At K-Labs, we specialise in custom fishing rods NZ anglers trust — each one handcrafted in Waikato using precision engineering and top-tier components.

Our rods are built to order and fully customised to your specifications, including rod length, action, grip style, and guide configuration. Every build is designed to enhance performance, durability, and casting accuracy on the water.

Whether you’re a seasoned sportfisher or just beginning your journey, we provide expert advice to help you choose the ideal setup for your fishing technique and target species.

Choose K-Labs for premium, custom-built fishing rods in New Zealand — engineered to perform and built to last.

A Lifetime of Angling Passion: The Story Behind K-Labs Custom Fishing Rods

Fishing isn’t just a hobby — it’s a way of life for many. For the owner of K-Labs, that couldn’t be more true. A lifetime spent chasing fish around the globe, from wild coastlines to deep-sea adventures, sparked a passion that runs as deep as the oceans they fish.

This lifelong dedication to angling led to the creation of K-Labs — a business built not only on expert craftsmanship but also on a deep understanding of what makes a fishing rod exceptional.

A Global Fishing Journey

From remote beaches to offshore hotspots, the journey took them to some of the world’s most exciting fishing locations. Each trip added valuable insights into how rods perform in different conditions and with different species.

Whether surfcasting on a quiet shore, rock fishing with adrenaline pumping, or enduring the demands of offshore game fishing, each experience shaped K-Labs’ rod-building philosophy.

They’ve fished from kayaks in secluded bays and chased trophies on charter boats. Through it all, they tested gear in the toughest environments, learning firsthand what anglers truly need — and what mass-produced rods often lack.

Firsthand Knowledge Fuels Rod Design

Years on the water taught them how rods should perform under pressure. They learned how a rod needs to load for a long surfcast, how to balance for working soft baits, and how much power is needed to stop a fish from reaching the rocks.

This knowledge isn’t theoretical. It’s woven into every custom rod built at K-Labs. The goal isn’t just to create gear that looks good — it’s to build a rod that becomes an extension of the angler’s body and enhances their experience on the water.

Craftsmanship Born from Passion

Turning fishing experience into high-performance gear was a natural evolution. The founder of K-Labs wanted to do more than build rods — they wanted to craft tools that increase an angler’s success.

This isn’t a factory churning out rods. It’s a personal, hands-on process. Every rod is handcrafted to meet the needs of individual anglers. Whether you’re surfcasting for snapper, jigging for kingfish, or paddling out in a kayak, K-Labs builds rods designed for your fishing style.

Sharing the Love of Fishing

At its heart, K-Labs is about more than just building rods. It’s about sharing a passion for fishing. Helping fellow anglers enjoy that unmatched thrill of landing a fish using gear that feels like a natural extension of themselves.

A lifetime spent on the water teaches you that the right rod makes all the difference. That’s why K-Labs rods are built by someone who lives and breathes fishing — just like you.

Whether you’re just starting out or you’ve fished for decades, K-Labs is ready to help you write the next chapter in your fishing story.

Why K-Labs Leads in Custom Fishing Rods

When it comes to fishing, your gear matters. Factory rods may be convenient, but they often fall short on precision and personalization. That’s where K-Labs stands out — custom-built rods made for New Zealand anglers who demand the best.

Expert Craftsmanship Beats Factory Rods

Mass-produced rods target the average angler. But what if you’re not average? What if you need a rod built for your specific fishing style and location?

At K-Labs, each rod is crafted by hand with expert attention to detail. Every component is carefully selected and perfectly fitted for peak performance. Unlike factory rods, nothing is rushed or compromised.

While production rods often cut costs by using cheaper materials, K-Labs uses only top-tier blanks, guides, and grips. When you fish with a K-Labs rod, you immediately feel the difference.

Designed for Your Style — and Budget

Every angler is different. That’s why K-Labs customizes rods to match your needs. Whether it’s the length, action, reel seat, or materials, you get exactly what suits your fishing.

Targeting snapper in shallow reefs? Chasing kingfish offshore? K-Labs builds rods tailored to your goals. And it doesn’t have to break the bank. Whether you’re after a premium rod or a reliable, budget-friendly option, there’s something for you.

Built to Last

Factory rods often wear out over time. K-Labs rods are different. They’re built to endure New Zealand’s harshest fishing environments. From pounding surf to rocky reefs, your rod is designed to go the distance.

And if anything ever needs adjustment or repair, K-Labs offers personal support that big brands can’t match.

Feel the K-Labs Difference

Fishing isn’t just a pastime — it’s a lifestyle. When you invest in a K-Labs rod, you’re getting more than just gear. You’re getting a tool that transforms every moment on the water.

The performance, precision, and personalization of a custom rod can’t be matched by anything off the shelf. Once you fish with a K-Labs rod, you’ll never look back.

Ready to Build Your Dream Rod?

Whether you’re new to fishing or a seasoned angler, K-Labs is ready to craft the perfect rod for your next adventure. Let your rod reflect your passion — built by someone who shares it.

Precision meets obsession. This gallery showcases the premium components that power our high-performance custom lure rods, including some of New Zealand’s very best softbait rods—or soft bait rods, depending on how you spell it. These rods respond to every twitch, drop, and strike with precision, giving serious anglers the edge they need.

At K-Labs, we build every rod from the ground up. Nothing here is off-the-shelf. What you see is just a glimpse of the materials and craftsmanship that go into every design. Whether you’re flicking softbaits in skinny water, dropping a kabura jig into structure, or working an inchiku jig along reef edges, we tailor each rod to your style and target species.

We also craft slow pitch jigging rods that deliver refined control and mid-column strike sensitivity. Our rods balance perfectly, react quickly, and perform reliably in New Zealand conditions. From kabura rods with fast recovery to slow jig rods with deep parabolic action, each one is made to suit your technique.

These rods don’t just perform—they look sharp too. Whether you’re targeting snapper, kingfish, or anything in between, K-Labs rods are for anglers who demand more from their gear.

This gallery is just the start. Got an idea? Let’s build it.

Rod Revival