Saltwater Jigging / Topwater Rods

2015 sees this new topwater rod and a new look for the highly successful back bone range. They are now lighter, stronger, more powerful aswell as cosmetically appealing. The 2014 Shimano Backbone-Elite range includes 28 rods that continue Shimano's dedication to producing superb quality rods at genuinely reasonable prices.
The Shimano Backbone-Elite range, are built on exceptionally high quality composite blanks. All rods are heavy duty and have moderate and fast actions, they are finished with top quality Shimano Soft Touch reel seals, guides and bindings. The comprehensive Shimano Backbone-Elite series covers a diverse range of line classes and fishing styles, from freshwater, to inshore and heavy saltwater use. This rod at 8ft2 is ideal for targeting those XOS kingis using stick baits and poppers with braid line weights up to 80lb.

Rod Specs

Pieces: 2
Line Wt. (kg): 50-80LB
Blank Type: 24/30 Ton Graphite
Grip Assembly: Eva
Length: 8ft2
Guide Type: Ceramic
Action: Medium Fast:
Gimbal type: Rubber Gimbal
Reel Seat: Shimano soft touch

The new Shimano Energy Concept Topwater Spin Rod is built from the ground up by the Shimano Fishing NZ development team to give you a rod like no other. Built with no compromise on quality, this rod is made with a SVX2 carbon-graphite blank, Fuji guides and reel seat. It also features a highly sensitive tip for working lures and stick baits, low down grunt for lifting power on heavier fish, quality components and stunning looks. The best part? Overall the Energy Concept range will perform day in and day out without fail!

Shimano Energy Concept Topwater Spin Rod Features:

SVX2 Carbon-graphite blank

Fuji guides

Fuji reel seat

Sensitive tip New Zealand designed and tested

Shimano Energy Concept Topwater Spin Rod Specifications:

Length: 2.4m (8ft)

Pieces: 3

Line weight: PE 3-6

Lure weight: 70-120g

Blank type: SVX2 Carbon graphite

Grip assembly: Extra hard EVA

Guide type: Fuji

Action: Fast

Reel seat: Fuji

The new backbone rods are now stronger than ever, with higher quality blanks, good quality componentry and slick new design that is bound to please. One of the biggest selling rods in the Shimano range, there are multiple options with in the backbone range to suit the most discerning anglers.

Features - 

• Carbon blanks
• Top quality SEA guides
• Pieces: 1
• Length: 5ft 5in
• Line weight: 50-80lb
• Lure weight: 400g
• Blank: Carbon
• Butt assembly: Full length EVA
• Guide: SEA guide

These JDM jigging rods are popular with jig fishing devotees. All are of single-piece construction and rated for use with PE 2.5-PE 5 braid. These high carbon blanks are incredibly light, yet strong, which is delivered by a Spiral X and High Power inner and outer weave. They come fitted with Fuji K series SiC guides on stainless frames, Shimano reel seats on the spin rods and Fujis for the overheads, and custom-shaped split EVA grips.

Specs - 

• Pieces - 1
• Line Weight - Max PE8 
• Lure Weight - Max 400g
• Guide Type - Fuji
• Reel Seat - Fuji

These JDM jigging rods are popular with jig fishing devotees. All are of single-piece construction and rated for use with PE 2.5-PE 5 braid. These high carbon blanks are incredibly light, yet strong, which is delivered by a Spiral X and High Power inner and outer weave. They come fitted with Fuji K series SiC guides on stainless frames, Shimano reel seats on the spin rods and Fujis for the overheads, and custom-shaped split EVA grips.

Specs - 

• Pieces - 1
• Line Weight - Max PE6
• Lure Weight - Max 300g
• Guide Type - Fuji
• Reel Seat - Fuji

The CD Haku topwater range has been designed in NZ for chasing one of the hardest fighting fish on the planet – the Haku aka Yellowtail Kingfish. Utilising a super high-modulus 46T graphite blank and the finest Alps and Fuji componentry, the Haku series is lightweight yet extremely powerful - ideal for both casting all day and turning big fish out of gnarly terrain. The rods have been designed specifically for stickbaiting with a slightly softer action through the tip to ensure that even the most temperamental high-end lures are easy to swim without pulling them out of the water. The action when loaded up is parabolic to take the hurt off the angler when a fish is digging in, while the lower section is capable of putting extreme amounts of pressure on the fish to turn its head in a hurry when needed.

