Cover shot credit
Mike Davis - Hunting & Fishing NZ, Rotorua
FRESHWATER FRESHWATER
Over the last few years the Primal rod brand by manic tackle project has become NZ's most popular fly rod range covering everything FROM TROUT, TO EURO, SPEY AND EVEN saltwater fly with price points ranging from entry level right through to high end.
primal reccy series
This year Primal have a number of new products including new for 2025 the Reccy series which is exclusive to Hunting & Fishing NZ. The rods are all 4 piece construction with an 8’4#, 9’5#,9’6#,9’7# and a 9’8#.
The rod specs are multi modulus blanks with slimline helical ferrules Resulting in a range of rods that are very smooth casting with incredible recovery rates. Making them great all rounders and easy to cast in any application. All rod models come with with a protective hard tube and cloth bag.
The complete set comes with a FlyLab Exo aluminium large arbour fly reel and a velocity weight forward dull olive fly line with welded loops and backing to pack the set out.
Pricing is $219.99 for the rods on their own. Hunting & Fishing NZ have created an everyday deal on the set where you save $100 and buy the whole set for $299.99 I have been lucky enough to fish with this set and this is a fantastic deal and by far the best $299.99 set I have ever seen.
Two new series of Euro nymphing rods primal zone ccc
Taking the ground-breaking technology from the popular Raw CCC series and putting that into the new Zone CCC Euro nymphing rods has seen huge advancements in the Euro nymphing market.
Built with high quality ALPS skeletal reel seats and fitted with carbon fibre handles for maximum sensitivity, these rods look next level.
Developed between Rene Vaz and a team of European world fly fishing competition champions.
There are 6 models in the range, ranging from a 9'6 3# to a longer 11' 3#.
The most popular NZ models will be the 10'3" #3 and the #4. Of particular interest for many NZ anglers will be the 9'6" #5, which utilises all of this technology in a NZ back country rod perfect for everything from tiny dries to heaving a couple of nymphs into a headwind. I was lucky enough to spend a day on the river with this rod, and it ticks all the boxes for a truly complete rod for a wide range of NZ conditions.
Priced at $699.99 for the rods and $999.99 for the combo with the FlyLab Focus reel and an Airflo SLN Euro Nymph line.
For those wanting to try Euro style nymphing, Manic Tackle has released a 10' 3# and 4# rod. Tailored to NZ anglers with incredible balance and performance, this rod comes with a FlyLab EXO and a level Euro nymphing line.
Priced at $219.99 for the rods alone, Hunting & Fishing NZ have created an everyday deal on the set where you save $100 and buy the whole set for $299.99
This spring and summer if you're looking for a new rod and reel set priced well, look no further than your local Hunting & Fishing NZ store near you.
FRESHWATER
GEAR focus GEAR focus
For this spring, summer season there are two new fly lines I am wanting to test and try out when I get out for a fly fish
Scientific Anglers
Magnitude Trout Expert Clear Floater
First up is the Scientific Anglers magnitude trout expert clear floater. There are 2 models, the clear tip and the clear belly.
The clear tip has a 10’ clear section at the front of the line and the clear belly has the full head section of the fly line clear which is 50’ in length. These lines being clear will not have a braided core so they will perform best in warmer water that is in the range of 10 degrees up to the mid twenties, perfect for our spring, summer and autumn fishing.
The best application for these lines and in particular the 10 foot clear tip will be in small to medium sized rivers and on still water situations especially when stalking for our really big browns up on the flats in knee depth water. With the clear tip and vibrant green belly, this line gives you visual control over every subtle movement. Whether you're navigating shifting currents in a stream or adjusting for a breeze on the lake, you'll stay perfectly connected to your fly. These lines are at the top end of the price range and come in either a smooth or a textured outer coating if you prefer. The clear tip may just be the difference between success and a blank day when things get tough this season.
