Baitcasting Combo – 2.58m Rod, Right-Side 7.1:1 Reel, 20lb Braid & Leader

Complete Baitcasting Combo for Longer-Range NZ Lure Fishing

This Baitcasting Combo combines a 2.58m six-piece baitcasting rod with a fast 7.1:1 right-side handle reel, 300m of 20lb yellow braided fishing line and 120m of 21.34lb fluorocarbon-coated leader.

It is designed as the longer and stronger alternative to our lighter 2.1m baitcasting setup. The additional rod length provides more reach from open shorelines, while the 10–42g lure rating allows you to cast heavier metal lures, weighted softbaits and other artificial lures.

The supplied 20lb braid matches the upper end of the rod's 8–20lb line rating, while the slightly stronger 21.34lb leader adds useful abrasion protection around rocks, wharf piles, shell-covered structure and other rough underwater areas.

What's Included in This Baitcasting Combo?

• 1 × 2.58m Six-Piece Baitcasting Rod
• 1 × 7.1:1 Right-Side Handle Baitcasting Reel
• 1 × 300m Spool of 20lb Yellow Braided Fishing Line
• 1 × 120m Spool of 21.34lb Fluorocarbon-Coated Leader Line

2.58m Six-Piece Baitcasting Rod

The 2.58m rod gives you additional casting reach compared with a shorter 2.1m baitcasting rod, making it particularly useful when fishing open harbour edges, estuary banks and other shore-based locations where you have enough room for a longer casting stroke.

Despite its assembled length, the rod separates into six sections and packs down to approximately 48cm. This makes it much easier to transport in a vehicle, fishing bag or larger backpack than a conventional long one or two-piece rod.

Rod specifications:

• Assembled length: 2.58m
• Six-piece construction
• Packed length: approximately 48cm
• Rod weight: approximately 160g
• Lure rating: 10–42g
• Line rating: 8–20lb
• 8 line guides plus tip guide
• Tip diameter: approximately 1.7mm
• Butt diameter: approximately 14.4mm
• Trigger-style baitcasting reel seat
• Black split grip with red accents
• Red reel locking collar

Why Choose the Longer 2.58m Rod?

A longer rod is useful when casting from open shorelines where additional reach can help you cover more water.

Compared with the lighter 2.1m setup, the 2.58m version also has a higher maximum lure and line rating.

Choose this version when:

• You want additional casting reach from an open shoreline.
• You regularly fish 20–35g metal lures for kahawai.
• You want to use lures above the 30g maximum of the shorter setup.
• You prefer 20lb braid rather than a lighter 12lb main line.
• You want additional rod length to help guide a lure past shoreline weed or rocks.

The shorter 2.1m version remains easier to manoeuvre around vegetation, wharves or confined fishing positions.

7.1:1 Right-Side Handle Baitcasting Reel

This Baitcasting Combo includes the right-side handle version of our black and gold baitcasting reel.

The winding handle is positioned on the right side of the reel. You therefore retrieve the line using your right hand while normally holding the rod in your left hand during the retrieve.

A right-handed caster will commonly cast with the rod in the right hand and then transfer the rod to the left hand before beginning the retrieve.

Reel specifications:

• Right-side winding handle
• Right-hand retrieve
• 7.1:1 gear ratio
• 12+1 bearing configuration
• Stated maximum drag: 20lb
• Weight: approximately 230g
• Alloy construction
• Aluminium spool
• Brass gear
• Stainless steel main shaft
• Carbon fibre drag washers
• Black and gold finish
• 0.26mm line capacity: approximately 210m
• 0.28mm line capacity: approximately 180m
• 0.30mm line capacity: approximately 140m

Please note: The stated 20lb maximum drag is a reel specification, not a recommended operating drag setting. Adjust the drag to suit the rod, line, leader, knots and fishing conditions.

300m of 20lb Yellow Braided Main Line

The supplied main line is 20lb four-strand PE braid with a fine 0.16mm diameter.

This strength has been selected specifically for the longer rod because 20lb sits at the upper end of its stated 8–20lb line range.

The relatively fine diameter helps reduce unnecessary line bulk, while braid's low stretch provides direct contact with the lure and good bite transmission.

The bright yellow colour also makes it easier to follow the direction of your main line when casting, drifting a softbait or retrieving through current.

