Saltwater is your rod’s biggest enemy. After every session, rinse your rod gently with fresh water.
Focus on the guides, reel seat, and blank — these are the parts most exposed to salt buildup.
Avoid high-pressure hosing — a soft rinse is all you need to prevent corrosion without forcing water into places it shouldn’t go.
2. Check the Guides and Tip Regularly
Your line runs hard under pressure, especially when casting softbaits or fighting fish.
Every few trips, run a cotton bud or soft cloth through each guide.
If it snags, it could mean a tiny crack or chip — and a damaged guide can destroy your line fast.
Catching a small issue early helps keep your rod performing at its best.
3. Check Your Reel Seat and Connections
Before each trip, make sure your reel is properly seated and secure.
A tight, solid connection maximizes sensitivity and ensures the best possible performance when working softbaits or fighting fish.
Only take up the slack — do not overtighten the reel seat, as firm hand-tight pressure is all that’s needed to lock the reel in place without risking damage.
Quick checks help keep your setup feeling crisp and responsive every time you hit the water.
4. Transport, Dry, and Store Your Rod Properly
Protect your investment.
Use a rod sleeve or padded case whenever possible, especially if you’re stacking gear into vehicles or boats.
Never grab multiple rods together by the blanks — this can crush bindings and cause unseen cracks.
Standing rods together without protection often results in guides damaging each other, leading to costly repairs or reduced performance.
Always make sure your rod is fully dry before storing it — trapped moisture can lead to corrosion around guides and reel seats.
Avoid leaving rods exposed to direct sunlight for long periods, as UV can weaken blanks, grips, and epoxy over time.
5. Wipe Down Grips and Handles
Salt, bait scent, sunscreen, and grime all find their way onto your grips.
After rinsing, wipe EVA or cork handles with a damp cloth to keep them clean and avoid buildup.
As a result cleaner grips last longer — and feel better when you’re casting all day.
Final Tip: Treat It Like a Tool, Not a Toy
A good softbait rod is a precision tool, built for serious fishing — and a little extra care means it will perform at its best season after season.
A few minutes after each session can add years of life (and a lot more trophy fish) to your setup.
Looking for a softbait rod that’s built to handle real-world fishing, right here in New Zealand?
When you’re choosing a fishing rod, one of the most important — but often overlooked — factors is the action of the blank.
What is Rod Blank Action?
Rod action refers to how much and where a blank bends when pressure is applied. The action affects how the rod casts, how it fights fish, and how sensitive it feels in your hands.
Types of Rod Action:
Fast Action:
Bends mostly in the top third of the rod, close to the tip.
Provides high sensitivity, quick hook sets, and better control over lures.
Excellent for techniques like mechanical jigging, softbait fishing, and casting light lures.
Fast action rods load quickly and recover fast, making them ideal for precise presentations and fighting powerful fish.
Medium (Moderate) Action:
Bends throughout the top half of the rod blank.
Offers a balance between sensitivity and power, with smoother casting arcs.
Great for multi-purpose fishing — covering everything from soft plastics to inchiku or kabura jigging styles.
Medium action rods are more forgiving during fights, reducing the chance of pulled hooks.
Slow Action:
Bends deeply from the butt through the entire rod blank.
Designed for maximum shock absorption, making it easier to fight heavy fish on lighter lines.
Perfect for traditional surfcasting rods or land-based livebait rods where cushioning hard runs matters most.
Slow action rods also help protect lighter terminal tackle when fighting big fish.
Why Rod Blank Action Matters:
Choosing the right rod action helps you cast more accurately, detect subtle bites, control lures better, and land more fish.
Using the wrong action can lead to missed strikes, broken lines, and lost fish.
At K-Labs, we match rod blank actions to specific fishing techniques, giving anglers better performance, durability, and a custom feel you can’t get from off-the-shelf rods.
Whether you’re jigging, surfcasting, softbaiting, or chasing trophy fish from the rocks, the right rod blank action can make all the difference.
Explore our full range of Custom Built Rods [link to your rods page] to find the perfect action for your fishing style.
FAQ: Fishing Rod Blank Action
What is a fast action rod good for?
