I am having the same debate as Owen in regards to using a rod case that is one size up. We don't like using a longer case just because the fighting butt adds 1.5" or more to the butt section of the rod. I am using the Sage cases that hold rod and reel.

[www.sageflyfish.com]

I really like the REC fighting butts and I like the idea of using their insert hardware whether or not I will remove the butt. I do NOT like the idea of cutting off a section of the blank [to accomodate the inser] but that's what you'd have to so that all four pieces are the same length.

[www.rec.com]

The REC insert will take up 1/2" of reel seat real estate, so you'd have to cut that much off the blank. Will this affect the action of the rod? The ability to feel through the rod since the blank ends up against a piece of 1/2" cast metal? Anyone with comments, opinions, and especially working experience, please chime in.

Thanks,

Tony

Any time you shorten the rod you will have a slower action than what you began with. However, with the butts, what you trim from the rod is somewhat being replaced by the stiff butts so it won't matter much. And when we're talking 1/2 inch, it's pretty much a non-issue.

I like the Fuji seats with quick-lock foregrip pieces used for the 2 inch integral fighting butt. You can use the standard sized tube as you can just run the butt up and onto the seat by turning the hood locking nut.

If you want to stay with the REC, I'd probably just bite the bullet and get a tube that is long enough handle my longest section.

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Hey, Tom. Thank you for your thoughts. I went to a local rod crafters meeting tonight and the concensus was cutting 1/2" of the end of the butt section would not affect the feel or action. In fact, everyone was surprised I would not see it as necessary so that all four sections of the rod remained equal. Not that I have to do what others think, but as a new person, I am a lot more comfortable with this now. I do like having all four sections the same length.