I'm getting ready to put together a 9'-6" Allstar Breakaway that I want to use for Throwing Plugs
in the surf but never have plugged before so I'm asking for your help in helping me place the
Reel Seat in the proper Location. The Rod will be set up conventional. I've heard some say
to use the rod but under the arm pit and extend your arm out method but is that the best way
to locate the reel seat when setting up a Plugging Rod? Would if I located the reel seat a
couple inches lower would it adversly effect the casting of the rod in any way?

Thanks
Joe

Joe
Personal opinion: I like to keep the rod butt so that it ends between 1" and 1 1/2" short of the outside of the elbow joint so that I can use my forearm for leverage if I am fortunate enough to catch a reasonble size fish. I don't like the feel of the rod tucked under the arm pit as the butt seems too long and (for me) makes the rod unwieldy

Joe,

I like the rod butt to fit under my arm pit and be able to hold the reel with my arm bent a 90 degrees.

This seems comfortable to me when jigging and popping plugs.

I also factor in comfort when casting. I like to use both hands most times when I cast.

Larry Tysinger

I agree with Ken on this one. I do alot of casting in the surf, and having the rod butt under my forearm is the most comfortable position for me. Your reaction time when a fish strikes is immediate, because it's just a matter of snapping your arm back. You can try this position with any rod that you have to see if it feels right for you.

Personal preference is everything in reel seat placement. Go to a well stocked tackle shop and test as many rods as it takes to determine the most comfortable. The best one will jump out at you!

The Armpit measurement is mainly for heavers, although I did build the butt on my spanish and my striper plugging rods (1085 and 1267) to the armpit, to ensure the greatest distance. I am presently building some 8' plugging rods and building the seat to butt length just beyond the elbow (as measured from the reel seat)

Personal preference is the key...after all it's YOUR custom !!!!

Good Luck !!!

Tommy

I moved the Reel seat around and it feels good lower but it makes the rod tip heavy. Does the tip being heavy
in a plugging rod have any negative results?

That is a good question... I like my rods to balance (without reel) very close to the front of the reel seat...

Typically I use the lightest spinners I can afford, right now I am on a stradic binge......

My 1267 is not tip heavy, does wonders with the big Gibbs....

Not really sure, have had few opportunities to toss the plugs since I built it....