Overhead Rod & Reel Combos

Whether you're trolling skirts, dropping jigs, or sending a bait to the reef, overhead combos offer key advantages over spinning combos for offshore fishing. Firstly, these combos are built for the ocean – they're tough as nails and can handle the rough and tumble of a deep-sea fishin' mission. They also hold huge amounts of fishing line, letting you reach those prized fishing grounds that were previously off limits with your favourite spin stick. Most importantly, the trusty overhead combo won't let you down when you hook that monster of the reef.

With the increased spool capacity and line control of an overhead combo, you can easily feed your bait or lure down to the depths. Overheads also offer simple and instant drag adjustments. If your reel has a star or lever drag, it's easy to maintain pressure throughout a fight. Some lever drag overhead reels even have a ‘strike' setting, which is perfect for trolling and setting the hook when a fish hits your lure.

And we can't forget about the other half of these offshore fishing combos – the overhead rod. Made of muscle, these rods give you the upper hand when you're wrestling a big fish from the abyss. They feature thick grips, solid guides, and will fit snugly into most rod holders and gimbal belts. Most overhead combos also fall between 5-6 feet, which is perfect for any offshore fishing style, be it trolling or bottom bashing.

Once you've picked out a new overhead combo, you're just about ready to hit the big blue. Here's an offshore fishing checklist with all the essentials to help put a bend in your rod: