be hard to use from smaller craft 
like jet skis, kayaks or small boats.”
“While there are pros for 2-piece 
rods for when travelling, they do have 
cons when it comes to the action 
of the rod if you choose a mid-joint 
pull apart version. The extra material 
needed at the joint creates a flat spot 
and if not designed or laid properly, a 
weak point will develop under load.”
“When considering a 2-piece 
rod, look for a butt joint as it is 
fishes more like a 1-piece rod 
and is generally a stronger joint 
under fishing conditions.”
“If you already have a spin reel 
(2500 – 4000 sizes are best), take 
it with you and put it on the rod to 
feel where the balance point is. If 
the rod dips tip forward too much 
when balancing at the spool of the 
reel, you may get fatigued on those 
big days of constant casting.”
The Lanza Slipknot is a NZ built rod 
on a quality solid carbon blank.
Cast well ahead of the boat’s drift to put your softbait in the zone.
 /FISHINGINGODZONE  61
GRAEME’S 5 TAKEAWAYS 
FOR SOFTBAIT RODS
1.	Choose the right length 
for your fishing platform.
2.	Look for good carbon 
in the rod for lightness, 
power and balance.
3.	For 2-piece rods make sure 
the joint method has been 
done properly or go for a 
butt joint for peace of mind.
4.	Look for quality fittings, 
rule of thumb here is cheap 
guides loose eyes, as the 
eyes fall out as the frames 
aren’t suitable to take knots 
passing through them.
5.	Buy a rod fit for purpose 
and not something you 
want to do many things 
with as sooner or later 
it will let you down.
5 Tips

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