The Ultimate Buying Guide to Fishing Reels for Topwater Fishing
If you are new to topwater fishing, welcome aboard! If you are a seasoned topwater angler, let’s go! And if you are a competent angler who has dabbled in topwater fishing, how good! No matter your skill level, we are going dive into topwater fishing like never before offering up quality insights into techniques, equipment & more. For us here at Land & Sea topwater fishing is more than a passion, it’s an obsession. The thrill of casting lures at aggressive pelagic fish such as the NZ Yellowtail Kingfish, man, there is nothing better! To us, the entire sport of topwater fishing is an art form, beginning well before a lure hits the water. From the craftsmanship of handmade lures to the engineering precision of our rods & reels, everything that is involved in topwater fishing needs to be picture-perfect.
If you have had the pleasure of visiting the Land & Sea HQ & Concept Store in Auckland, New Zealand you will immediately appreciate our deep passion for topwater fishing. Our entire ethos as a business is to inspire today’s youth to participate in great activities such as topwater fishing. Pollen Street is a place where you can find one-off gold-infused lures, the best topwater tackle from all over the world & a passionate team who willingly impart all their knowledge to our friends who come to visit.
So let’s get into it! The incredible world of topwater fishing. Here is the full list of what we will be covering within this full buying guide:
- The art of topwater fishing
- What reels are best for topwater fishing? Spin reels vs Overhead
- Daiwa Saltiga vs Shimano Stella
- The best fishing reel for topwater fishing
- The best fishing reel for topwater fishing for under $1,000
- The best fishing reel for topwater fishing for under $800
- The best fishing reel for topwater fishing for under $500
- The best 3 topwater rods
- Our favourite lures to use when topwater fishing
- Other key equipment we use for topwater fishing
- A brief rundown on the culture of topwater fishing
- Executive Summary
Before we get started it’s important to note that Land & Sea stocks NZ largest range of topwater fishing equipment including exclusive relationships with some of NZ’s best lure makers. As experts in the space of topwater fishing, we openly share our experiences to ensure you are set for the best possible experience when out there chasing your dream fish. Let’s go…
The art of topwater fishing
Casting a lure and working the lure back towards the boat sounds reasonably simple & for the most part, it is. It took me years to draw that exact conclusion & stop overthinking the process of topwater fishing. The truth is, the best topwater anglers I know are generally the most persistent and consistent. Have you ever heard the phrase ‘One more cast’ or ‘Cast again bro’? That pretty much sums it up. Many of the same principles apply to topwater fishing as any other form of fishing. Find the bait, find the fish. Look for structure, current, temperature breaks, all of the normal places where feeding fish congregate. Don’t write off open water where you can find Kingfish feeding high in the water collum. Kingfish will venture up from 30m below to check out a temperamental stick bait on the surface.
Of course, currents & tides play a part in the feeding habits of fish so look to cast when the fish are running. In harbours, look for marker boys or banks where Kingfish hang out. One of the most interesting ways to target Kingfish is to spot cast at big stingrays in shallow harbours. Often you will see Kingfish hanging on the shoulders of rays in only a few meters of clear water. Cast lures within their vicinity and you may just entice the bite of a hard-fighting fish in shallow water. Hold on!
So here is our quick checklist which removes the fairy dust:
- Find structure where you can expect baitfish to congregate
- Review the area to understand the current movements and as a result where the Kingfish are holding
- Ideally, find kingfish on your sounder. Look for baitfish on the surface.
- Position your boat to cast at the shoulders of the targeted area. Long casts provide greater chances of hookups.
- Cast, cast, cast & cast again. Work the area hard & keep moving if the fish are not feeding. You’re not bait fishing.
- If you are land-based, work your ledge and keep creating a commotion. You never know when a big kingfish will come mooching in for a feed.
What reels are best for topwater fishing? Spin reels vs Overhead
Although it’s not unheard of for anglers to cast an overhead reel it’s certainly not the most common method. We often hear keen South African anglers speaking of casting drum reels while surf casting, land-based fishing & topwater fishing. Maintaining control of the spool can be challenging therefore it is much more common for anglers to choose a spin reel when topwater fishing.