Braid specifications:

• Breaking strength: 20lb / approximately 9.1kg
• Diameter: 0.16mm
• Length: 300m
• Construction: 4-strand PE braid
• Colour: Yellow

21.34lb Fluorocarbon-Coated Leader

The bundle also includes 120m of 21.34lb fluorocarbon-coated leader.

At approximately 0.35mm diameter, it creates a tougher final section between the fine braided main line and your lure.

The leader uses a nylon core with a fluorocarbon coating, giving you additional abrasion resistance around rough structure while providing a clearer terminal section than the bright yellow braid.

Leader specifications:

• Strength: 21.34lb / approximately 9.6kg
• Diameter: 0.35mm
• Length: 120m
• Colour: Clear / white
• Nylon core with fluorocarbon coating

This makes it useful around:

• Rocks and reef edges
• Wharf and bridge pylons
• Shell-covered structure
• Submerged timber
• Harbour structure
• Rough estuary margins

Why 20lb Braid with a 21.34lb Leader?

The main line and leader have been selected to suit the rod rather than simply using the heaviest line the reel can accommodate.

The rod is rated for 8–20lb line, so the supplied 20lb braid remains within its stated range.

The 21.34lb leader is only slightly stronger than the main line. This provides additional abrasion resistance near your lure without unnecessarily stepping up to a much heavier leader that would be out of character with this medium lure-fishing setup.

What Lures Can You Use?

The rod has a stated lure rating of 10–42g, giving this combo a useful range for NZ lure fishing.

Suitable lure types include:

• 20–35g metal casting lures
• Weighted softbaits
• Compact jigs
• Hard-body lures
• Spoons
• Sinking minnows
• Other artificial lures within the 10–42g total casting weight

For softbaits, remember that the lure rating applies to the complete casting weight. Include the jighead, soft plastic and any additional weight when calculating the total.

NZ Fishing Uses

This longer Baitcasting Combo is particularly useful for open shore-based fishing where you have room to take advantage of the additional rod length.

For example:

• Waitematā Harbour – cast 20–35g metal lures when kahawai are chasing bait within shore-casting range.
• Manukau Harbour – work artificial lures from accessible harbour edges and channels.
• Tauranga Harbour – cast metal lures, softbaits and hard-body lures around open harbour margins.
• Wellington Harbour – shore casting for kahawai and other light inshore species.
• Estuaries – use the additional rod length to work lures across channels and current lines.
• Open lake shorelines – cast spoons or hardbaits where local fishing regulations permit.

The 20lb braid also makes the outfit suitable for common NZ coastal species such as kahawai, trevally and snapper when the complete setup and fishing conditions are appropriate.

Right-Side Handle – What Does It Mean?

This version is designed for anglers who prefer to wind the reel with their right hand.

With the right-side handle:

• The reel handle sits on the right side.
• You retrieve using your right hand.
• You normally hold the rod in your left hand during the retrieve.
• A right-handed caster may cast with the rod in the right hand and then transfer it to the left before winding.

If you prefer to keep the rod in your right hand and retrieve using your left hand, choose the left-side handle version of this combo instead.

Getting Started with Your Baitcasting Combo

Baitcasting reels provide excellent lure control once you become familiar with spool braking and thumb control.

When setting up:

• Spool the braid evenly and under consistent tension.
• Avoid overfilling the reel.
• Connect the braid to approximately 1–2m of the supplied leader using a suitable braid-to-leader knot.
• Start with a moderate-weight lure rather than the lightest lure the rod can cast.
• Use conservative brake and spool settings while learning.
• Practise shorter casts before gradually increasing distance.
• Use your thumb to stop the spool as the lure reaches the water.

For a new baitcaster user, a lure around 20–25g provides a practical starting point with this heavier rod.

A Longer-Range Baitcasting Combo for NZ Anglers

If you want a Baitcasting Combo with additional shore-casting reach and the ability to handle heavier lures than a lighter 2.1m outfit, this package provides a matched starting point.

The 2.58m six-piece rod offers extra reach while still packing down to approximately 48cm. The right-side 7.1:1 reel provides fast line pickup, the 20lb braid matches the upper end of the rod's line rating, and the 21.34lb leader adds abrasion resistance around structure.

Add suitable 10–42g lures and your preferred terminal tackle and you have the core components for a portable NZ harbour, estuary and light coastal baitcasting setup.