Daiwa Fishing Gear
Shop Daiwa fishing gear for everything from bream on the Swan River and squid off the jetty through to reef fishing, slow jigging and deep dropping offshore. Daiwa has made tackle in Japan since 1958, and Daiwa Australia has operated here since 1973, developing rod families such as TD Black, Infeet, Saltist and Demon Blood for Australian conditions, including the species and fishing styles we have here in WA.
At Compleat Angler Nedlands, our Daiwa fishing tackle range includes rods, reels, electric combos, lures, squid jigs, braid and tackle storage. As one of Perth's largest Daiwa stockists, we can help you match Daiwa fishing equipment to the species you target and the tackle you already own, in store in Nedlands or online anywhere in Australia.
Daiwa Gear for Every Type of Fishing
The range makes more sense when you start with the fishing rather than the product. A finesse rod for bream needs very different qualities from a jigging rod for samsonfish, and Daiwa fishing gear reflects that with dedicated rod and reel families designed for different styles of fishing.
Estuary and Bream Fishing
For bream, whiting and flathead, start with Infeet or TD Black. Infeet is Daiwa Australia's dedicated bream family, and TD Black sits in the wider TD range alongside TD Hyper and TD Commander. Current options also include the 26 Infeet SK, 26 Infeet IL LTD and 23 TD Sol HD, giving you more ways to match the rod to lure weight, presentation and how you prefer to fish. On the reel side, the 26 Infeet X and TD Black MQ cover most Swan River fishing well, while the 25 TD Sol MQ is the step up for anglers casting small plastics all day. For most bream and finesse setups, a 2000 to 2500 size reel with roughly PE0.4 to PE0.6 braid and a 6 to 10lb leader is a useful starting point, adjusted for structure and conditions. The extra spend at the top end is mainly about refinement, weight and feel over hundreds of casts rather than simply catching more fish.
Squid Fishing
Emeraldas Nude V2 is the all round jig to start with, because you can change its sink angle with a clip on sinker or snap. Amorous Joint has a jointed body with two tow points for cautious squid, and Shine LC Laser Impact casts long with a mirror finish. Choose by depth and current as well as colour, since sink angle decides whether the jig works through the strike zone or drifts over it. Egi sizes around 2.5, 3.0 and 3.5 cover a useful spread of squid fishing, while 10 to 25g jigs give you options as depth, current and wind change. A 2500 to 3000 reel, often with a shallow spool, and roughly PE0.6 to PE0.8 braid is a practical starting point. Pair the outfit with an Emeraldas X rod, and an Emeraldas Egi Case keeps different jig sizes organised without loose crowns through the tackle bag.
Beach and Rock Fishing
Crossfire Surf is the accessible entry, and Sensor Sandstorm suits regular beach fishing. For metals and stickbaits off the rocks, compare Seabass with the Dragger family. Dragger X sits well below Dragger SX in price and is a capable option for anglers who want a purpose-built land based rod without moving straight into the premium end of the range. Dragger SX becomes more relevant when this style of fishing is a regular part of your season and the extra refinement will actually be used.
Demersal and Boat Fishing
For reef and demersal fishing with bait, plastics and tai rubber, look at Saltist, TD Saltwater or Saltiga LC rods with a Saltist MQ reel. Saltist is a Daiwa Australia design suited to this style of offshore fishing, so it's where we start many boat anglers. A 4000 to 6000 size spinning reel is a useful general range for reef and bottom fishing, with PE2 to PE4 braid a common starting point depending on depth, current, structure and target species. Saltiga LC makes more sense once the rod is working regularly and the additional refinement is something you'll use.
Jigging
Demon Blood and Saltiga J are the rods for samsonfish and kingfish, and Outrage X, Saltiga SJ and Saltiga Longfall cover slow and long fall jigging. Demon Blood is the better buy unless you jig every week. Saltiga J costs considerably more, and it earns that money only when the rod is used hard and often.