Fast action rods are best for techniques needing quick hook sets and high sensitivity, like jigging or softbait fishing. They offer better control and crisp power transfer.
Is medium action better for beginners?
Yes. Medium action rods offer a balance of sensitivity and forgiveness, making them versatile and user-friendly for anglers learning different techniques.
Why would you use a slow action rod?
Slow action rods are ideal when fishing lighter lines, targeting powerful fish, or needing maximum shock absorption, such as surfcasting or livebaiting.
Does rod action affect casting distance?
Yes. Generally, slower action rods can cast further because they load more energy throughout the blank, but fast action rods offer better accuracy at shorter ranges.
Softbait fishing in shallow waters (less than 8 meters) offers a dynamic and rewarding experience for anglers. The proximity to the surface means fish are more alert, making technique and presentation crucial. This guide delves into advanced strategies to enhance your shallow water softbait fishing, ensuring you make the most of every cast.
1. Prioritize Hang Time
In shallow waters, maximizing the “hang time” of your softbait—how long it remains in the strike zone—is essential. Using lighter jig heads (e.g., 1/8 to 1/4 oz) allows the bait to sink slowly, giving fish ample opportunity to observe and strike. This approach is particularly effective in calm conditions where fish are more cautious.
2. Monitor Your Line Closely and Be Ready for Topwater Strikes
Often, the first indication of a bite is a subtle movement in your line rather than a noticeable tug. Keep a vigilant eye on the line’s behavior on the water’s surface. Any unexpected twitch or change in direction could signal a fish’s interest, prompting a timely hook set.
Additionally, in shallow waters, snapper are known to strike softbaits near the surface. Always be prepared for sudden topwater hits, as these can occur unexpectedly and provide thrilling fishing moments.
3. Adapt to Daily Variations
Fishing conditions can change dramatically from one day to the next due to factors like weather, water temperature, and fish behavior. What worked yesterday might not yield results today. Be prepared to adjust your techniques, lure colors, and retrieval speeds to align with the day’s unique conditions.
4. Understand Wind, Current, and Drift
Your boat’s drift, influenced by wind and current, affects how your softbait moves through the water. Position your boat to allow the bait to drift naturally with the current, mimicking the movement of prey. This natural presentation increases the likelihood of enticing strikes from wary fish.
5. Embrace Versatility
Relying on a single technique can limit your success. Incorporate a variety of retrieval methods, such as slow lifts, gentle twitches, and pauses, to determine what triggers bites. Observing and adapting to fish responses will enhance your effectiveness in diverse scenarios.
6. Utilize Unweighted Softbaits and Worm Hooks During Slack Water
Slack water periods, often overlooked, can produce some of the most memorable catches of the day. Employing unweighted softbaits rigged on worm hooks during these times allows for a natural and subtle presentation. The slow, undulating descent of an unweighted softbait can be particularly enticing to wary fish in calm conditions. Worm hooks facilitate a weedless setup, enabling anglers to fish confidently around structures and vegetation without frequent snags. This approach is especially effective when fish are less aggressive, requiring a more finesse-oriented tactic.
7. Match Rod Weight to the Environment: Sand vs. Reef
Selecting the appropriate rod weight based on the fishing environment is crucial for optimizing performance and increasing your catch rate.
Over Sandy Bottoms: Utilizing lighter rods in sandy areas offers several advantages. The open terrain allows anglers to play fish out, providing an exhilarating fight and reducing the risk of line breakage. Lighter rods also enhance sensitivity, enabling you to detect subtle bites and movements, which is particularly beneficial when targeting species that exhibit delicate feeding behaviors. Over Reef Structures: In contrast, fishing over reefs and rocky structures necessitates the use of heavier rods. These environments are fraught with potential snags and hiding spots for fish, requiring rods with greater backbone to exert control and prevent fish from retreating into cover. Heavier rods facilitate stronger hook sets and provide the necessary power to extract fish swiftly, minimizing the chances of losing them to the structure.
By aligning your rod choice with the specific characteristics of the fishing environment, you enhance your ability to effectively target and land fish, ensuring a more successful and enjoyable angling experience.
