Thread: 2 Questions: McKenzie Country and A New Reel

1: Tell me about fishing the Twizel/Tekapo canals. What lure for Salmon there, etc. Spinning

2: My reel is broken. If I buy a new reel, I want to get something real nice that will not break ever - all machined stainless parts or something. Suggestions? My rod is a crappy 2 piece trout spinning rod, maybe about 6 foot, I want it for spinning for trout etc and kahawai

I used the fly rod, the only time I have fished the Canals, so cant give spinning advise,
But for the reel, I would look at something like a Shimano, 4000, baitrunner OC, twinpower, sustain, thunnus etc, for trout and Kahawai.
However if there is, a likely hood of Salmon, or kingfish in the rivers, you are fishing, perhaps move up to the next size reel, 5000, or 6000, just a bit more capacity, and muscle for bigger fish. I don't think its necessary for the canals, as you can run along the banks easy enough.
High end Diawa, and Shimano reel are a real joy, and last a very long time, if looked after, and parts can be sourced for repairs, I have a couple Mitchell reels, that have lasted on trout rods for 30 years, still smooth as silk,
Might be wise to look at a package deal, as often they are the same price, as the reel is alone, and will be a balanced outfit.
For what I think you are doing, mostly estuary, and odd trip elsewhere, I use a seven foot soft baiting setup. (4000 twin power or OC 4000 baitrunner on 6-7ft rod) or a Baitcaster (overhead reel) on a salmon rod, Calcutta 400 and 9ft rod.
Nothing like the sing of a reel, the pulse of a good fish, on a early misty westcoast morning,

Yep, a 4000 reel in perfect. In the canals using something that can flick a light soft bait is key. Softbait is the lure of choice for all the fishing types i know.
Using some strong suffix 832 braid from HUnting and fishing will give you a light, small diameter line that is incredibly strong.
Shimano stradic or something along those lines is a nice hight quality reel that shouldnt give you any issues.
Check out the complete angler on youtube. He love fishing with some real light gear down there.

Stradic is a great mid range reel, either 4000 or 5000 would be the bizo.
SHIMANO Stradic FK - Overview | Spinning Reels | Shimano Fishing NZ