Deep Dropping
Seaborg, Tanacom and Seapower electric reels handle deep dropping, paired with a Leobritz DG handheld rod or a Saltist or Beefstick deep drop rod. The range includes options such as the Seaborg G300J and 22 Tanacom X alongside larger electric reels for deeper, heavier work. Choose on depth, sinker weight and line capacity rather than the biggest reel on the wall, because a reel that's too big for the rod makes the outfit awkward to hold for a full session. Electric reels also need a suitable 12V power source and power cord; we stock Seaborg power cords and can help make sure the reel, rod, line and power setup work together.
Understanding the Daiwa Range
There isn't one hierarchy where every more expensive Daiwa product is automatically better. The ranges branch by fishing style, and choosing the correct family matters more than moving to the highest priced option.
| Daiwa Range | Fishing Style | Why You'd Choose It |
|---|---|---|
| Infeet | Estuary and bream rods / reels | A dedicated bream family from Daiwa Australia, with rods, reels and lures designed around local fishing. |
| TD Black | Estuary spin and baitcast rods | The middle of the TD range and the right stopping point for most estuary anglers. |
| TD Commander | Premium estuary rod | Adds AGS guides for anglers casting light lures for hours at a time. |
| Saltist | Reef and bottom fishing rods / reels | A Daiwa Australia design for reef and bottom fishing on bait and plastics. |
| Demon Blood | Jigging rod | A reinforced 3DX butt section for lifting samsonfish and kingfish, at a price that suits anglers new to jigging. |
| Saltiga J | Premium jigging rod | For anglers who jig often enough to notice a premium blank. |
| Dragger X | Beach and rock rod | A capable land based rod for metals and stickbaits at a lower price than Dragger SX. |
| Freams LT | Mid range spinning reel | An LT body with Magsealed for regular saltwater use. |
| TD Sol MQ | Finesse spinning reel | A monocoque body for anglers casting small plastics and hardbodies all day. |
| 26 Certate SW | Saltwater spinning reel | Powerdrive construction for heavy saltwater lure fishing. |
| 25 Saltiga | Flagship saltwater spinning reel | The top of the spinning range for anglers fishing heavy offshore tackle often. |
| Tatula | Baitcasting reel | The workhorse baitcasting family and the place to start. |
| Seaborg | Electric deep dropping reel | Powered reels that take the winding out of deep drops. |
The important distinction is application. Saltiga J isn't a better TD Black, and a Certate SW isn't a better reel than Freams LT for a bream angler. Each range is built around a different job.
Daiwa Fishing Rods
Daiwa rods are organised by technique first and price second. Estuary, beach and boat rods share technology such as HVF and SVF carbon, but tapers, guides and lengths change with the job, so choose the family before you compare models. Then read the rating on the rod rather than relying on the family name alone. Line class may be shown in PE or kilograms, while casting or jig weight tells you the practical lure, jig or sinker range the blank is designed to work with. Two rods from the same family can therefore suit very different line classes and lure weights.
TD Hyper, TD Black and TD Commander
The TD range is a ladder. TD Hyper is the entry point, TD Black the middle and TD Commander the top, with TD Battler AGS above it. TD Black is where most estuary anglers should stop. TD Commander adds AGS carbon framed guides, which cut weight in the guides themselves, and that matters when you're casting light lures for hours rather than an hour on a Saturday morning.
Infeet
Infeet covers rods, reels and lures under one name, so it's the easiest way to build a matched bream outfit without piecing it together. The 23 Infeet S rod, the 26 Infeet X reel and lures such as Slippery Dog and Reflex 38S all belong to the same family.
Saltist and Demon Blood
Saltist rods are built for boat fishing on demersals and deep drop work. Demon Blood targets jigging, with a reinforced red butt section called 3DX that adds lifting power for fish like samsonfish and kingfish. Choose Saltist for bait and plastics over reef, and move to Demon Blood once you start working jigs.
Saltiga J and Saltiga SJ
Saltiga is Daiwa's premium name. Saltiga J and Saltiga SJ are for anglers who jig often enough to benefit from a premium blank, and they're the wrong purchase for someone who jigs a few times a year.
