Thread: Downrigger rod conversion

Thinking about converting two brand new never used downrigger rods to spinning rods. They are both 8' medium action graphphite 12 to 20# line class. I know the spine may be wrong for spinning but other than that, what other problems am I likely to encounter.

Originally Posted by Big Dawg

Thinking about converting two brand new never used downrigger rods to spinning rods. They are both 8' medium action graphphite 12 to 20# line class. I know the spine may be wrong for spinning but other than that, what other problems am I likely to encounter.

What type of guides are on them? If they are factory rods the spine could be anyplace. If you have to replace the guides, find the spine, but it will depend on the reel seat, there isn't much you can do with that.
Let me know if you need help.

Originally Posted by flyguy

What type of guides are on them? If they are factory rods the spine could be anyplace. If you have to replace the guides, find the spine, but it will depend on the reel seat, there isn't much you can do with that.
Let me know if you need help.

The guides are casting type. I have 2 sets of Fuji spinning guides size 40,30,25,20,20,16 and was just going to take the casting guides off and replace them with the spinning ones I have. That will leave just the tip and one below it original. They are factory rods so the spine is what it is.

Originally Posted by Big Dawg

The guides are casting type. I have 2 sets of Fuji spinning guides size 40,30,25,20,20,16 and was just going to take the casting guides off and replace them with the spinning ones I have. That will leave just the tip and one below it original. They are factory rods so the spine is what it is.

I would put a #12 in between the first guide and the #16, 8' rod, 8 guides, but that is up to you, 7 will do just fine, guides are like roller bearings. The more bearings, the smoother it is and the more weight it will carry. I don't have a spacing chart with me, but you may be able to get one off the internet, they help but also try to get some very small rubber bands that they use for braces from a dentist office and attach the guides with them to see if the line is going to clear the rod and that you do not have any flat spots. Where are you now? We haven't gotten into thread, color preserver, epoxy and mixing it and drying the rod. I'm in Gulf Shores, I rewrapped a rod for for U.S.A. and have a lot of stuff down here, I do not have my power wrapper but I do have the dryer and the mixer here. Let me know if I can help.

Originally Posted by flyguy

I would put a #12 in between the first guide and the #16, 8' rod, 8 guides, but that is up to you, 7 will do just fine, guides are like roller bearings. The more bearings, the smoother it is and the more weight it will carry. I don't have a spacing chart with me, but you may be able to get one off the internet, they help but also try to get some very small rubber bands that they use for braces from a dentist office and attach the guides with them to see if the line is going to clear the rod and that you do not have any flat spots. Where are you now? We haven't gotten into thread, color preserver, epoxy and mixing it and drying the rod. I'm in Gulf Shores, I rewrapped a rod for for U.S.A. and have a lot of stuff down here, I do not have my power wrapper but I do have the dryer and the mixer here. Let me know if I can help.

Flyguy, I'm in Tennessee right now. If you do this type of thing I might just put these rods in a tube and ship them to you in Minnesota when you get back there. These are not expensive rods but I would like to get them converted so they could be used here in the lakes and maybe the Pier or beach when I get down there. Message me a rough guesstimate on cost and I might just ship the rods and guides I have to you and let you put the guides on for me. You know a hell of a lot more about it then I do.

Hey Big Dawg, If you want to do that, I'll do it for what it the whatever the 2 guides, thread, preserver & epoxy cost, about $15.00 ea. + shipping. I don't think they will make a very sensitive rod but they should be fine for the pier and surf. Let me know and I will pm my address to you. We're are going out on the party boat tomorrow and then taking off for St. Augustine, FL. for awhile so if I don't get back to you, that is why. Keep in touch.

Sounds like a deal to me, thanks. PM me your address and I'll ship them to you when your headed back to the great state of Minnisota. Have fun in St Augustine, it's a very nice small town. I lived south of there in Titusville for many years when we were putting a man on the moon. Let me know when it's a good time to ship the rods.