• Super High-modulus 46T Graphite Blanks

• Designed specifically for stickbaiting for New Zealand kingfish

• Winn Grip on foregrip

• Fuji Reel Seat

• Alps SIC Guides

• Parabolic action

PE 5-8 - 

The ultimate big fish weapon - whether its XOS New Zealand kingfish or big GTs in the tropics, this rod is designed to stop them in their tracks. With a cast weight up to 160g you can deploy the big guns and have the stopping power to back them up. At 8’3 it is ideal both boat and shore based, and being a 3-piece rod it is ideal for travelling to those big-fish destinations. Despite possessing a huge amount of power, it will swim lures down to 80g and the lightweight blank means you can keep casting all day. Ideally matched with a 14000-20000 sized reel for stopping properly big fish.

The CD Haku topwater range has been designed in NZ for chasing one of the hardest fighting fish on the planet – the Haku aka Yellowtail Kingfish. Utilising a super high-modulus 46T graphite blank and the finest Alps and Fuji componentry, the Haku series is lightweight yet extremely powerful - ideal for both casting all day and turning big fish out of gnarly terrain. The rods have been designed specifically for stickbaiting with a slightly softer action through the tip to ensure that even the most temperamental high-end lures are easy to swim without pulling them out of the water. The action when loaded up is parabolic to take the hurt off the angler when a fish is digging in, while the lower section is capable of putting extreme amounts of pressure on the fish to turn its head in a hurry when needed.

• Super High-modulus 46T Graphite Blanks

• Designed specifically for stickbaiting for New Zealand kingfish

• Winn Grip on foregrip

• Fuji Reel Seat

• Alps SIC Guides

• Parabolic action

PE 3-6 - 

The perfect New Zealand topwater rod, ideal for throwing mid-sized lures in the 40-120g range. Very light yet extremely powerful and at 8ft is great for both boat and land-based stickbaiting. With its softer tip and powerful mid and butt sections it will swim stickbaits throughout its weight range with ease, and has some serious stopping power when required. Perfectly matched to a reel in the 8000-14000 size range and will tackle most topwater kings around the country.

The CD Haku topwater range has been designed in NZ for chasing one of the hardest fighting fish on the planet – the Haku aka Yellowtail Kingfish. Utilising a super high-modulus 46T graphite blank and the finest Alps and Fuji componentry, the Haku series is lightweight yet extremely powerful - ideal for both casting all day and turning big fish out of gnarly terrain. With a forgiving parabolic action the Haku jig rods allow you to exert extreme amounts of pressure on the fish without breaking your back, and will work jigs throughout their wide jig weight range.

• Super High-modulus 46T Graphite Blanks

• Designed specifically for jigging for New Zealand kingfish

• Winn Grip on foregrip

• Fuji Reel Seat

• Alps SIC Guides

• Parabolic action

Haku 250-450g

Available in both overhead and spin and designed for stopping seriously big fish in their tracks, both in New Zealand and abroad. The Haku 250-450g has extreme amounts of power in a lightweight package, and is built specifically for targeting XOS fish on heavy jigs in places like the Three Kings and Ranfurly Banks. While designed with mega kingfish in mind, the Haku 250-450g is also a great option for chasing the likes of dogtooth tuna and other hard scrapping tropical species.

THE JDM GRAPPLER REPRESENTS THE NEXT EVOLUTION IN OFFSHORE JIGGING AND CASTING.

Now featuring both Spiral X and Hi-Power X blank construction. The rods have been tested in the harshest of offshore environments around the world resulting in a line-up that is capable of grappling with the strongest of ocean predators. Available in dedicate model types to suit specific angler requirements.

Specifications:

Description - TYPE C S82XH

TOPWATER

Length (Ft) - 8'2"

Pieces - 2

Line WT (PE)8 / Line WT. (G) - 150

BLANK - HIGH POWER / SPIRAL X GRAPHITE

Butt Assembly -FUJI/ FULL LENGTH EVA

Guide - FUJI ALCONITE/ SIC TIP

THE JDM GRAPPLER REPRESENTS THE NEXT EVOLUTION IN OFFSHORE JIGGING AND CASTING.

Now featuring both Spiral X and Hi-Power X blank construction. The rods have been tested in the harshest of offshore environments around the world, resulting in a line-up that is capable of grappling with the strongest of ocean predators. Available in dedicate model types to suit specific angler requirements.

Specifications:

TYPE C S82MH - TOPWATER

Length (Ft) - 8'2"

Pieces - 2

Line WT (PE) - 6

Line WT. (G) - 120

BLANK - HIGH POWER / SPIRAL X GRAPHITE

Butt Assembly -FUJI/ FULL LENGTH

EVA Guide - FUJI ALCONITE/ SIC TIP

THE JDM GRAPPLER REPRESENTS THE NEXT EVOLUTION IN OFFSHORE JIGGING AND CASTING.

