Thread: question for the rod builders

I found a good deal on a 10' im8 steelhead rod rated 1/2-2oz, but I think I'd like a longer surf style handle/grip. Can anyone point me toward a supplier? I already looked at mudhole.com and couldn't find what I was after. I'd like cork, but I don't have a preference between a split grip or a single solid piece. I'd like between 26 and 30 inches overall length, about 20-22" from the end to the center of the reel seat.

Look at the Cathy's Rod room in OBA. If you can get there you can look at what they have

I like these folks - fast ship, decent prices
Spin Handle Kits

Rod room has always been great about helping me out

If Mudhole doesn't have it, I wonder if, maybe, I shouldn't use it. John G. may have some ideas. I have a 10' salmon rod that measures 20" from the butt to the center of the reel seat, although it works well for fighting the fish, the extra length does get in the way quite often. If I had to do it again, I wouldn't make it as long as 20". I also have a 11 1/2' salmon egg rod with the distance of 17" from the reel seat to the butt. That too, is a twitch to long, nice for fighting the fish but it does get in the way at times. The normal distance is about 14" - 16", I wouldn't go any longer than 16". I'm 5' 9", but I do have long arms. Maybe if you are over 6' and have arms like a ape, you could get away with it. If you would order just the reel seat and a split grip handle, you could make it anyway you wanted, and it would be lighter. (MHO)

Split grip with three 5" preformed grips with 1/2"Id. Rethink your handle length, this is not a heaver, 18 or 19" to center of an unlocking seat would feel a little more comfortable IMO.

" Maybe if you are over 6' and have arms like a ape, you could get away with it. If you would order just the reel seat and a split grip handle, you could make it anyway you wanted, and it would be lighter."

lol. You pretty much just said it. I'm 6'2", but have a wingspan closer to 6'5". It was great for playing basketball in my younger years but causes great difficulty in fitting a lot of things. I was guestimating the lengths based on my favorite medium action surf rod, but that's a 12' glass rod. A little extra weight doesn't bother me as long as we're only talking about an ounce or two.

Originally Posted by john g

Split grip with three 5" preformed grips with 1/2"Id. Rethink your handle length, this is not a heaver, 18 or 19" to center of an unlocking seat would feel a little more comfortable IMO.

Thanks John,
I'll consider it. it's primarily going to be used for throwing 3/4-1 1/2 oz bucktails in tailrace waters but will probably see some use in the surf with a looney jig too. Not a heaver but I would like to maximize its potential for casting distance,

Electrical tape the guides to the blank close to where they need to be then tape the reel on. Do some test casting and move the reel up or down till it feels perfect. A true custom rod is like a tailored suit, it's built for you not somebody else.

Originally Posted by john g

Electrical tape the guides to the blank close to where they need to be then tape the reel on. Do some test casting and move the reel up or down till it feels perfect. A true custom rod is like a tailored suit, it's built for you not somebody else.

I use 1/4" HVY. Orthodontic Latex Elastics to place the guides, and tape on the reel seat. The elastics make it easier to move the guides to the proper position. I also use elastics to hold the guides while wrapping and cut them after I have the thread up on the foot of the guide. I'll send you some if you can't find any but try a dental office that puts on braces, they should have some. I have many more than I will ever use, so if you need some, let me know. Don't forget to "dress" the guide before you put it on. GOOD LUCK, Fordguy!