Conclusion
Softbait fishing in shallow waters demands attentiveness, adaptability, and a deep understanding of environmental factors. By focusing on hang time, monitoring line behavior, adjusting to daily changes, mastering drift dynamics, utilizing unweighted softbaits during slack water, and selecting the appropriate rod weight for your environment, you position yourself for consistent success. Remember, versatility and observation are your greatest tools in shallow water fishing.
Interested in custom rods optimized for shallow water softbaiting? Explore K-Labs’ handcrafted Softbait Rods designed for precision and performance.
Acid Wrap Jig Rods: The Pros, Cons & Why They Haven’t Reinvented the Jig Rod
An acid wrapped jigging rod — also called a spiral wrap rod — is a purpose-built weapon for vertical jigging that eliminates twist and torque. While they’ve been around for decades, these rods are gaining fresh attention from serious anglers in New Zealand who want better performance under heavy load. In this post, we break down the pros, cons, and why acid wrap rods still matter today.
What Is an Acid Wrap Jig Rod?
An acid wrap rod takes a conventional (overhead) reel setup and gradually transitions the guides to the underside of the blank, similar to a spinning rod. The idea is to reduce torque on the blank and improve stability under heavy loads. The term “acid wrap” comes from the theory that the transition looks a bit chaotic at first glance—like it was designed by someone on an acid trip.
The Spine of the Blank & Guide Orientation
Every blank has a natural spine—a point where it naturally wants to flex. When building a conventional jigging rod, the guides are usually placed on the opposite side of the spine (on the outside of the bend). This gives the blank better recovery and power when loaded up.
With an acid wrap setup, the transition guides start on top (conventional placement) and then rotate the line underneath. The spine still plays a role in overall performance, but because the guides are wrapped around the blank, the placement is adjusted to ensure the rod bends naturally under load while maintaining line control and reducing torque.
Advantages of Acid Wrap Jig Rods
1. Reduced Torque & Wrist Fatigue
One of the biggest benefits is that the acid wrap eliminates the twisting force that occurs on a traditional overhead rod under heavy load. Instead of the blank wanting to roll sideways, it stays in a more neutral position, making it easier to control—especially when fighting powerful fish like kingfish, amberjack, or tuna.
2. Increased Stability Under Load
By directing the line under the blank, acid wraps keep the rod from wanting to turn in your hands. This can be a game-changer for anglers who jig for long periods, as the rod stays more balanced.
3. Fewer Guide Issues
With a standard overhead rod, the line can sometimes push against the guides at an angle, especially when the rod is under serious pressure. An acid wrap distributes that pressure more evenly, reducing the chances of guide frame failure or line digging into the guides.
4. Smoother Fighting Performance
Because the line runs under the blank, the rod works more naturally with the fish’s pull. This can make long fights less punishing on both the angler and the gear.
Disadvantages of Acid Wrap Jig Rods
1. Can Look Strange to the Unfamiliar
Many traditional anglers take one look at an acid wrap rod and think it’s a mistake. The visual difference can make some hesitant to try it, even though the performance benefits are well-documented.
2. Takes More Time & Precision to Build
Setting up an acid wrap isn’t as simple as slapping guides in a straight line. The transition guides need to be carefully positioned to ensure a smooth line path, and small miscalculations can cause friction or line slap. It’s a more involved process for the builder.
3. No Clear Strength Advantage Over a Well-Built Conventional Rod
While acid wraps improve stability and reduce torque, they don’t necessarily make a rod stronger or more powerful than a standard jigging rod built correctly. Some anglers prefer the traditional guide layout and don’t feel the need to switch.
Why Haven’t Acid Wraps Reinvented the Jig Rod?
Despite their advantages, acid wrap rods haven’t taken over the jigging world for a few key reasons:
Jigging rods already perform well. The best modern jig rods are incredibly strong, lightweight, and well-balanced. While acid wraps help reduce torque, they don’t offer a dramatic enough improvement to replace traditional layouts entirely. They require extra effort to build. For mass production, a straight-line guide train is easier and faster to manufacture. Custom builders love acid wraps, but large-scale rod makers don’t always see the value in complicating production. They have come and gone multiple times. Acid wrap rods have had waves of popularity, particularly in the big-game fishing world, but they always settle back into a niche rather than becoming the dominant design.
