I don’t think that combo will work very well for soft baiting. Too heavy and you definitely want to use braid with a mono or fluorocarbon leader. Mono mainline has way too much stretch

Suggestion for an affordable combo would be the NEW Shimano Nasci FC in a 3000 or 4000 size and a 7ft Catana rod rated 5 to 9kg.

There are plenty of options available go into a tackle shop and ask their advice but be prepared to spend $250+

The 2021 Nasci FC has some significant upgrades from the previous FB model. Might be a little hard to find in NZ but smart marine seem to have the best price ATM.

Looking at the schematics the Nasci FC is basically a Stradic FK except it uses an oscillating gear rather than the worm gear used in the Stradic.

Screw in handle, core protect sealing, decent main gear and a good drag the 2021 Nasci FC looks like real value to me.

Probably worth upgrading to carbon drags once the felt ones get worn.



A cheaper option would be the Sienna which is an OK reel and will work but is unsealed and a bit agricultural. They are don’t like the salt much without regular maintenance and not worth fixing once they start running rough.

Crochet Cast wrote: The 2021 Nasci FC has some significant upgrades from the previous FB model. Might be a little hard to find in NZ but smart marine seem to have the best price ATM. Looking at the schematics the Nasci FC is basically a Stradic FK except it uses an oscillating gear rather than the worm gear used in the Stradic. Screw in handle, core protect sealing, decent main gear and a good drag the 2021 Nasci FC looks like real value to me. Probably worth upgrading to carbon drags once the felt ones get worn.