Daiwa Fishing Reels
Daiwa builds spinning, baitcasting, overhead and electric reels in clear tiers. Technology developed for the flagship reels tends to filter down, so knowing where a reel sits tells you what you're paying for.
Spinning Reels
Crossfire LT, Legalis LT and Exceler LT are sensible starting points, with Fuego LT filling the gap between Exceler LT and Freams LT for anglers who want to step up without jumping too far in price. Freams LT is a strong option for anyone who fishes salt regularly because it adds Magsealed for regular saltwater use, while Legalis LT remains a practical choice for freshwater and occasional trips. For sizing, think roughly 2000 to 2500 for bream and finesse, 2500 to 3000 for squid, 3000 to 4000 for general inshore fishing and 4000 to 6000 for reef and bottom fishing. Daiwa LT sizing also runs slightly smaller than the same Shimano number, so compare the actual reel rather than assuming the numbers are directly equivalent.
TD Black MQ, Revelry MQ, 26 Infeet X and 25 TD Sol MQ suit bream and light lure fishing. At the top of the finesse ladder, Certate LT, Airity and Exist LT are Daiwa's most refined spinning reels. Certate LT costs roughly $400 less than Exist LT, and unless you want the lightest, most refined reel Daiwa makes, it's the better buy.
For salt, BG MQ and Saltist MQ lead up to Certate SW and the 25 Saltiga spinning reel. Both the 26 Certate SW and 25 Saltiga use Powerdrive construction for heavy offshore loads. Certate SW will suit many serious saltwater lure anglers, while the 25 Saltiga sits at the flagship end for anglers who fish heavy offshore tackle often enough to use the additional refinement and durability.
Baitcasting Reels
Tatula is the workhorse family and the place to start, with Fuego CT another useful option when you want a straightforward baitcaster below the more specialised models. Lexa TW adds heavy duty drag, the 26 Coastal TW is built for inshore saltwater, and the Steez A II TW and Gekkabijin Air TW suit much lighter presentations. Choose by lure weight first, because the reel that suits finesse plastics is not the one you want for heavier work. Check the lure casting range on the rod as well as the reel's intended application, then match the two rather than choosing the baitcaster in isolation.
Overhead and Electric Reels
Saltist and Saltiga overheads cover jigging and bottom fishing, including the 25 Saltiga SD, the 25 Saltiga 300H level wind jigger and the 20 Saltiga LD lever drag. Electric reels from Seaborg, Tanacom and Seapower take the winding out of deep dropping.
Daiwa Rod & Reel Combos
Our range of Daiwa combos comprises deep-drop electric combos. These combos are built around Seaborg, Tanacom and Seapower reels matched to an appropriate rod. Examples include the 17 Seaborg 800MJ / Saltist, 24 Seaborg G1800 and 21 Seaborg 300J combinations, covering everything from more manageable handheld electric fishing through to much heavier deep-water work. Some combos come spooled, so check each listing. Electric reels require a suitable 12V battery and power cord, and we stock Seaborg power cords. Buying a matched combo takes much of the guesswork out of reel size, rod rating and line capacity, but depth, sinker weight and how you plan to hold or fish the outfit should still drive the final choice.
Daiwa Lures, Soft Plastics and Squid Jigs
Daiwa's lure range has the same technique focus as its rods. Choose by the water you fish and the fish you want, not just by colour. That same approach applies beyond saltwater: Daiwa also has strong applications for Australian freshwater fishing, including barramundi, bass and trout. The right rod, reel and lure choice changes substantially between a light trout setup, a bass baitcaster and heavier barramundi tackle, so start with species, lure weight and water type before choosing a product family.
Estuary Hardbodies
Double Clutch is the benchmark suspending jerkbait family, running from the 48SP through to the 115 EXDR, with a tungsten sliding weight system for casting distance. In the sizes we carry, the 75SP is a practical place to start, with the 95SP and 95 Monster Tune giving you larger options as target species and conditions change. Infeet Slippery Dog in 65F and 80F walks the dog like a fleeing prawn, Infeet Rollin Crank covers diving work, and the Infeet Reflex 38S vibe shimmies on the drop around pylons. For bream, choose the Double Clutch size around the bait profile, depth and tackle you're fishing, then add Slippery Dog when you want to cover surface bites.
