Blog

Low rider guides have become a trend in some parts of the surfcasting world — especially online where overseas styles influence Kiwi anglers. But do low riders actually work for NZ surfcasting? And should you use them on your next rod? This guide breaks down the real-world advantages and disadvantages, specifically for NZ surf conditions,…

K-Labs Custom Built Rods – Rods of Fine Design Many Kiwi anglers upgrade reels, change braid, tweak sinkers, perfect knots, and even adjust technique — but still can’t match the casting distance of top surfcasters. There’s a simple reason for that: Cheap blanks physically cannot deliver the distance potential that high-quality blanks can. This isn’t…

K-Labs Custom Built Rods – Rods of Fine Design Most surfcasters assume their rod casts “as far as it can”. In reality, almost every surf rod in New Zealand is performing 20–40% below its potential. This is not the rod’s fault — it’s the result of poor loading, mismatched sinker weights, guide issues, line friction,…

– Why Length, Power, Action & Components Matter More Than You Think If you fish New Zealand surf beaches, the rod you choose makes a massive difference. NZ surfcasting isn’t like Australia, the UK, or Japan — we have heavier swell, steeper gutters, powerful longshore currents, and unpredictable winds. Most rods built for overseas markets…

K-Labs Custom Built Rods – Rods of Fine Design NZ surfcasting is unlike anywhere else. Strong winds, heavy swell, longshore currents, steep beaches and big baits all place massive load on surf rods. Most advice online is generic or Australian-focused. This guide explains what actually matters for NZ surfcasting rods. Conclusion Choosing the right surfcasting…

K-Labs Custom Built Rods – Rods of Fine Design When a rod tip breaks, most anglers assume high-sticking caused it. But most tip failures have nothing to do with high-sticking. In almost every case, the damage happened long before the moment it snapped. Here are the real causes of tip failures in NZ. How to…

If you’ve ever looked at rod specs, you’ve seen labels like 24T, 30T, 36T, or even 40T. Most anglers assume “higher tonnage = better rod.” But that’s not true in real NZ fishing. This blog explains exactly what tonnage means, what it doesn’t mean, and which materials actually perform best for NZ conditions.What “Tonnage” Means“T”…

By K-Labs Custom Built Rods — New Zealand | Rods of Fine Design Introduction — The Most Overlooked Part of Rod Performance Most anglers focus on the blank, the reel seat, or the grip — but the guides on your rod are one of the biggest factors in: In New Zealand, nothing exposes weak guides…

Why your rod feels light in the shop but heavy on the water — and how to choose the right balance for New Zealand fishing. Introduction — The Most Misunderstood Part of Rod Performance Ask any angler how a rod “feels,” and they’ll talk about weight, power, action, stiffness, or sensitivity. But the real game-changer…

By K-Labs Custom Built Rods Rod failures in New Zealand are almost always caused by incorrect drag combined with shock load. It’s not about weak blanks or poor build quality. It’s physics. This guide explains how drag really works, why the one-third rule is misunderstood, and the real drag limits of NZ rod classes. 1–2kg…