For us, we find that spin reels not only allow you to control the spool but also the action of your lure. Call it muscle memory, but the simple flick of your bail arm to lock & load your lure is an important factor in maximising your bite time. Spin reels provide much of the necessary technology required for topwater fishing. When working lures an extra high gear ratio is a handy feature, allowing you to retrieve line faster and work your lure more effectively. Overhead reels will generally have a lower gear ratio to support deeper water functions such as live baiting & jigging. When it comes to drag, as a general rule of thumb spin reels will also provide higher drag which can be handy when fighting fish in shallow water.
Daiwa Saltiga vs Shimano Stella
If we are being entirely honest, this historic debate probably warrants its own article. In fact, I can almost guarantee that in the near future; we will dive into this with a fine toothcomb to share our opinion on this much-debated topic. To provide this debate with real justice we would need to wind the clock back to the late 1990s where for much of that decade & the early 2000s; the Shimano Stella sat in its own league. In more recent times, we have seen the ledger swing strongly towards the Daiwa Saltiga. The world’s most renowned reel reviewer, Alan Hawk once referred to the 20 Saltiga as a mythical item that he always wished would exist.
“An item of such greatness in one's mind that it takes an almost mythical value, ultimately being designated one's 'holy grail'. A term you'd be familiar with if you've spent any time among enthusiasts of things such as coins, timepieces, artwork, stamps, banknotes, guns, sports memorabilia, etc. This Saltiga is exactly this to me, the almost mythical item that I've always wished would one day exist, and now it finally does” – Alan Hawk
Now in the same complete review of the 2019 Stella SW Alan Hawk referred to the reel as a great reel but expects a little better than a Saragosa. Personally, we think that’s a bit harsh to a reel that has provided anglers with exceptional performance for many years. That being said we believe the challenge with the Shimano Stella is that it’s been such a good real for so long that advancements in technology have slowed while its main rival has sped off into the night.
Don’t expect that to remain the case for long though. Shimano will not be far away from releasing a new version of their prized Stella. We expect it to be a winner & history shows us they won’t lie down from a fight. But until that time arises, the 20 Saltiga from Daiwa hold the belts… for now.
The best fishing reel for topwater fishing
In our opinion, there was a dramatic shift in the answer to this question during the 2020 Yokohama Fishing Trade Show in Tokyo, Japan. The official release of the 20 Daiwa Saltiga set in motion a movement across the world when it came to topwater anglers. An influx of significant technology such as the introduction of the famous MQ body, a G1 Duralumin drive gear & a new aluminium air rotor. What this resulted in was a reel so smooth, so strong & so advanced it was quickly adopted as the best spin reel on the planet.
Daiwa has a long reputation for designing & manufacturing market-leading spin reels but for the most part the likes of Shimano are right there with their equivalent, matching Daiwa stride for stride. The Saltiga is however that step ahead of anyone else. In order to be crowned the best fishing reel for topwater, a reel must have some pretty serious output. Let’s specifically look at what we believe is the most versatile size of Saltiga, the 14000 XH.
The first thing you will notice is a high gear ratio, providing 134cm of retrieve per crack. This gear ratio allows anglers to retrieve line quickly whilst working their lure and achieve the desired action, enticing the bite. 12 ball bearings ensure a smoothness that you have never experienced in such a powerful fishing reel. You need to feel it to believe it. The predecessor of the 20 Saltiga boasted a more than capable 15kg of drag whilst new technology sees a massive 25kg of drag providing more power than ever.
- Model: 14000-XH
- Bearings: 12BB (6CR-2MS)
- Capacity: PE6 - 300m
- Drag: 25kg
- Gear: 6.2
- Retrieve: 134cm
- Type: Spin
- Weight: 665g
In our opinion the data is impressive but it’s not where this reel excels over its rivals. A simplistic & meticulous design results in a larger drive gear, deeper teeth & direct connection between the handle and the main pinion. What this simplicity achieves is less moving parts, more functional parts and a performance that supersedes any competitors. So there it is, the best fishing reel for topwater fishing. It’s not a cheap piece of gear to have in your arsenal but our experience suggests it will be your favourite.
The best fishing reel for topwater fishing for under $1,000
Although we believe there is some clear air at the top, the sub $1,000 mark closes the gap; resulting in a close battle between the Daiwa Certate SW & the Shimano Twin Power SW. Both reels present impressive features but only one can rain supreme. We believe the Daiwa Certate SW 14000 XH to be the best fishing reel for topwater, let us explain why.