Airflo
Superflo Ridge 2.0 Tactical Taper
Next is the Airflo Superflo Ridge 2.0 Tactical Taper Line. This line was designed for using in small to medium sized water, it is 90' in length and will cast well on any action of fly rod. The tactical taper has a long 20’ front taper, 16 foot belly and 10 foot rear taper with a a step down 10 foot haul zone behind it that connects to the running line. All of this meaning that this line will be incredibly smooth through the air when casting. The long front tapered section will allow beautiful presentation on small clear rivers but will hold lots of energy in the air when long casts are needed to be made, making it ideal for small to large dries and will also turn over a couple of weighted nymphs out wide.
Airflo flylines are PVC free so they’re very durable, the superflo coating helps keep them very slick and the ridge 2 shape of the diameter of the line works like a golf ball meaning there is less surface area touching the guides so it is more aerodynamic through the guides and through the air during casting. Once the fly line lands on the water there is also more surface area so the line floats higher for longer. Perfect for those more turbulent free stone backcountry rivers.
The superflo is low stretch at only 6% so this helps keep the angler in touch with the flies at any distance making it easier for you to detect the most subtle of takes.
So there you have it, if you’re in the market for an upgrade to your fly line collection, look no further than these two options for this spring, summer fishing season they will make a huge difference out on the water especially when the trout are extra fussy as we get in the summer low flows.
POWER TAPER
“I’ve come to rely on Airflo for everything from the best tapers in floating lines, excellent sinking lines and durable performers in the saltwater.”
If you’re looking for a fly line that can handle big flies, wind, and long casts, the Airflo Power Taper is the perfect choice for you.
RIDGE 2.0 - $239.99
CAMO GREEN/CADDIS: WF5F-WF8F
UNIVERSAL TAPER
When all you want to do is fish, the Airflo Universal taper delivers flawless loops on any rod you choose and in a range of conditions.
RIDGE 2.0 - $239.99 OLIVE: WF4F-WF8F
Designed To Flow
SUPERFLO - $179.99
CAMO GREEN/CADDIS: WF5F-WF8F
KIYOSHI NAKAGAWA MIKE DAVIS
“No fly lines create the line speed and performance like Airflo. From delicate Tactical taper to the aggressive power taper Airflo have the tapers dialled.”
TACTICAL TAPER
Target spooky fish and place the fly exactly where you want it to be. The front taper on this line makes it even easier to deliver pinpoint accuracy.
SUPERFLO - $179.99
LICHEN/DRIFTWOOD: WF4F-WF6F
RIDGE 2.0 - $239.99
BAMBOO/WATERY OLIVE: WF2F-WF6F
SUPERFLO - $179.99
BAMBOO/WATERY OLIVE: WF2F-WF6F
Freshwater accessories expert picks
by Simon Mcmillan - christchurch store
When prepping for your early season spring missions I can’t stress enough how important it is to inspect your line, whether it's fly line, braid, or nylon – it's your connection to the fish.
Having a solid range of soft baits and hard bodied lures on hand is key, especially early season with unpredictable river flows and water clarity. The Berkley Powerbait T Tail minnow 2.5 Black gold sparkle is a personal favourite. Remember to check your fly and tackle boxes, rust can creep in over winter so inspect your hooks. Quality breathable waders and boots are a must-have as wet wading's not exactly the most appealing option in chilly early season rivers and lakes. Lastly, never underestimate the importance of a landing net to secure your trophy fish!
Unleash Your Inner Ninja
The new Daiwa Ninja range was born from a collaboration like no other. Daiwa NZ worked hand‑in‑hand with Hunting & Fishing NZ’s own fishing experts, taking their on‑the‑water insights straight to Daiwa’s factories. Every rod was refined, tested, and tuned with one goal in mind: creating tools that match the way Kiwi anglers fish. The result? A custom built range of saltwater and freshwater rods you’ll only find at Hunting & Fishing NZ— crafted by those who live and breathe the same rivers, lakes and canals you do.
