b"TestedCRB 13ft Surf/Inlet RodThe CRB 13ft rod is ideal for fishingupon seeing the finished low surf or harbour conditions where you still need a longer cast. product for the first time, I was impressed with the rod.It looks stunning in blue/black, with camo grips, matching blue CRB reel seat, and finished with Tonys decorative thread work in the build.The 2-piece slim line blank is very light in hand, weighing only 400gm and I was keen to see how well it cast out off the beach.SPRING FISHING TRIPI hadnt done any surfcasting over winter as focused on game bird hunting, but I was itching to get back to Northlands west coast to BY MATHEW HEWETSONmy favourite surfcasting CRB 13FT destination along Ripiro Beach and top of the North Kaipara.In spring, larger snapper move into the mouth SURF/INLET of the Kaipara and I was hoping to score a few and test out the new rod at the ROD same time.Custom rod builder Tony Gillies contacted me in early 2022 to advise he was looking to bring in a new 13ft blank from his US based contacts at CRB. T ony is the founderbuild a concept rod.CRB'sZirconium Oxide inserts, the of TG CustomSurf rod blanks are designedElite guides have a thinner Rods and haswith a focus on material,profile ring with ultra-been buildingtaper, and performance.smooth bezel resulting in quality trout/ Using graphite of 30 millionlighter weight and superior freshwater rods for customersmodulus for a combinationperformance for taming throughout Godzone.Duringof sensitivity, strength,aggressive braided lines. his time, he has also beenlighter weight, and smallerThe CRB Heavy Duty Reel asked to build custom jiggingrod diameters, these gatorSeat is fully machined rods for keen saltwaterblanks have the correctaluminium seat with anglers and Tony wanted totapers and the tough, durablechannel design that secures look at expanding his range toperformance you needthe reel foot and helps include a surf rod. for surfcasting. eliminate wobble.When his US agent advisedThe finished rod featuresI met up with Tony in the of the new 13ft blank, TonyCRB Elite Guides constructedmiddle of winter once he asked to be sent a sample towith diamond polishhad finished the rod and 76FISHING IN GODZONE NOV/DEC 2022"