Charlie, I have a matched pair of Veritas rods but I fish really light. I have yet to discover a reason to go over 4kg line (shock leader to suit) and I have never fished anything heavier than a 3oz lead, wire grips as a last resort ... open face reel.

My only comment on the Veritas rods is they are like fine china, you must be prepared to look after them, the eyes, whilst functional, will not stand a knock, therefore keeping the rods in a soft case (not supplied) is a very wise move.

For casting they can hold their own, and for feel when you have a fish on board they work well, that is providing you don't try to bully a fish to the beach. However, with light line that is most unlikely anyway.

For nine years Pikowhai was my home patch, surfcasting can be exceptional. Snapper and gurnard are frequent visitors but so was the occasional ray, and that is when your rod will get a work out. I will credit all my success to anchovy bait and like other locals a trace no longer than thirty centimetres, which is a great aid to long casting.

Never once in that time did I find it necessary to go heavier than a 3 oz lead and my fish take was up with the best of them.