Enticer 1200TW Salmon Rod

The earlier blue Enticer 1200 LMS worked better with 42 to 55 gm ticers.

Kilwell’s new Enticer 1200TW arrived in time for the 1998/99 salmon season. It is a 12′ graphite salmon/surf rod. The TW stands for “twill weave” which is the graphite fibre wrap that has been placed around the core during production. This is said by Kilwell to stiffen the rod and give more power to the cast! It also makes for a particularly attractive looking rod.

It is a low-reel-mount model in keeping with the current trend. The pink and gold bindings and general finish are outstanding. Top quality guides and tip, together with a graphite reel seat have been used throughout. The blank is very light and of slim diameter.

Many readers will remember the earlier blue and gold bound model of the Enticer tested two years back. I have one of these earlier models, so I was keen to make the comparison.

The red Enticer 1200 TW (Twill Weave) is better suited to heavier 68 gm weight-forward ticers. I have one of these myself. The quality is excellent.

It was down to the mouth of the Waimakariri River and on with the Shimano Calcutta 700 and a 68g weight-forward ticer. On casting, I soon discovered that this new TW model was more than a “horse of a different colour.” It cast extremely well. Unlike the earlier blue model, it could not be “bottomed out” no matter how much power I put in to it. The older model tended to be overstretched by ticers over 55g. Weight-forward ticers used for salmon fishing in the surf are typically 68g. This weight being the best for cutting into the wind. In my view the earlier blue Enticer is fine with the lighter 55 g salmon lures. The earlier blue model is excellent for fishing 28-42g ticers on Lake Coleridge if you really want to cast a very long distance.

I prefer a trigger grip even on a salmon/surf rod. This alteration could easily be made if desired from the bottom of the blank without the need to remove guides. The TW comes complete with a red cloth bag, and wax for the ferrule. It is priced at about NZ$449

Kilwell’s new Enticer 1200TW salmon rod is aimed at the true salmon angling aficionado. It is designed for extreme-distance casting – the salmon that other anglers can’t reach.

Made in New Zealand by Kilwell Sports of Rotorua the Enticer is in my view as good as any imported salmon/surf casting rod!

Kilwell Enticer rods.