Fishing Reels

Which Fishing Reel Suits Your Setup?

The right reel depends on your rod, fishing location and the weight of the lures or rigs you use. This range covers lightweight trout spinning, coastal fishing, surfcasting and baitcasting.

A1000 and A2000: Lightweight Trout Fishing

Choose the A1000 for a compact setup suited to small streams and short, light spinning rods. The A2000 provides extra line capacity for anglers fishing a mixture of rivers and lake edges. Both suit small spinners and spoons used for NZ trout fishing.

AS5000: Estuary and Light Coastal Fishing

The AS5000 provides more line capacity than the compact trout models while keeping reel weight to 382g. It suits general estuary and light coastal fishing, with an interchangeable handle for left-hand or right-hand winding.

AS7000 and EF9000: Larger Coastal Setups

The AS7000 suits anglers who need greater line capacity for beach, harbour, rock and inshore fishing. For heavier shore-based bait fishing, the EF9000 offers a larger spool with room for thicker monofilament. Check its 660g weight against your rod, particularly if you plan to hold the outfit for long periods.

Baitcasting Reels: Choose Your Winding Hand

The black-and-gold baitcasting reels come in left-handed and right-handed versions. Choose left-handed if you wind with your left hand, or right-handed if you wind with your right. Select your preferred side before purchasing rather than assuming the handle can be swapped.

Both versions have a 7.1:1 gear ratio, 12+1 bearings, a stated 20lb maximum drag and a weight of 230g. Pair one with a baitcasting rod. Baitcasters suit anglers who want controlled lure placement, although beginners should allow time to practise spool control to reduce backlashes.

Check Capacity, Balance and Line Compatibility

Compare line capacity using the diameter of the line you intend to load. Thicker line takes up more spool space. Also consider reel weight and rod balance: a large surfcasting reel serves a different purpose from a compact reel used for repeated trout lure casting.

Set the drag to suit your rod, line and leader rather than using the reel's maximum rating as your fishing setting.