Electric Reels
Electric reels for deep-drop fishing, powered from your boat battery to haul bluenose, hapuku and other deep-water species from hundreds of metres down. Our range is led by Daiwa, alongside Shimano, plus power cords and accessories.
An electric reel winds in with the push of a lever, with line counters and speed settings that make deep-water fishing practical and less exhausting. Pair it with a stiff electric or deep-drop game rod, or choose a matched electric combo, and spool it with plenty of braid.
Talk through power setups at our Grey Lynn concept store, or order online for tracked delivery across New Zealand.
Frequently asked questions about electric reels
What is an electric fishing reel used for?
Electric reels are designed for deep-drop fishing, where you fish baits or jigs in very deep water, often 200 metres or more, for species such as bluenose, hapuku and gemfish. Winding heavy sinkers and fish up from those depths by hand is exhausting, so an electric motor does the work. You can still wind by hand if needed, and most also suit slow jigging and bottom fishing in moderately deep water.
How do electric reels get power?
Electric reels plug into your boat's 12V battery using a dedicated power cord with clips or a waterproof socket. The reel draws a lot of current under load, so use a healthy battery and the correct cord, and consider a separate battery if you fish electric reels for long sessions. Never run the cord where it can be crushed or chafed, and keep the connections clean and dry.
What features should I look for in an electric reel?
Look for a powerful, efficient motor, a digital line counter that shows depth, programmable speed and stop functions, and a strong drag. Many reels let you set a jigging mode, auto-stop at the surface and memory for the depth of your bites. A clear, waterproof display and simple controls are important on a rocking boat. Make sure the line capacity suits the depth you plan to fish.
How much line does an electric reel need?
For deep drop fishing, spool enough braid to reach the bottom with plenty to spare, often 500 metres or more of PE 3 to 6 braid, depending on the depth and target species. Thin braid cuts through the current better, so your rig stays closer to the boat. Check the reel's capacity chart, and add a strong leader and heavy sinker rig suited to the depth and current.
Can I use an electric reel for normal fishing?
Smaller electric reels can be used for slow jigging and bottom fishing in moderate depths, and the line counter and power winding make them very convenient. Larger electric reels are heavy and best kept for deep-drop fishing. If you mainly fish shallow water, a conventional overhead or spin reel is lighter and more versatile, with an electric reel added when you start fishing deep.
How do I care for an electric reel?
After each trip, wipe salt off the reel and power connection, rinse gently with fresh water without spraying into the motor or display, and dry it thoroughly. Keep the power cord's terminals clean and protected from corrosion. Back the drag off for storage, and have the reel serviced regularly, as deep-drop fishing puts heavy loads on gears and drags. Store it out of direct sun.