Start here
Which reel for which job?
Pick the fishing you do most. Each tile shows what is in stock right now and the price it starts at.
Softbaiting snapper
Vanford
C3000 to 4000 · HG or XG
Feather-light MGL rotor and a fast retrieve to pick up slack and feel the tiniest tick. The number one choice for Hauraki Gulf softbaiting. Stradic FM is the harder-wearing alternative.
Mechanical jigging kingfish
Twin Power SW
8000 to 10000 · PG to winch, HG for speed
Rigid all-metal body with zero flex under load and Infinity Drive to keep the handle turning while a heavy fish pulls back. Step up to Stella SW for the fish of a lifetime.
Topwater kingfish
Stella SW
14000XG · Heatsink drag
Maximum stopping power and heat management for blistering runs on stickbaits and poppers. Twin Power SW 14000XG is the hard-fishing alternative.
Slow pitch jigging
Ocea Jigger
1500 to 2000 · narrow spool
A star-drag overhead purpose-built for slow pitch. The narrow spool stacks line evenly without your thumb guiding it.
Game and tuna
Talica
Lever drag · two speed
A high-speed lever drag small enough to palm and strong enough to pull a kingie off a reef, and the premier light-tackle marlin reel. For the heavy chair work, step up to a Tiagra.
Jet ski and kayak
Stradic SW
X-Shield sealing · power knob
Borrows X-Shield from the offshore reels, with extra gaskets and seals at the body and lid joint to block saltwater ingress. Saragosa SW is the premium step up when it is in stock.
Light game and micro jigs
Ultegra
2500 to 4000 · HG
Light, sensitive and quick, with real Shimano guts at a sharp price. Vanford is the finesse step up for ajing, micro jigs and light softbaits.
Technical decoder
Reading the Shimano box
Shimano's naming is a code. Learn it and you will never buy a high-speed reel for a low-speed job.
Saltwater
Specialised X-Protect sealing and heavy-duty, corrosion-resistant gearing. On the ocean, look for the SW badge.
Compact body
e.g. C3000: a smaller body with a larger spool. Extra line capacity without the weight. The perfect balance for snapper.
High / extra high gear
Fast retrieve. Essential for lures and softbaits to pick up slack quickly or keep pace with a fish swimming at the boat.
Power gear
Low gear, high torque. Like 4WD low range: winching power rather than speed, essential for mechanical jigging.
Magnumlite rotor
A lightweight rotor that cuts rotational inertia so the handle flicks into motion. Found on high-end lure reels.
At a glance
The Shimano saltwater hierarchy
From the insurance-policy Stella SW to the slow-pitch Ocea Jigger: every Shimano series we stock, side by side. Prices and stock update as the shelves move.
| Series | Tier | Best for | Key tech | Line | From | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stella SW | The apex | Trophy kingfish, bluefin tuna, land-based game | Heatsink drag (10000 up), X-Protect | Braid | $1,588
6 in stock |
Shop |
| Twin Power SW | Pro's choice | Mechanical jigging, deep drop for hapuka and bluenose | Infinity Drive, rigid all-metal body | Braid | $935
3 in stock |
Shop |
| Saragosa SW | Saltwater tank | Jet ski, kayak, rugged surf and heavy boat work | IPX8 roller clutch, X-Shield, X-Protect | Braid | Sold out |
Shop |
| Stradic FM | NZ standard | One-reel inshore all-rounder: softbaits, micro jigs, bait | X-Protect, Hagane gear | Braid | $368Elsewhere: 1 in stock |
Shop |
| Stradic SW | Sealed value | Shore spinning, ski and kayak, light offshore | X-Shield sealing, power knob | Braid | $519
1 in stock |
Shop |
| Vanquish | Flagship finesse | Shallow-water sensitivity, long softbait days | MGL rotor, lightest in class | Braid | $864Elsewhere: 3 in stock |
Shop |
| Vanford | Modern classic | Hauraki Gulf softbaiting, micro jigs | MGL rotor, CoreProtect | Braid | $370
8 in stock |
Shop |
| Nasci | Entry point | First Shimano, softbaits and bait, our combos | Hagane gear, CoreProtect | Braid | $188
2 in stock |
Shop |
| Talica | Overhead speed | Light-tackle game, kingfish off the reef | Two-speed lever drag, palm-sized | Mono or braid | $878
4 in stock |
Shop |
| Ocea Jigger | Slow pitch master | Slow pitch and mechanical jigging | Star drag, narrow self-levelling spool | Braid | $788
