This is my new personal softbait setup, 4-6kg 7ft

The blank is from CTS in Auckland, it features their new TurboTaper™ technology – a two stage taper with smooth progressive upper area for even loading casts and delicate lure control and a punchy bottom section for superior fighting ability and power to control fish.

With an American Tackle Microwave Guide train, the double ring on the stripper guide allows for free running of the line through the guides creating less drag and friction enabling longer more efficient casting control, also converting  ‘pushing line energy’ through a guide ring to ‘pulling line energy’ preventing the line from travelling in loops beyond the larger stripper guide and thus  avoiding  wind knot tangles.

Featuring Urban Camo Split Grip design, with a Project X reel seat, and black and silver bindings It is a pleasure to use.

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***On Top Lures 8ft, 2pc, PE2-4, 30-80g ***

This has been over 12 months in the making, in collaboration with On Top Lures,  we are excited to release our second Stickbait rod in the OTL range. Imported from the USA, constructed from Toray Graphite for strength, durability and sensitivity, this blank has a moderate fast action and casts like a rocket. Running all Fuji componentry, graphite reel seat, lock nut, K-guides and bound on tip, X-Flock shrink wrap butt section and slimline forward grip. This rod has been designed for targeting NZ Kingfish and Snapper in the shallows, but being a two piece rod it will also be ideal for travelling. The two pieces are equal in length at 1270mm. Part of our testing program was undertaken by Innkeeper Sportfishing Charters in Exmouth and the following review is Brendon's thoughts on his experiences with the rod.

PRODUCT REVIEW

Hi Dianne and Graham

It was great to catch up with you earlier in the year and discuss rods while being shown your whole operation. Janelle and I were both impressed with how clean, tidy and well laid out your rod building set up is. It’s also great to see how passionate you two are with every rod build and the knowledge you shared with us. 

I’m always excited to be fishing with a new product and putting it through its paces, so I could not wait to get back to Exmouth and get the new 8ft On Top Lures Series rod wet. Being a 2-piece rod, this was no problem to travel with. I have paired it with a Shimano Saragosa SW6000 running 15kg braid and it is a casting machine with very little effort. We have been casting poppers, stick baits and large soft plastics landing Queenfish, Coral trout, Spangled Emperor and sight casting Mahi Mahi. To top this off Janelle has been switch baiting Black Marlin around the 40kg mark with the 15kg braid and also with a top shot of 6kg. This is fast becoming a very versatile rod for my charter operation here even cutting down the amount of rods I need to have onboard. 

 Kind regards, Brendon Hawker Innkeeper Sport Fishing