The natural development cycle results in a bleed-down effect of key technology from the more expensive Saltiga. The most impressive of these is the trademark MQ body, a G1 Duralumin drive gear that embed themselves in the new Certate SW series. What this results in is a smoothness that generally represents a much more expensive spinning reel.
With 8 ball bearings & 25kg of drag, this reel has everything you require to reign in those trophy fish. Where we believe Daiwa to have been incredibly clever is how they have carefully removed key features from the Saltiga without compromising performance. The use of an EVA handle vs the more expensive aluminium. A Zion rotor vs the use of aluminium. It’s a subtle balance that delivers a powerful reel that is slightly lighter in hand but packs one hell of a punch.
- Application: Spin Jigging (Mechanical)/Top Water
- Ball Bearings: 8/1
- Gear Ratio: 6.2:1
- Spool Capacity: PE6 - 300m
- Weight: 635g
- Max Drag: 25kg
The best fishing reel for topwater fishing for under $800
This is a tough one as we start to enter into a space where competition is more plentiful & additional brands enter into the fold. At sub $800 we welcome both Penn & Okuma to the conversation and with that, they bring with them seriously good options like the Penn Authority, the Okuma Tesoro & the Penn Slammer. However, where we have landed is with the ever-trusted Shimano Saragosa SW 14000XG. Saragosa has been a staple in the Shimano range since first appearing in 2008. Since this time the reel has grown in trust among kiwi anglers all over the country. Often found on premium charter boats, the Saragoas has years of real-world proof that it is built tough for hard-fighting NZ Kingfish.
World-renowned reel technician Alan Hawk referred to the new 2020 Saragosa SW as a better reel than the much more expensive Shimano Stella. Some statement when you consider it’s $1600 price point, but it’s hard to argue against a reel that just keeps delivering.
- Application: Spin Jigging (Mechanical)/Top Water
- Ball Bearings: 5+1 BB
- Gear Ratio: 6.2:1
- Spool Capacity: PE6 - 300m
- Weight: 710g
- Max Drag: 15kg
The best fishing reel for topwater fishing for under $500
Once again, the options open wide open in the Sub $500 space providing plenty of options to topwater anglers. Landing on a single reel that provides the angler with everything they need for an aggressive, shallow water fight was tough but the Penn Slammer 6500HS for us is the standout.
As topwater anglers, we need a tough reel that can handle heavy drags, plenty of water spray & will not let us down in the long run. The slammer offers an IPX6 water rating, a full metal body & a sealed drag system offering a massive 18kg of drag. The one downside to the Penn Slammer has to be it’s heavy, robust body weighing in at 686g. That being said the feeling in hand represents that of a reel that has your back in a big fight.
Not only does this reel have your back when it comes to fighting power but Penn’s new 10 year warranty covers any manufacturing faults for as long as your back can handle the Kingfish. When you put it all on the table, this is not only a winner for sub $500 but should be considered by any angler looking for a topwater reel under $1000.
- Application: Spin Jigging (Mechanical)/Top Water
- Ball Bearings: 8+1 BB
- Gear Ratio: 5.6:1
- Spool Capacity: PE6 - 300m
- Weight: 686g
- Max Drag: 18kg
The Best 3 Fishing Rods for Topwater Fishing
Once again, this topic requires its own buying guide but let’s quickly run through our top three picks and tell you why we use these rods for topwater fishing. But first, let’s run through what makes a rod perfect for topwater. The most obvious feature of a topwater fishing rod is its length. Typically, a topwater rod is between 8ft & 9ft long, allowing anglers to cast lures adequately. There is a distinct action difference between rods designed for stick baits & poppers which effect the angler’s ability to work their lure. A popper rod has a faster action (more stiff) while a stick bait rod is a touch more parabolic in the tip section allowing the angler to get the lure to dive.
As a general rule of thumb NZ anglers are more inclined to cast a stick bait opposed to a popper due to the target species. A more common place to cast a popper would be in the islands when chasing GTs or reef-dwelling fish. So on that basis, here are our top 3 topwater rods.