3 in stock |
Shop |
- Best for
- Trophy kingfish, bluefin tuna, land-based game
- Key tech
- Heatsink drag (10000 up), X-Protect
- Line
- Braid
- Best for
- Mechanical jigging, deep drop for hapuka and bluenose
- Key tech
- Infinity Drive, rigid all-metal body
- Line
- Braid
- Best for
- Jet ski, kayak, rugged surf and heavy boat work
- Key tech
- IPX8 roller clutch, X-Shield, X-Protect
- Line
- Braid
- Best for
- One-reel inshore all-rounder: softbaits, micro jigs, bait
- Key tech
- X-Protect, Hagane gear
- Line
- Braid
- Best for
- Shore spinning, ski and kayak, light offshore
- Key tech
- X-Shield sealing, power knob
- Line
- Braid
- Best for
- Shallow-water sensitivity, long softbait days
- Key tech
- MGL rotor, lightest in class
- Line
- Braid
- Best for
- Hauraki Gulf softbaiting, micro jigs
- Key tech
- MGL rotor, CoreProtect
- Line
- Braid
- Best for
- First Shimano, softbaits and bait, our combos
- Key tech
- Hagane gear, CoreProtect
- Line
- Braid
- Best for
- Light-tackle game, kingfish off the reef
- Key tech
- Two-speed lever drag, palm-sized
- Line
- Mono or braid
- Best for
- Slow pitch and mechanical jigging
- Key tech
- Star drag, narrow self-levelling spool
- Line
- Braid
01 · The absolute apex
Stella SW
Trophy insuranceThe Stella SW is the insurance-policy reel. When you hook the fish of a lifetime, this is the reel you want in your hands.
- The mission
- Maximum stopping power and heat management. The Heatsink Drag in 10000 and larger sizes stops the drag fading and the line melting during the blistering runs of a trophy kingfish or tuna.
- Best for
- Trophy kingfishBluefin tunaLand-based game
02 · The professional's choice
Twin Power SW
Fish hard, fish oftenThink of the Twin Power as a Stella without the jewellery. It is built for those who fish hard and often.
- The mission
- A rigid, all-metal body with zero flex under load. Infinity Drive makes it far easier to turn the handle while a heavy fish is pulling back.
- Best for
- Mechanical jiggingDeep dropHapuka and bluenose
25kg Drag | 6.2 Gear Ratio | 134 cm Per Turn
In stock$97700 Elsewhere: $1,049.00
25kg Drag | 116cm Per Turn
In stock$93500Unit price /Unavailable
25kg Drag | 4.9 Gear Ratio | 102cm Per Turn
In stock$93500 Elsewhere: $1,049.00
03 · The saltwater tank
Saragosa SW
Most salt-proof for the priceThe Saragosa is legendary for durability. It is the most salt-proof reel for the price point, with an IPX8 waterproof rating in the roller clutch.
- The mission
- Reliability in the splash zone. The gold standard for anyone whose gear is constantly doused in salt spray.
- Best for
- Rough treatmentRugged surfcastingHeavy boat workSki and kayak
Currently sold out. Check the collection for restock dates. Shimano Saragosa Reels
04 · The NZ standard
Stradic
Price, performance, longevityIf a Kiwi angler owns only one reel, it is usually a Stradic. It sits in the sweet spot of price, performance and longevity.
Stradic FM is the ultimate inshore reel and the benchmark for casting softbaits or micro jigs for snapper. Stradic SW adds a power knob and extra sealing for light-to-medium saltwater work like shore spinning for kahawai.
- Best for
- SoftbaitingMicro jigsShore spinningKahawai
-
16kg Drag | 4.9 Gear Ratio | 94cm Per Turn
In stock$51900Unit price /Unavailable
05 · The flagship lure reel
Vanquish
Finesse, flagship gradeThe flagship MGL reel. Extremely sensitive, so you feel the tiniest tick on the line in shallow water, and so light it takes the softbait elbow out of a long day.
- The mission
- Finesse. Built so light it reduces fatigue on long days on the water.
- Best for
- Shallow-water softbaitsLong daysFinesse
11kg Drag | 6.0 Gear Ratio | 101cm Per Turn
In stock$86400 Elsewhere: $949.99
11kg Drag | 5.7 Gear Ratio | 93cm Per Turn
In stock$86400Unit price /Unavailable
9kg Drag | 5.7 Gear Ratio | 84cm Per Turn
In stock$86400Unit price /Unavailable
06 · The modern classic
Vanford
Hauraki Gulf favouriteFeather-light and incredibly responsive, the Vanford is the number one choice for Hauraki Gulf softbaiting.
- The mission
- Finesse without the flagship price. MGL rotor, CoreProtect sealing, fast retrieve.
