Thread: Fly fishing kit / Combo

Chaps, hopefully I will be travelling soon to New Zealand. I need to build a fly fishing kit which does not break bank but at the same time its not so useless that I outgrow it in a short time.

I am thinking of picking up this combo - https://www.fishcityhamilton.co.nz/p...-combo-9ft-6wt as it has some nice views on You Tube and comes with quality fly line. What do you guys think of it? Do you think I can get something better in similar +-$50-100 budget? Not averse to used tackle too.

I will be mainly fishing near wellington/ Manawatu area. What you learned folks suggest?

Can't comment on the gear, but a multi-section rod is a good idea. You might find yourself on a hike, or a hunting trip where something that packs up small is ideal.

Originally Posted by MB

Can't comment on the gear, but a multi-section rod is a good idea. You might find yourself on a hike, or a hunting trip where something that packs up small is ideal.

Yes that is the idea @MB. Apart from that wife owns a hatchback so until I get car of my own, need something which can fit in.

I'm not really familiar with the water around wellington and manawatu but for an all-rounder for NZ I'd drop to a 5wt

Originally Posted by Ryan_Songhurst

I'm not really familiar with the water around wellington and manawatu but for an all-rounder for NZ I'd drop to a 5wt

Thanks Ryan, actually my first choice was this TFO combo (I have used TFO spinning rods and kind of like those) https://www.fishingstation.com.au/sh...bel-fly-combo/ but was advised that a 6wt will be better as a overall NZ kit. Hence this choice. Little confused now

Wellington has the Hutt River - a #7 or #8 would still be quite handy there. The Airflo Atom combo below or the Primal Quest combo at H&F ($250 and $300 respectively) are good value at the moment.

I'd go a 5wt. If it's too windy for a 5wt it'll be too windy for a 6wt. 5wt will cover the bulk of water you'd be fishing.

Sent from my SM-A528B using Tapatalk

This is similar to the 270 vs 308 vs 3006 debate LOL. You’ll get as many opinions as there are fly fisherman, and very much depends what water & what part of country you’ll be fishing. Personally if had only one fly rod it would be a 6wt.

Im with chainsaw on this - if I only had one rod it would be a 6 weight. After 35 years guiding, I think the number of 6 weight rods that clients have used or bought to NZ would be well over 60%, all the other weights make up the rest. I see no issues with buying a mid priced combo/package, but the closer you get to the fish, the better the quality you need, ie but the best leaders and tippets you can find, and the best possible fly line to deliver it. The $150 price bracket seems to be the norm for good quality fly line. Another on line option for good gear is the fly shop.co.nz.

Sometimes good deals here and they are a decent bunch to deal with despite being a big company: https://www.marine-deals.co.nz/

I don't think they have an awful lot of freshwater expertise though, so make an informed choice.

Always shop the midweek deals on Wednesday at Marine Deals!

Thanks Gents, Thanks for your suggestions. Will update here when I pick up the tackle.

https://www.flyshop.co.nz/mm5/mercha...y_rod_packages I forgot about www.flyshop.co.nz c excellent service and value.
Nice rods - I have had one and they have a great feel, finish and action. At that price it would be hard to decline.

Originally Posted by Bol Tackshin

https://www.flyshop.co.nz/mm5/mercha...y_rod_packages I forgot about www.flyshop.co.nz c excellent service and value.
Nice rods - I have had one and they have a great feel, finish and action. At that price it would be hard to decline.

Thanks @Bol Tackshin I liked their product description giving users enough info. Will look at the package. I have to wind up my affairs here so have enough time to make an informed decision.

Don't overlook getting a spinning combo too, lots of great spinning to be had around Wellington and the Manawatu