choose by your fishing style rather than always going for the fastest.
How should I set the drag on my reel?
A common rule of thumb is to set the drag to around a quarter to a third of your line's breaking strain, so the line slips before it breaks when a fish runs. You can check it by pulling line off with a scale or a firm hand pull. Set it lighter for light leaders and soft baiting, firmer for heavy jigging and game fishing, and always back the drag off when you store the reel so the washers do not compress.
How do I look after a reel after fishing in salt water?
After every saltwater trip, gently rinse the reel with fresh water, using a light spray rather than a strong jet that can push salt into the bearings. Tighten the drag before rinsing to keep water out of the drag washers, then back it off before storage. Dry the reel with a cloth, add a drop of reel oil to the handle knob and line roller occasionally, and have it serviced regularly if you fish often.
What line should I put on my reel?
Braid is thin, strong and has almost no stretch, so it casts further, holds more line on the spool and gives great sensitivity, which makes it the popular choice for soft baits, jigging and lures. Monofilament stretches, which is forgiving for bait fishing and kids, and it is cheaper and easier to knot. Most braid setups use a fluorocarbon or mono leader for abrasion resistance and stealth near the fish.
Are expensive reels really better?
Higher-priced reels typically have smoother, stronger gears, better seals against salt water, more bearings, lighter but stiffer bodies and drags that stay smooth under load. They last longer and feel better to fish with all day. That said, today's mid-range reels from leading brands are excellent and handle most New Zealand fishing well. Spend more if you fish often, target big fish or fish hard in salt water.
Left-hand or right-hand retrieve - which do I need?
Most spin reels have handles that swap to either side, so you can choose. With overhead and baitcaster reels the handle side is fixed, so pick the model you want. Many right-handed anglers wind spin reels with their left hand so their stronger hand holds the rod, while overhead reels are often wound with the right hand. Go with what feels natural, as a smooth, comfortable wind matters most when fighting a fish.