Next‑Level Daiwa Tech
Behind the sleek black and red finish is a powerhouse of innovation. The rods feature HVF Carbon for unmatched sensitivity and strength, wrapped with Braiding X for incredible torsional control. Pair them with reels running AIRDRIVE, LT Concept, and Tough Digigear, and you get smooth, rock‑solid performance. Add ATD Type‑L Drag and Twistbuster 3 and you’ve got gear that’s engineered to handle every run, leap, and headshake a big fish throws at you. Fish Ninja.
$299.99 GRAB & GO COMBO DEALS!
All Ninja Combos Include a Bait Junkie Starter Pack & 150yds X8 J-Braid Grand, total value $56.98.
Crack The Freshwater Code
Some days the lure formula is simple and everything just seems to work.
And other days? Well, it can be a baffling equation of size, depth, colour, and movement required to motivate a trout or salmon to eat your lure. The only thing you can do here is put your thinking cap on, run some experiments, and it’s simply a matter of time before you solve the problem with the right Daiwa lure for the job.
Daiwa Bait Junkie lures are constructed from a proprietary material, ELASTOMAX, an incredibly durable and stretchy non-toxic elastomer which has a positive buoyancy and allows for thinner body designs with improved swimming actions. Amino-X, an amino acid profile, is impregnated into the elastomer during the manufacturing process and acts as a bite trigger while effectively masking any plastic smells. Finally, Shrimp Power-Oil is added to provide an attractive scent.
$13.99
The totally unique bait keeper designed to perform exceptionally well with Daiwa’s stretchy ELASTOMAX Bait Junkies. Hook size from #4-7/0. Weights from 1/20-2oz
high levels of control, fascinating its target without harsh movements even in high current areas.
2500HG COMBOS
FLIGHT 7’0” 2-12G 3/5KG TELE 30T Carbon Blank | V-Mark Titanium
FLIGHT 7’0” 2/12G 3/5KG TELE
Carbon Blank | V-Mark Titanium Guides
FLIGHT 7’0” 2/12G 2/5KG 2PCE
Carbon Blank | V-Mark Titanium Guides
FLIGHT 7’6” 6/14G 2/5KG 2PCE
Carbon Blank | V-Mark Titanium Guides
by Pete Francis - north shore
store
• Bergara B14 Squared Crest Carbon • Bergara CURE ™ Carbon Barrel • Monocoque carbon fibre stock • Calibres: 6.5Creed, 6.5PRC, 7mmRM, 7mm PRC, 308, 300WIN & more
.223 centrefire
tikka T3 Aspire package
• Tikka T3x Aspire .223 • Burris Fullfield Scope 3-12x42mm
• Apex Ringmounts T3x 1" Low
$3,499
$1,199
• B14 Stoke RH 223REM
• Vortex Diamondback 3-9x40
• Talley 1" rings med
• DPT Suppressor
alan's top pick
• Ruger American Range Gen II Ranch .223REM 16"
• Zerotech Vengeance 3-12x40 Scope
• Talley 1" Rings Med
Howa Mini Action .223 Package
• Howa Mini Action SYN SS LW 20"
• Nikko Stirling Panamax Scope
• Zero lock rings
• Sonic Suppressor Ruger Ranch Gen II .223 Package
Bergara B14 Stoke, would make a great entry level rifle. It is ideally suited for the beginner, youth, ladies or anyone of a smaller stature. With a short 12 1/4” length of pull its smaller pistol grip and its minimal weight. It also comes with a nice factory trigger and a 5 shot detachable mag. Ruger American Ranch Gen 2 16” excels in compact. Comes with a factory fitted picatinny rail, crisp adjustable trigger of between 3 and 5lb and AR mag capability. Meanwhile, the Howa Mini Action .223 is a well proven, tough and very reliable action, lightweight and accurate workhorse. Each has their merit, but for all-round performance, the Tikka simply leads the field. Available exclusively through Hunting & Fishing NZ.