Now featuring both Spiral X and Hi-Power X blank construction. The rods have been tested in the harshest of offshore environments around the world resulting in a line-up that is capable of grappling with the strongest of ocean predators. Available in dedicate model types to suit specific angler requirements.

Specifications:

TOPWATER

Length (Ft) - 8'

Pieces - 2

Line WT (PE) - 5

Lure WT - 100g

BLANK - HIGH POWER / SPIRAL X GRAPHITE

Butt Assembly -FUJI/ FULL LENGTH

EVA Guide - FUJI ALCONITE/ SIC TIP

THE JDM GRAPPLER REPRESENTS THE NEXT EVOLUTION IN OFFSHORE JIGGING AND CASTING.

Now featuring both Spiral X and Hi-Power X blank construction. The rods have been tested in the harshest of offshore environments around the world resulting in a line-up that is capable of grappling with the strongest of ocean predators. Available in dedicate model types to suit specific angler requirements.

Specifications:

TOPWATER

Length (Ft) - 8'

Pieces - 2

Line WT (PE) - 4

Lure WT - 80GM

BLANK - HIGH POWER / SPIRAL X GRAPHITE

Butt Assembly -FUJI/ FULL LENGTH

EVA Guide - FUJI ALCONITE/ SIC TIP

THE JDM GRAPPLER REPRESENTS THE NEXT EVOLUTION IN OFFSHORE JIGGING AND CASTING.

Now featuring both Spiral X and Hi-Power X blank construction. The rods have been tested in the harshest of offshore environments around the world, resulting in a line-up that is capable of grappling with the strongest of ocean predators. Available in dedicate model types to suit specific angler requirements.

Specifications:

TYPE C S82XH - TOPWATER

Length (Ft) - 8'2"

Pieces - 2

Line WT (PE) - 10

Line WT. (G) - 180

BLANK - HIGH POWER / SPIRAL X GRAPHITE

Butt Assembly -FUJI/ FULL LENGTH EVA

Guide - FUJI ALCONITE/ SIC TIP

THE JDM GRAPPLER REPRESENTS THE NEXT EVOLUTION IN OFFSHORE JIGGING AND CASTING.

Now featuring both Spiral X and Hi-Power X blank construction. The rods have been tested in the harshest of offshore environments around the world, resulting in a line-up that is capable of grappling with the strongest of ocean predators. Available in dedicate model types to suit specific angler requirements.

Specifications:

Model - 19GRPTJB538

Description - TYPE J B538 - MECH JIG

Length (Ft) - 5'3"

Pieces - 2

Line WT (PE) - 8

Line WT. (G) - 400

BLANK - HIGH POWER / SPIRAL X GRAPHITE

Butt Assembly - FUJI/ FULL LENGTH EVA

Guide - FUJI ALCONITE/ SIC TIP

THE JDM GRAPPLER REPRESENTS THE NEXT EVOLUTION IN OFFSHORE JIGGING AND CASTING.

Now featuring both Spiral X and Hi-Power X blank construction. The rods have been tested in the harshest of offshore environments around the world, resulting in a line-up that is capable of grappling with the strongest of ocean predators. Available in dedicate model types to suit specific angler requirements.

Specifications:

TYPE J B566 - MECH JIG

Length (Ft) - 5'6"

Pieces - 2

Line WT (PE) - 6

Line WT. (G) - 300

BLANK - HIGH POWER / SPIRAL X GRAPHITE

Butt Assembly - FUJI/ FULL LENGTH EVA

Guide - FUJI K ALCONITE/ SIC TIP

The new Shimano Energy Concept Topwater Spin Rod is built from the ground up by the Shimano Fishing NZ development team to give you a rod like no other. Built with no compromise on quality, this rod is made with a SVX2 carbon-graphite blank, Fuji guides and reel seat. It also features a highly sensitive tip for working lures and stick baits, low down grunt for lifting power on heavier fish, quality components and stunning looks. The best part? Overall the Energy Concept range will perform day in and day out without fail!

Shimano Energy Concept Topwater Spin Rod Features:

SVX2 Carbon-graphite blank

Fuji guides

Fuji reel seat

Sensitive tip

New Zealand designed and tested

Shimano Energy Concept Topwater Spin Rod Specifications:

Length: 2.51m (8ft 3in)

Pieces: 2

Line weight: PE 3-6

Lure weight: 70-120g

Blank type: SVX2 Carbon graphite 

Grip assembly: Extra hard EVA

Guide type: Fuji

Action: Fast

Reel seat: Fuji

The new rods are now stronger than ever, with higher quality blanks, good quality componentry and slick new design that is bound to please. One of the biggest selling rods in the Shimano range, there are multiple options with in the backbone range to suit the most discerning anglers.