- Best for
- Hauraki Gulf softbaitingMicro jigsLight game
9kg Drag | 6.4 Gear Ratio | 94cm Per Turn
In stock$38900Unit price /Unavailable
9kg Drag | 5.8 Gear Ratio | 86cm Per Turn
In stock$38900Unit price /Unavailable-
9kg Drag | 5.7 Gear Ratio | 84cm Per Turn
In stock$37000Unit price /Unavailable 
9kg Drag | 5.1 Gear Ratio | 75cm Per Turn
In stock$38900Unit price /Unavailable
3kg Drag | 6.3 Gear Ratio | 87cm Per Turn
In stock$38900Unit price /Unavailable-
3kg Drag | 5.1 Gear Ratio | 70cm Per Turn
In stock$38900Unit price /Unavailable 
3kg Drag | 6.0 Gear Ratio | 81cm Per Turn
In stock$38900Unit price /Unavailable
11kg Drag | 6.2 Gear Ratio | 101cm Per Turn
In stock$42900 Elsewhere: $469.99
07 · The entry point
Nasci
The combo reelThe reel inside nearly all of our Shimano rod and reel combos, and the easiest way into the range. Hagane gearing and CoreProtect sealing at a price that leaves room for a good rod and braid.
- The mission
- Real Shimano guts at an entry price. Softbaits, bait, the boat rod the whole family uses.
- Best for
- First ShimanoSoftbaits and baitRod and reel combos
11kg Drag | 6.2 Gear Ratio | 99cm Per Turn
In stock$20800Unit price /Unavailable
9kg Drag | 6.2 Gear Ratio | 91cm Per Turn
In stock$18800Unit price /Unavailable
08 · Overhead mastery
Talica
Lever drag, two speedsA high-speed lever drag. Small enough to palm, strong enough to pull a kingie out of a reef, and the premier choice for light-tackle game fishing and trolling for marlin.
- The mission
- Speed and torque in a compact overhead. Mono for straylining and trolling, braid for the deep.
- Best for
- Light-tackle gameMarlin trollingReef kingfish
20kg Drag | 107cm Per Turn | 2-Speed Lever Drag
In stock$87800Unit price /Unavailable
-
22.5kg Drag | 121cm Per Turn | 2-Speed Lever Drag
In stock$1,13900Unit price /Unavailable -
22.5kg Drag | 121cm Per Turn | 2 Speed Lever Drag
In stock$1,09900 Elsewhere: $1,249.00
09 · The slow pitch specialist
Ocea Jigger
Purpose-built for slow pitchA star-drag overhead purpose-built for slow pitch jigging. The narrow spool ensures the line stacks itself evenly without your thumb guiding it.
- The mission
- Precise, compact, built to work a jig for hours. Pair with braid.
- Best for
- Slow pitch jiggingMechanical jiggingKingfish and hapuka
-
-
10kg Drag | 6.2 Ratio | 117cm Per Turn | Left-Handed
In stock$92800Unit price /Unavailable 
10kg Drag | 5.7 Gear Ratio | 107cm Per Turn | RH
In stock$78800Unit price /Unavailable
The splash zone
Top picks for jet ski and kayak anglers
You are closer to the water, constantly hit by spray, and the reel is often half submerged in a rod holder in transit. For this environment, sealing is everything.
The pick right now
Stradic SW
X-Shield sealing · power knob
Borrows X-Shield from the offshore reels, with extra gaskets and seals at the body and lid joint to block saltwater ingress. Sealed, sharp and in stock.
The premium choice
Saragosa SW
IPX8 roller clutch · X-Shield
Widely considered the best jet ski and kayak reel in NZ. X-Shield and X-Protect give IPX8-level water resistance at the roller clutch. It can take a direct hit from a wave and keep winding smoothly.
The value workhorse
Stradic FM
X-Protect labyrinth sealing
The entry point for real saltwater protection. X-Protect pairs a labyrinth structure with a water-repellent coating for a high level of resistance without a heavy, sluggish feel. A great secondary rod on a ski or yak.
Braid vs mono: the NZ verdict
Shop YGK XBraid-
Braid (PE)
Essential for Vanford, Vanquish, Stradic and every jigging reel. Zero stretch is the only way to feel bites and set hooks in deep water or on lures. YGK XBraid is made for these reels: a coating that resists the heat a drag generates, and a thinner diameter so more line fits on the spool.
-
Mono
Best for Talicas and Tiagras when straylining or trolling. Mono's stretch is a shock absorber for big fish hitting at close range, and it handles abrasion against sharp rocks far better than braid.
