b'MORNING BITEDargaville local Brian Snooks arrived at 6am at the bach and we drove down the beach to a good-looking bank as conditions were perfect.As we set up the rods and baited hooks, the sunrise and sky were a stunning pinky-crimson and the wind was down.We cast together at the same time and within two minutes we were both hooked up to good snapper!Both fish were well over 45cm and in prime condition, what a start.Over the next hour and we had multiple bites, and Brian landed his PB snapper off the beach with a nice 63cm fish on his Tica Kazumi Pro.As the sun rose higher above us the bite dropped off with theKilwell Powerplay 222change of incoming tide, but with several good fish in theAvailable in two modelsKILWELL NZ POWERPLAY 1402bin it had been worth the earlyBoth Powerplay 222 models come- 222 SURF ROD ($1,129) start.We headed back to thewith a Kilwell Lifetime warranty. Kilwell Powerplay 222FXL is the bach for much needed coffee andperfect choice for the serious brunch and planned an eveningKILWELL NZ POWERPLAY 1402surfcaster who aspires to cast fish further down the beach at222 - DISTANCE SURF ROD further and consistently put bait a spot I had caught many good(RRP $1,349)out into the top fish feeding areas.snapper from on previous trips. The Distance model (DIS222FX)The 222FXL blank is rolled That late afternoon I switchedis the perfect choice foron the same mandrel as the between the Powerplay 222 andthe serious surfcaster whocontest winning Distance 222 my Tica Kazumi Gold rods to seeaspires to cast further. model, but with a softer more how they fished differently, withThe Distance 222 is a fishingsensitive tip section to help feel the Ticas much softer tip helpingrod that will increase your abilitythe bites and improve hook set.on those sensitive bites.Theto consistently put your bait outThe combination of a Twill Weave evening fishing wasnt as goodinto the top fish feeding areas. Power Butt and new technology as that morning bite, but we stillThe combination of a TEXALIUMcarbon tip give these rods huge managed a couple of snapperPower Butt and a carbon tip givesreserves of power and strength and a few really big kahawai overyou a rod with huge reserveswhile the slimline profile means 3kg that impressed with theirof power and strength whilethat the all-important balance.fighting abilities in the surf. the slimline profile means thatBlank loading and power I also witnessed a kingfish bustthe all-important balance, blanktransmission needed to achieve a up right in front of us when mulletloading, and power transmissionlong cast are inbuilt into the rod.when flying in all directions andneeded to achieve a long castThe rod incorporates the latest a large splash and wave eruptedare inbuilt into the rod. ALPS GSXNG stainless, deep around the fleeing fish.It wasSPECIFICATIONS: pressed, gold zirconia guides, cool to see, and I wished I had4.27m 2-piece rod for long life and castability.a topwater combo on hand. 115 -170g cast weight SPECIFICATIONS:The sunset over the Tasman was4.27m 2-piece rodstunning as we drove back up the55 -170g cast weightbeach to the bach for a hot shower and much welcomed cold beer. /FISHINGINGODZONE27'