Soft Plastics and Jigheads
Bait Junkie Minnow, Flick and Prawn are soft plastics made in stretchy Elastomax, rigged on Bait Junkie jigheads including the Covert. Gekkabijin micro plastics suit herring, whiting and small trevally.
Offshore Lures
Saltiga Over There sinking stickbaits, Cuddler floating stickbaits and the Frother 170F cover serious offshore lure fishing. Kingfish and tuna call for tackle with enough casting range, drag and line capacity for sustained pressure, while GT fishing becomes a major application from Exmouth north. Match lure weight to the rod's casting range, since a lure suited to the fish can still be wrong for the outfit.
Daiwa Line and Leader
Choosing the right Daiwa line and lure starts with matching the line to the type of fishing, reel and conditions. J-Braid X4 is the budget casting braid. J-Braid Expedition X8 is silicone coated, while J-Braid Grand X8 uses IZANAS, a premium Japanese braid fibre, and both are eight carrier options for lure and boat fishing. Saltiga Dura X8 and Saltiga 12 EX Si3+ sit at the premium end for jigging and casting, while Tanacom Braid comes in 1000m spools for electric reels. PE is a diameter-based rating rather than a breaking-strain rating, so look at both PE and the stated strength when matching line to an outfit. As broad starting points, bream commonly sits around PE0.4 to PE0.6 with 6 to 10lb leader, squid around PE0.6 to PE0.8, reef fishing around PE2 to PE4 and jigging around PE3 to PE6, with the final choice depending on structure, lure or sinker weight and target species. For leader, J-Thread X-Link FC and J-Thread FC Leader cover finesse through to offshore.
What Makes Daiwa Different?
Daiwa uses a lot of technology names and acronyms, but you don’t need to know all of them. These are the ones that make the biggest difference when choosing a rod or reel:
- Magsealed: Uses magnetic oil to form a liquid barrier against water, salt and dust. It’s particularly useful on reels that see regular saltwater use.
- MQ (Monocoque): Uses a one-piece body design that can accommodate a larger drive gear, creating a stiffer and stronger reel body.
- LT (Light & Tough): Daiwa’s approach to making reels lighter and more compact without giving away strength.
- ATD (Automatic Tournament Drag): Designed for smooth initial drag start-up, which is particularly useful when fishing lighter leaders.
- Airdrive: Covers the rotor, bail, shaft and spool, reducing weight and inertia through the front of the reel.
- Powerdrive: Built around greater stiffness and strength for heavier offshore loads.
Daiwa’s model codes can also tell you a lot about a reel before you pick it up:
- C: Compact body
- D: Deep spool
- S: Shallow spool
- H / XH: High and extra-high gearing
- P: Power gearing
For example, an LT3000-C uses a 3000-size spool on a more compact 2500-size body. These codes matter because spool depth, body size and retrieve speed can change how a reel suits a particular style of fishing.
On Daiwa rods, the main technologies to know are:
- HVF and SVF: Carbon grades with progressively less resin and more carbon fibre, with SVF being lighter and more sensitive for a given strength.
- Nanoplus: Uses a separate nano resin process that raises carbon density further.
- X45: A 45-degree bias wrap designed to reduce blank twisting.
- 3DX: Reinforces the butt section for additional lifting power.
- AGS: Carbon-framed guides that Daiwa says are 40% lighter than titanium equivalents.
Not every rod or reel needs every technology. A beach rod gains little from AGS guides, while a bream rod you’re casting all day can benefit considerably. Look for the technology that actually solves the problem your fishing creates.
Are Premium Daiwa Products Worth It?
Premium Daiwa fishing gear makes the most sense when you fish often enough, or specialise enough, to benefit from what you’re paying for.
- Regular saltwater fishing: Magsealed and MQ construction become more valuable when a reel is regularly exposed to salt and working under load.