BACKBONE TOPWATER SPIN WITH TUBE LENGTH (FT) - 8' 2"

Pieces - 3

LINE WT KG (LB) - 50-80lb

BLANK - CARBON

BUTT ASSEMBLY - FULL LENGTH EVA

GUIDE - SEA GUIDE

The Shimano Backbone-Elite range, are built on exceptionally high quality composite blanks. All rods are heavy duty and have moderate and fast actions, they are finished with top quality Shimano Soft Touch reel seals, guides and bindings.

The comprehensive Shimano Backbone-Elite series covers a diverse range of line classes and fishing styles, from freshwater, to inshore and heavy saltwater use.

This rod at 8ft3 is ideal for targeting those XOS kingis using stick baits and poppers with braid line weights up to 80lb.

Rod Specs

Pieces: 2
Line weight: PE3-8 / 15-37 kg
Blank type: 24/30 Ton graphite
Grip Assembly:  EVA
Lenght: 2.51 m / 8'3" ft
Guide type:  Ceramic
Action: Medium-fast
Gimble Type: Rubber gimble
reel seat: Shimano soft touch
 

The Shimano Backbone-Elite range, are built on exceptionally high quality composite blanks. All rods are heavy duty and have moderate and fast actions, they are finished with top quality Shimano Soft Touch reel seals, guides and bindings.

The comprehensive Shimano Backbone-Elite series covers a diverse range of line classes and fishing styles, from freshwater, to inshore and heavy saltwater use.

This rod at 8ft4 is ideal for targeting those kingis using light stick baits and poppers with braid line weights up to 50lb.

Rod Specs

Pieces: 2
Line weight: 15-13lb 
Blank type: 24/30 Ton graphite
Grip Assembly:  EVA
Lenght: 8' 4" ft
Guide type:  Ceramic
Action: Medium-fast
Gimble Type: Rubber gimble
reel seat: Shimano soft touch

This jigging rod is durable and lightweight setup designed to handle heavy use, such as charter fishing or for the avid angler.

Shimano Abyss SW Spin Jigging Rod Features:

Lightweight yet very strong

Completes MSL tests of well over specified line ratings at 45 and 60 degrees

Tough enough to handle the rigours of heavy use

Shimano T45 graphite blanks

Fuji SiC/SiN II guides

Aftco/Fuji reels seats

Pieces: 1

Length: 5ft 3in

Rating: PE5

This jigging rod is durable and lightweight setup designed to handle heavy use, such as charter fishing or for the avid angler.

Shimano Abyss SW Spin Jigging Rod Features:

Lightweight yet very strong

Completes MSL tests of well over specified line ratings at 45 and 60 degrees

Tough enough to handle the rigours of heavy use

Shimano T45 graphite blanks

Fuji SiC/SiN II guides

Aftco/Fuji reels seats

Pieces: 1

Length: 5ft 3in

Rating: PE5

It's manufactured using a patented process with an outer layer of longitudinal fibres around the rod blank to significantly increase strength and power in the tip section. This offers lifting power and strength up to four times conventional graphite rods. The Okuma Tournament Concept Rod is durable, powerful and can be fished by all anglers with confidence. Features - Patented Unidirectional Fibre Reinforcement technology Built tough enough to fight big fish and last you many seasons Significantly increased strength and power in the tip section Lifting power and strength up to four times conventional graphite rods.

Specifications:

Type: Spinning

Pieces: 2

Length: 8ft 6in

Rating: PE6 8-12kg

Lure rating: 100g

The Tournament Concept rods, designed for Kiwi anglers by the team at Composite Developments, are manufactured using a patented process with an outer layer of longitudinal fibres around the rod blank to significantly increase strength and power in the tip section. This offers lifting power and strength up to four times conventional graphite rods. There is a rod in the range for almost every method and style of fishing, they are durable, powerful and can by fished by all anglers with confidence.

Rod Features:

Patented Unidirectional Fibre Reinforcement technology

Built tough enough to fight big fish and last you many seasons

Significantly increased strength and power in the tip section

Lifting power and strength up to four times conventional graphite rods

Rod Specifications:

Type: Overhead

Pieces: 1

Length: 5ft 3in

Rating: 200-300G