- Daiwa Saltiga Dragger 83XXH-3
- Daiwa 20 Saltist Hyper S792
- CD Haku Topwater Rod 8ft 3 Inch 3pc
Our favourite lures to use when topwater fishing
When it comes to picking the best lure for topwater fishing, we could talk about this for hours. Essentially there are two main categories of topwater lure; Plastic & Timber along with the growing trend of epoxy/resin-made lures. All have their place and sit in respective price brackets depending on your budget.
Plastic lures are a great way to explore the world of topwater lure fishing & is where most of us began our journey. Most of the world's most trusted brands, like Nomad Design, Daiwa, Shimano, Repala & many more, play in this space. Plastic lures also generally come pre-rigged, making them incredibly cost-effective.
For topwater enthusiasts, nothing will compare to a collection of hand-crafted timber lures. At Land & Sea, we are lucky to showcase NZ’s best range of topwater lures, including OTL, hand-crafted by Mike Knight out of Waipu, NZ. As much as these lures often resemble collector items, they are meticulously designed to catch massive NZ Kingfish. Over a beer recently with one of NZ’s best topwater fishermen, Joe Edlington or J.E Wilds, he noted the OTL Blackjack 130g as his very favourite lure. So with this in mind, here are our top 3 lures for topwater fishing.
- OTL Blackjack - 130g
- OTL On Ice – 100g
- Nomad Design Riptide Floating Stickbait - Sardine
Other key equipment we use for topwater fishing
So you have yourself a shiny new reel, a quality rod & a stash of new lures, there are a handful of other products we would suggest considering. Our selection below highlights both safety equipment & functional accessories which are all beneficial to the sport of topwater fishing. Check it out.
Lo-Cab Fiddy Cent Rock Vest
A must-have for any land-based angler. First and foremost to remain safe whilst fishing along the shore this unique jacket has become synonymous amongst NZ land-based anglers. Cleverly designed, this floating vest has rod holder pouches, drainage holes, D-Shackles & YKK Zips. We haven’t seen a better put-together jacket that ticks all the boxes of a lifejacket but allows full mobility whilst chasing big fish. As used by the likes of J.E Wilds, this is the vest to keep you safe. As a disclaimer, due to Maritime NZ’s strict rules, we cannot call this vest a life jacket. But what we can confirm is that if you are under 115kg, it will allow you to float.
Measures & Scales
We reckon there is no point catching a big fish if you can’t brag about it! It’s not a must, but a nice to have. We generally release all our big fish but sometimes it’s nice to have a photo of your price laying on a measuring mat before they are sent home. Our favourite brag mat comes in the way of the Moocher Hunters Moocher Mat. Now there’s a great human, a fellow angler who is committed to the preservation of sport fish all over NZ.
Gimble Belts & Gloves
Once again Gimbles & Gloves are a great addition to any topwater session. If you are casting all day gloves are a great way to manage fatigue on your metacarpals. Not to mention maintaining a grip on your expensive new reel. Gimbles provide extra leverage while fighting your fish but be selective… You don’t want a bulky gimble that gets in the way of your casting.
A brief rundown on the culture of topwater fishing
It has once been said that if trolling lures for big New Zealand game fish was considered rollerblading then casting lures would represent a skater about to drop into a half pipe. Like any sport, there is a stereotype that sits behind its participants & topwater fishing is no different. Much like the newfound energy within the golf market driven by brands such as Malbon & Aime Leon Dore, topwater fishing has been snapped up by fishing’s most influential brands.
We acknowledge that positive disruption to an industry often delivers much-needed change. Those prominent within the topwater scene in NZ are showcasing their influence on the entire industry's future.
Summary
So there it is…. A full rundown on everything you need to know about buying the perfect fishing reel for topwater fishing. Many people assume that topwater fishing requires thousands of dollars of investment before you get close to the water. We hope that we have shown you that this is not the case & for under $500, you're chasing big NZ Kingfish.
At Land & Sea we are lucky to have access to all the latest & greatest gear from the world’s biggest manufacturers. In an ever-evolving landscape of technology, the best reels are always rotating. We consider it our duty to provide you with the most up-to-date information source when it comes to fishing reels and equipment.
In case you still have questions or simply require more information on any fishing, camping or outdoor product our team is here to help. We welcome you to our Pollen Street HQ or simply reach out to our expert team with any questions. Until then, tight lines & keep casting.