Shimano MWS Signature - Boat Rod 10-15kg

MATT WATSON SIGNATURE SERIES RODS

After a lengthy Development process using the latest carbon technologies, Shimano now have a range of rods that have exceeded Matts expectaions

Features:
- High Quality graphite construction
- Lightweight Powerfull blank 
- Silicon Carbide guides
- Fuji Reel seat
- Slender Profile and Comfortable grip

Rod Spec's:

• Manufacturer: Shimano
• Range: Matt watson Signature Series
• Model: Boat (Overhead) 10-15kg
• Length: 7'
• Pieces: 1
• Aluminium Gimbal
  
  

There is no question that rod technology has come a long way in recent years. The likes of the Shimano T-curve rods for example have completely changed the way we fish. But if I had to single out disadvantages with the modern top end rod designs, one is cost, while the other is that they are not designed specifically for New Zealand conditions. We generally have to pick the closest design out of Australia, USA or Japan which often leaves us with a rod purpose built for fishing for Spanish mackerel, coral trout, salmon or even small mouth bass. While it's true that we have selected and adapted these rods relatively well for snapper and kingfish, even blue cod and trout; I truly believed it was time rods were made specifically for our fish and our waters. 

''I wanted a series of rods that met my requirements and the demands of New Zealand anglers, without costing the earth. My brief to Shimano was :

• Silicon Carbide Inserted Guides to handle all braid and mono lines

   

• Lightweight and powerful blank

   

• Fuji locking reel seats

   

• Slender profile and comfortable grip

   

After a lengthy development process using the latest carbon technologies, we now have a range of rods that have exceeded my expectations and improved my fishing experience off the scale!" Matt Watson

The goal was simply to work with the design team at Shimano to make each rod improve the enjoyment and success of the user by being functional, reliable and easy to use. My brief was slightly different for each of the rods. For example; the bait caster and soft plastic spin rods needed good casting 'whip', lightweight blank, comfortable grips so you can hold them all day, be sensitive to detect bites, and yet retain enough grunt to slow a determined run of a solid snapper heading for the kelp. All the rods needed to have quality guides to handle braid and mono, quality reel seats and a strong light blank....and they shouldn't cost the earth.

A tough design brief, but hey they asked me to design them, not make them! I was pleasantly surprised at how close to my brief the first samples were, and after some testing, feedback, more samples and more testing, I can say I'm stoked that the final product has exceeded my expectations.