- Finesse and light-lure fishing: Lighter blanks, AGS guides and more refined reels become noticeable when you’re casting for hours.
- Jigging and heavy offshore fishing: Higher-end rods such as Saltiga J are designed to handle repeated heavy loading where the additional construction and components become more useful.
- Occasional fishing: You don’t necessarily need premium gear. A Legalis LT or Exceler LT on a TD Hyper can do the job, leaving more of your budget for line, leader and lures.
- Kids and first-time anglers: Daiwa also has entry-level combos for anglers who want a straightforward complete outfit without building a rod-and-reel combination from scratch.
It’s also worth separating starter combos from electric combos. Daiwa’s electric combinations are specialised deep-drop outfits built around reels such as Seaborg and aren’t the same category as the entry-level combos designed simply to get someone fishing.
Buy Daiwa Fishing Tackle at Compleat Angler Nedlands
Compleat Angler Nedlands has helped Perth anglers choose tackle since 1993, and our team brings more than 200 years of combined fishing experience, from Swan River bream to deep dropping off the shelf. As one of Perth's largest Daiwa stockists, we carry rods, reels, electric combos, lures, Emeraldas squid jigs, J-Braid line, bags and cases. Storage options include products such as the WP Tote, Guide Waist Bag, Bait Junkie cases and Emeraldas Egi Case, so you can match the storage to lures, squid jigs or the way you fish rather than buying a generic tackle box.
We spool line free when you buy it in store for your reel, and we also spool from bulk line. We service most reels and repair most rods, and we send Magsealed reels back to Daiwa for servicing. We also carry a substantial SLP Works range, including spools, handles and knobs, plus Daiwa reel grease and oil. SLP Works parts are generation-specific, so check the reel's year prefix before buying a spool or handle; for example, parts made for one Saltiga generation will not necessarily fit another. If you're unsure, bring the reel in and the team can help confirm compatibility before you buy.
Visit us at Level 1, 154 Stirling Highway, Nedlands WA 6009, above the Taylor Road IGA, or order Daiwa products online for delivery Australia wide. Free shipping applies over $150 (under 3kg, exclusions apply), and click and collect is available. We sell genuine Daiwa Australia stock, which keeps local warranty and servicing straightforward if you need support after purchase.
About Daiwa
Daiwa has made fishing tackle in Japan since 1958, and Daiwa Australia has operated here since 1973. It designs rod ranges such as TD Black, Infeet, Saltist, Demon Blood and Sensor Sandstorm for local conditions, while the reel range carries ideas that matter on the water, including Magsealed sealing, Monocoque bodies and Airdrive rotors. For anglers, Daiwa fishing in Australia runs from a Crossfire on the jetty to a Saltiga on a samsonfish boat or a Seaborg on the deep drop, and the Daiwa fishing gear range covers every style in between.
Daiwa FAQs
Where Is Daiwa From?
Daiwa is a Japanese fishing tackle company that has made rods and reels in Japan since 1958. Daiwa Australia has operated here since 1973, designing rod ranges for local fishing and bringing in the Japanese reel range.
Are Daiwa Rods and Reels Designed for Australian Fishing?
Many of the rods are. TD Black, Infeet, Saltist, Demon Blood and Sensor Sandstorm are Daiwa Australia designs built around local species and conditions. Manufacturing locations vary by model, so ask us about a specific product if origin matters to you.
Is Daiwa or Shimano Better?
Neither Daiwa nor Shimano is better overall. Both make excellent gear across multiple price points, but they approach design and product families differently. Daiwa's strengths include technologies such as Magsealed and Australian-designed rod families including Infeet and Saltist, while Shimano is known for technologies such as Hagane gearing and InfinityDrive. For heavy offshore spinning, Daiwa Saltiga and Shimano Stella SW are both premium options. The right choice comes down to the specific model, how it feels in your hand, the fishing you do and the gear you already own. We stock both brands, so you can compare them side by side rather than choosing on the logo alone.
What Is the Best Daiwa Reel for Bream?
