Fishing Rods
Fishing rods for every style of New Zealand fishing, from sensitive soft bait rods and light spin rods to powerful jigging, topwater, surf and game rods. Our range is led by Shimano and Daiwa, alongside Okuma, PENN, Abu Garcia and CD Rods, with graphite, composite and fibreglass blanks for every budget.
Choose boat rods for snapper and general fishing, soft bait rods and light spin rods for finesse work, and jigging, slow jig and topwater rods for kingfish. Cast from the beach with surf and landbased rods, chase marlin with game rods, and take a travel rod anywhere.
Rods are best chosen in hand, so come and feel the action at the Land & Sea concept store at 36 Pollen Street, Grey Lynn, where the team can help match a rod to your reel and fishing. Or order online for tracked delivery across New Zealand, with click and collect from our Westgate collection point at 4B Topere Way.
Frequently asked questions about fishing rods
How do I choose the right fishing rod?
Start with where and how you fish, as that decides the rod type: boat, soft bait, jigging, surf or light spin. Then match the rod's line rating and lure weight to the line and tackle you will use, and choose a length that suits the job, shorter for boats and jigging, longer for casting and surf. Finally, make sure it suits your reel type, spin or overhead, and feels comfortable in your hands.
What does the line rating on a rod mean?
The line rating, shown in kilograms or pounds, tells you the range of line breaking strains the rod is designed for, such as 4 to 8 kg. Using line within that range lets the rod bend and recover as designed, protecting the line when fighting fish. Line much heavier than the rating risks breaking the rod, while much lighter line may snap before the rod's power comes into play.
What do rod action and power mean?
Action describes where the rod bends: a fast action bends mainly near the tip, giving sensitivity and quick hook sets, while a moderate or slow action bends further down the blank, which is more forgiving and casts smoothly. Power describes how much force it takes to bend the rod, from light to extra heavy. Together they tell you how the rod will feel and what fish and lures it suits.
What does a PE rating on a rod mean?
PE ratings come from the Japanese system for braided line diameter, and on a rod they show the range of braid the rod is designed for, such as PE 1 to 2. Because braid strength varies between brands, the PE number is about thickness rather than exact breaking strain. Jigging, slow jig and topwater rods are often rated by PE, along with a recommended jig or lure weight range.
What is the difference between spin and overhead rods?
Spin rods have larger guides on the underside of the rod, starting with a big first guide to control line coming off a spin reel. Overhead and baitcast rods have smaller guides on top of the rod, often with a trigger grip, to suit reels that sit on top. Using the wrong reel on a rod hurts casting and can stress the guides, so match the rod type to your reel.
One-piece, two-piece or multi-piece rods - which is best?
One-piece rods have the smoothest action and the most strength and sensitivity, with no joints, which is why serious jigging and topwater anglers often prefer them. Two-piece rods are easier to transport and store, with very little difference in feel on modern rods. Multi-piece travel rods break down small for flights and backpacks. Choose based on how you store and transport your gear.
Graphite, fibreglass or composite rods - which is better?
Graphite rods are light, stiff and sensitive, so you feel bites clearly, which suits soft baiting, jigging and casting. Fibreglass rods are heavier and softer but extremely tough and forgiving, which suits kids, bait fishing and rough use. Composite rods blend the two, giving a balance of sensitivity and durability, which is why many popular all-round boat rods use a composite blank.
How do I look after my fishing rods?
Rinse rods with fresh water after saltwater use, paying attention to the guides and reel seat, and let them dry before storing. Check guides regularly for cracks or grooves, which can fray line, and store rods upright in a rack or in rod socks so tips are not bent or knocked. Never store them leaning in a hot car or with line tension on the tip, and use a rod tube when travelling.