Why Acid Wraps Are Still Worth Considering
Even though they haven’t reinvented the jigging rod, acid wrapped jigging rods remain a fantastic choice for the right kind of angler. If you’re fighting powerful fish, jigging for hours, or simply want less wrist fatigue, acid wrap rods are absolutely worth considering. They’re not for everyone—but for those who get it, they’re a game-changer.
Build Your Own Acid Wrapped Jigging Rod
At K-Labs, we build custom acid wrap rods right here in NZ — engineered for balance, power, and serious performance.
👉 Start your custom build or contact us to talk about your perfect jigging setup.
What is an acid wrapped jigging rod?
An acid wrapped jigging rod, also called a spiral wrap rod, has guides that rotate around the blank to the underside. This helps eliminate rod twist, improves power transfer, and adds stability when fighting big fish — especially during vertical jigging.
Do acid wrap rods really reduce twist?
Yes — acid wrap rods reduce the torque that normally causes spinning rods to roll in your hand under pressure. By wrapping the guides around the blank, they keep your rod stable and aligned when fighting hard-pulling fish.
Are acid wrap rods good for jigging?
Absolutely. They’re purpose-built for vertical jigging where rod torque and control really matter. Many anglers find they reduce fatigue and improve hook-up and fighting efficiency.
Can I get a custom acid wrap rod in New Zealand?
Yes — at K-Labs we custom build acid wrapped rods right here in NZ, tuned to your specs, your style, and your target species.
Choosing the Right Fishing Rod Butt: Materials, Styles, and Features
When it comes to custom fishing rods, the rod butt is a crucial component that affects comfort, performance, and durability. Whether you’re surfcasting, game fishing, or jigging, the right rod butt can enhance your fishing experience. Let’s explore the different materials, shapes, and styles of rod butts available.
Materials: Plastic, Rubber, and Alloy
Plastic Rod Butts
Plastic rod butts are lightweight and affordable, making them a common choice for entry-level rods. They provide basic protection against wear and tear but may not be as durable as other materials. Some plastic butts also come with textured grips to improve handling.
Rubber Rod Butts
Rubber butts are popular for their shock-absorbing properties. They provide excellent grip, even when wet, and help reduce hand fatigue during long fights. Rubber butts are commonly found on spinning and jigging rods where comfort and durability are key.
Alloy Rod Butts
Alloy (typically aluminum) rod butts are built for strength and longevity. These are often found on heavy-duty game fishing rods where extreme pressure is applied. Alloy butts resist corrosion and are often paired with reel seats for a seamless look. Some models even feature removable gimbals for versatility.
Styles: Flat Plugs, Rotating, and More
Flat Plug Rod Butts
Flat plug butts provide a simple and effective base for your rod. They are commonly used on light tackle rods where a butt cap is needed to protect the blank but doesn’t require additional features.
Rotating Rod Butts
Rotating butts are a game-changer for offshore anglers. These butts allow the rod to rotate freely in the gimbal, reducing strain on the angler and keeping the rod in the optimal fighting position. They are a must-have for serious game fishing, especially when targeting large species like tuna or marlin.
Gimbal Butts
Gimbal butts are designed to lock into a fighting belt or harness, preventing the rod from twisting under pressure. These are essential for big-game anglers who need maximum control and stability. Some gimbal butts feature removable covers, allowing them to be used both in and out of a gimbal setup.
Shapes and Ergonomics
Rod butts come in different shapes to suit various fishing styles and personal preferences:
• Tapered Butts – Designed for a more ergonomic grip, these butts provide comfort and reduce fatigue during long fights.
• Flared Butts – A wider base offers more surface area for a secure grip, commonly found on jigging and game rods.
• Slimline Butts – These offer a sleek and minimalist design, reducing weight while maintaining durability.
Final Thoughts
The right rod butt can make a big difference in your fishing experience. Whether you prefer the affordability of plastic, the grip of rubber, or the strength of alloy, there’s a butt style to match your fishing needs. If you’re building a custom rod, consider the balance between function, comfort, and aesthetics to create the perfect setup.