The 26 Infeet X and TD Black MQ cover most Swan River bream fishing well. Step up to the 25 TD Sol MQ only if you cast small lures most weekends, because what it adds is refinement over a long day, not extra fish.
What Is the Best Daiwa Reel for Beginners?
Legalis LT or Exceler LT is the sensible starting point, and Crossfire LT is the budget option. If you'll fish saltwater regularly, spend a little more on Freams LT, which adds Magsealed for regular saltwater use.
What Is the Best Daiwa Fishing Rod in Australia?
There isn't one rod that suits every type of fishing, but the straight answers by job are simple. TD Black or Infeet S for bream, Saltist for boat demersal fishing, Demon Blood for jigging, and Dragger X for metals and stickbaits off the rocks. Move to TD Commander or Saltiga J only when you use the rod hard and often.
What Does Magsealed Do, and Can You Service Magsealed Reels?
Magsealed is a film of magnetic oil on the main shaft, and on the line roller and bearings in higher models, that forms a liquid barrier against water, salt and dust. We send Magsealed reels back to Daiwa for servicing, so don't open one up at home.
What Does LT Mean on a Daiwa Reel?
LT stands for Light and Tough, Daiwa's compact, lighter body and internals without losing strength. It also restandardised sizing, so an old 2500 is roughly an LT 3000. Keep that in mind when you compare an older reel with a current one.
What Daiwa Gear Suits Reef and Demersal Fishing?
For offshore reef and demersal fishing with bait, plastics and tai rubber, look at Saltist, TD Saltwater or Saltiga LC rods with a Saltist MQ or 23 Saltist LW reel. For slow jigging, choose Outrage X, Saltiga SJ or Saltiga Longfall with a Saltiga 300H or Saltist SD. Match the rod's line class and casting or jig weight to the line, sinker or lure you intend to fish rather than choosing on rod family alone. For a general spinning setup, 4000 to 6000 size reels and roughly PE2 to PE4 braid are useful starting points, adjusted for depth, current, structure and target species.
Which Daiwa Electric Combo Should I Buy?
Match the combo to depth, sinker weight, line capacity and how you plan to fish it. Options include 17 Seaborg 800MJ / Saltist, 24 Seaborg G1800 and 21 Seaborg 300J combinations, giving you choices from more manageable electric outfits through to serious deep dropping. Electric reels also require a suitable 12V battery and power cord, so factor the power setup into the purchase rather than treating the reel and rod as the complete system.
Which Emeraldas Squid Jig Should I Use?
Emeraldas Nude V2 is the all rounder to start with, and you can change its sink angle with a clip on sinker or snap. Amorous Joint gives a jointed action for cautious squid, and Shine LC Laser Impact casts long with plenty of flash.
Which Daiwa Braid Should I Buy?
J-Braid X4 is the value casting braid. J-Braid Expedition X8 and J-Braid Grand X8 suit most lure and boat fishing, and most anglers should land there. Saltiga Dura X8 and Saltiga 12 EX Si3+ are for jigging and heavy casting, and Tanacom Braid comes in 1000m spools for electric reels.
Do You Spool Line and Service Daiwa Reels?
Yes. We spool line free when you buy it in store for your reel, and we also spool from bulk line. We service most reels and repair most rods, and Magsealed reels go back to Daiwa for servicing.
Are Expensive Daiwa Reels Worth It?
They are when the extra money buys something you actually use. Certate SW and the 25 Saltiga become more relevant when you fish heavy saltwater often, while Certate LT, Airity and Exist LT offer different levels of refinement for anglers casting light lures for long sessions. If you fish a handful of times a year, a Legalis LT, Exceler LT or Fuego LT may give you everything you need without paying for features you will rarely use.
Where Can I Buy Daiwa Products in Australia?
Compleat Angler Nedlands is one of Perth's largest Daiwa stockists, with Daiwa products in store at Level 1, 154 Stirling Highway, Nedlands WA 6009 and online with delivery Australia wide. Free shipping applies over $150 (under 3kg, exclusions apply), and click and collect is available.