by alan keys - whakatane store
rimfire grab a deal for spring
ruger 10/22 farmers package
• Ruger 10/22 Blued Syn 18.5" threaded barrel
• 4x40 Scope
• Alloy Rings
• Suppressor
• 10 shot rotary mag
Bergara BMR Carbon package
• Bergara BMR Carbon
• Vortex Crossfire 11 2-7x32 Rimfire
• Leupold Rifleman Rings
• DPT Suppressor
savage B22 SS 3 - 9X40 scope, rings and suppressor Package
• Savage B22 Stainless Synthetic
• 3-9x40 Scope
• Rings
• Suppressor
savage A22 Semi Auto Syn/Blu Package
• Savage A22 Blued Syn
• 3-9x40 Scope
• Rings
• Suppressor
by Marty Fraser - queenstown store
thermal gear picks for the new season
by Brad Young - Invercargill store
Thermal technology has advanced a large degree in the past few years. Manufactures like Pulsar, Hikmicro and Nocpix have continued to innovate and advance their technology. Integrated laser rangefinders aren’t new but by adding Ballistics and showing the corrected point of aim on the scope reticle has been a game-changer. It's great to see the competition between these companies and the developing the technology which create better products and value for us all.
by jack russell - hunting & fishing nz
WHAT'S IN MY KIT
WITH JOE WILDS
Hey guys, JE Wilds here. No matter where or when I head into the hills, there are certain essentials I never leave behind. Here’s a quick look at some of the key gear you’ll find in my pack or at camp.
Let’s start with the obvious, shelter. I’ve had great success with the MSR range of tents, and for lower elevation hunts you’ll often find me in my MSR Hubba Hubba . Inside, I’m sleeping on a Thermarest Neoloft or Xtherm sleeping mat . If you’ve seen my YouTube hunts, you’ll know I’m usually brewing coffee on my MSR Windburner stove
For the hunt itself, my rifle of choice is the Weatherby Mark V Backcountry 2.0 Ti , the lightest rifle I’ve owned thanks to its titanium action. Chambered in 7mm PRC, I shoot Hornady Precision Hunter 175gr ELD-X A Leupold VX6-HD sits on top, making this a dream hunting combo.
My go-to binoculars are the Leupold BX-4 Range HD 10x42 with a built-in laser rangefinder, kept close in a Leupold Pro Guide bino harness . For the long-range glassing, I pack the Leupold SX-4 Pro Guide HD 15-45x65mm Angled spotting scope on a Leupold Alpine CF-425 tripod , which also doubles for my main camera. My Garmin inReach Mini hangs from my harness for quick access in case of emergencies.
Clothing is all Huntech, gear I’ve trusted for years. The MacKinnon puffer jacket is a game changer and keeps me warm on cold sits, while Tussock V2 pants are my daily go-to for most of my hunts. On my feet, the Zamberlan Guides are my all-round favourite boot.
If you want to check out the gear I rely on, visit your local Hunting & Fishing NZ store. Keep an eye on the JE Wilds Hunting YouTube channel to see it all in action in the wild.
check out je wilds
No matter where or when I head into the hills, there are certain essentials I never leave behind. Here’s a quick look at some of the key gear you’ll find in my pack or at camp. " "
men's short sleeve
Our new Merino thermals are made of an 60% Merino and 40% polyester blend. This makes them warm and comfortable from the Merino as well as durable from the polyester fabric.
Made from 100% hollow core polyester, Thermacore traps warm, dry air to insulate next to the skin. An odour-reducing treatment keeps you fresher for longer.
Men's sizing - XS-4XL
Women's sizing - XS-3XL/8-20 Kid's sizing - 3-14
A wide range of colour options to choose from
Our popular, hard-wearing tees feature 225gsm anti-pill fleece, a drop-tail hem, and quick-dry fabric.
Instant Up Technology
What makes a Coleman tent different
Ideal for camping beginners, families, and anyone who wants to spend less time setting up camp and more time enjoying the outdoors; Coleman Instant Up tents feature a pre-attached frame to simplify the setup process, allowing for a quick and easy setup in under 5 minutes. Forget all the extra poles and loops, simply unfold, extend, and secure with tent pegs. INSTANT UP SILVER SERIES