Maintenance and care: protecting your investment
For jet ski and kayak anglers
The salt mist factor
The salt mist factor
Even sealed reels like the Saragosa need a gentle freshwater rinse after every outing. Salt mist is more invasive than a single splash.
Lanolin protection
Lanolin protection
A very light coat of a lanolin-based spray on the outside of the reel (keep it off the line) creates a sacrificial barrier against corrosion.
Reel seat maintenance
Reel seat maintenance
Take the reel off the rod once a month. Salt build-up in the reel seat leads to galvanic corrosion between the reel foot and the rod.
General pro tips
The line roller
The line roller
In NZ salt the line roller is the first thing to squeak. One drop of Shimano oil here every few trips keeps it silent and spinning freely.
Tighten to wash
Tighten to wash
Always tighten your drag before a freshwater rinse. It keeps the internal seals compressed and stops water entering the drag stack.
Loosen to store
Loosen to store
Once dry, back the drag off completely. This stops the carbon washers compressing and turning jerky or sticky over time.
See more Our best selling Shimano reels
Live stock, live prices. Every Shimano reel on the site in one place.
-
New Arrival
-
20kg Drag | 107cm Per Turn | 2-Speed Lever Drag
In stock$87800Unit price /Unavailable -
-
-
25kg Drag | 6.2 Gear Ratio | 134 cm Per Turn
In stock$97700 Elsewhere: $1,049.00 -
25kg Drag | 116cm Per Turn
In stock$93500Unit price /Unavailable -
9kg Drag | 5.7 Gear Ratio | 84cm Per Turn
In stock$70900Unit price /Unavailable -
-
9kg Drag | 6.4 Gear Ratio | 94cm Per Turn
In stock$38900Unit price /Unavailable -
9kg Drag | 5.8 Gear Ratio | 86cm Per Turn
In stock$38900Unit price /Unavailable -
9kg Drag | 5.7 Gear Ratio | 84cm Per Turn
In stock$37000Unit price /Unavailable -
6kg Drag | 7.4 Ratio | 81cm Per Turn | RH
In stock$29800 Elsewhere: $329.99
See more Shimano rod and reel combos
Matched and spooled by us, ready to fish. Most are built around the Nasci.
-
Softbaiting Combo
Shimano - 26 NASCI 4000XG + Atomic - Flickz Heavy, 6'10 Softbaiting Combo
In stock$39900$46699Unit price /Unavailable -
Softbaiting Combo
Shimano - 26 NASCI 4000XG + Assassin - Allure Spin 7H 2pc Softbaiting Combo
In stock$40900$46699Unit price /Unavailable -
Softbaiting Combo
Shimano - 26 NASCI C3000HG + Atomic - Flickz Spin Medium, 6'10, 10-20lb Softbaiting Combo
In stock$42900$47680Unit price /Unavailable -
Softbaiting Combo
Shimano - 26 NASCI 4000XG + Atomic - Arrowz Offshore Spin 7' 10-25lb Softbait Combo
In stock$44900$53595Unit price /Unavailable -
Softbaiting Combo
Shimano - 26 NASCI C3000HG + Assassin - Allure Spin 7MH 2pc Softbaiting Combo
In stock$44900$47680Unit price /Unavailable -
Softbaiting Combo
Shimano - 26 NASCI C3000HG + Atomic - Arrowz Offshore Spin 7', 8-16lb Softbaiting Combo
In stock$44900$51680Unit price /Unavailable -
Softbaiting Combo
Shimano - 26 NASCI 4000XG + Atomic - Arrowz Snapper 7'3 Softbaiting Combo
In stock$45900$52699Unit price /Unavailable -
Travel Combo
Shimano - 26 NASCI 4000XG + Atomic - Arrowz Spin 7' 4pc Spinning Travel Combo
In stock$45900$52699Unit price /Unavailable -
Softbaiting Combo
Shimano - 26 NASCI C3000HG + Atomic - Arrowz Snapper Light 7'4, 10-18lb Softbaiting Combo
In stock$46900$53680Unit price /Unavailable -
Softbaiting Combo
Shimano - 26 NASCI 4000XG + Assassin - Infinity 72H Softbaiting Combo
In stock$51900$60699Unit price /Unavailable -
Softbaiting Combo
Shimano - 24 VANFORD C3000XG + Assassin - Supernova 77MH Softbait Rod Softbaiting Combo
In stock$74900$85780Unit price /Unavailable -
Topwater Combo
Shimano - 21 TWIN POWER SW 14000XG + Yamaga Blanks - BlueSniper 81/6 Blacky Topwater Combo
In stock$1,79900$1,98180Unit price /Unavailable
