Tips for Choosing the Right Topwater Combo
Topwater rod and reel combos are built for casting big stickbaits and poppers at hard-fighting pelagics, with the rod and reel matched for action, drag, and line capacity. Most setups use spin reels (spinning reels) for their casting distance, smooth drag performance, and ability to handle heavy braid under load. To get the most out of your combo, there are a few things to consider.
Target species
Your target species determines the reel size and drag you need:
- Inshore kingfish: 8000-14014 size reel, 10-15kg of drag
- Bigger kingfish, tuna, and offshore work: 10000-20000+ size reel, 15-22kg of drag
A 20000 reel can put out up to 30kg of drag, which is the kind of stopping power you need when a 25kg yellowtail is swimming for the reef.
PE rating
The rod's PE rating tells you what braided line diameter it's built to handle:
- PE3-5: inshore work with lighter lures
- PE6-8: offshore standard for bigger fish and heavier stickbaits
Match the reel's braid capacity to the rod's PE range, and you've got a balanced combo. Mismatch them, and you'll either overpower the rod or undergun the reel.
Comfort vs power
The weight of your rod and reel becomes noticeable over a long day of casting. Lightweight combos in the 630-700gram reel range suit longer sessions where fatigue becomes a factor. Extremely powerful combos at 800 grams+ trade some comfort for maximum control, which is what you need when you’re targeting fish that pull back hard.
Features Built for Offshore Fishing
Topwater gear gets soaked, dropped, and put through hours of continuous casting in saltwater. Build quality has nowhere to hide.
Look for:
- Full-metal reel bodies and sealed drag systems
- Corrosion-resistant components
- Fuji guides with Alconite or SiC inserts
- EVA or cork grips for control when wet
- Two-piece rod designs for transport without losing strength at the join
- Rubber or graphite gimbal knock to protect the rod butt against gunwales or rocks
Drag systems are where the best rod-and-reel combos for topwater often justify their price tag. A smooth, sealed drag with a wide adjustment range gives you the control to ease off when a fish makes a blistering run, then apply more pressure when it’s time to turn its head and gain line.
Finally, don’t overlook balance. A well-balanced topwater rod and reel combo feels light and more comfortable in hand, reducing fatigue and making a noticeable difference over a full day of casting 80-150gram lures.
Where to Use Topwater Fishing Rods
Topwater fishing comes into its own anywhere predatory fish are feeding near the surface. Kingfish are the main target for most Kiwi anglers, with the Hauraki Gulf, Bay of Plenty, and Northland producing consistent action through spring, summer and autumn. Kahawai provide exciting inshore surface strikes, while yellowfin tuna, albacore and skipjack tuna are prized offshore targets when conditions line up. In recent years, anglers fishing out from Waihau Bay have also landed southern bluefin tuna on topwater gear, showcasing just how effective modern topwater tackle can be when large pelagic fish are feeding high in the water column.
Well-known grounds include the Three Kings, White Island, Ranfurly Banks and offshore reefs, but plenty of kingfish get caught off the rocks at places like Cape Brett, Cape Runaway, and the Coromandel.
The same fishing rod and reel combo works on both boat and land. Boat-based fishing gives you mobility and the ability to position for the cast. Land-based anglers tend to favour slightly longer rods (8'3"+) for the extra casting distance.
Shop Fishing Rod and Reel Combos at Burnsco
Burnsco stocks topwater combos from entry-level fishing rod sets through to premium high-performance gear. Our team can talk you through which combo suits your target species, fishing style, and budget. Order online for 1-hour click & collect, or pop in for a chat.
Browse our lures, jigs & rigs, fishing tools, and tackle boxes & bags to complete your topwater kit. For help, call us on 0800 10 20 41.
Frequently Asked Questions
What fish can you target with a topwater combo?
In NZ, the main targets are kingfish, kahawai, yellowfin tuna and southern bluefin tuna. On rare occasions, species like mahi-mahi or marlin may also take surface lures, even though they may not be specifically targeted with this style of fishing. Kingfish are the standout species for most Kiwi topwater anglers, with the bigger combos (PE5-8) built specifically to handle 20kg+ fish that try to head for the reef.
What line type is best for topwater fishing combos?
Braided line is the standard, paired with a fluorocarbon or monofilament leader. Braid gives you considerably better casting distance, sensitivity, and direct hookset that topwater fishing demands. Match the braid weight to the rod's PE rating:
- PE3-5: lighter inshore work
- PE5-8: bigger fish and heavier lures
Add a 2-5m fluorocarbon leader to handle abrasion against the reef and provide some stretch for the strike.
Can topwater combos be used from boats and kayaks?
Yes, though boat fishing is more common due to the extra casting space, better casting angles and more room to work and sweep lures effectively. From a kayak, a slightly shorter rod (7'9" rather than 8'3") makes casting and fighting fish easier in the confined space. If you’re casting from a kayak, make sure your rod is secured with a leash to help prevent it from being lost overboard.
What size topwater combo should I choose?
- NZ inshore work, kingfish up to 10-15kg: PE3-5 or PE4-6 spinning combo with an 8000-10000 reel
- Offshore for bigger kingfish, tuna, or the Three Kings/White Island: PE6-8 spinning combo with a 10000-20000 reel and 15kg+ of drag
- Land-based rock anglers: slightly longer rods (8'0"+) for extra casting distance and fish-fighting leverage
How do you maintain a saltwater rod and reel combo?
After every trip:
- Lightly mist the reel with fresh water, focusing on the spool, drag, and bail roller
- Use a gentle mist and soft cloth, not high-pressure water (that drives salt deeper into the bearings)
- Rinse the rod, paying extra attention to the guides and reel seat
After your session, ensure you back the drag off fully before storage, this keeps the washers from compressing. Check the guides for any hairline cracks and the reel seat for corrosion at the start of every season. Sealed reels (IPX6, Magsealed) handle saltwater well, but no amount of sealing replaces basic post-trip care.
