Got a bit crazy on a Calstar rod I was building for myself, tried some new ideas I had. Didn't work too well. The blank was so thick for a 40lb rod, I went with a split grip look. I liked to feel of the hypalon I had even though it was short, and figured the blank was thick and stiff enough I would just grab it if I needed to.

Came back from offshore yesterday with line burns from the 6/0 I put on it with 60lb for AJ's. Rod handled everything fine, except for one that I could never stop and got me into the wreck. But the foregrip is too short and the reel too wide, the line burns my forearm when the fish takes drag.... have about 8 marks on my wrist. OOOoooops. Oh well, time for a rebuild. Wonder if I can save the graphite/aluminum reel seat? They are kinda expensive, but I used rod bond and mesh tape so I doubt it. Want to take it off to add a slick butt as well.

Just wonted to share the boo boo.
Phil

thank you for sharing, we feel your pain.
that is a strange grip setup!
Nice fish though.....

Phil
If you can pick up a piece of thin tube that is a little larger then the blank, but a little smaller then the ID of the seat, you can cut, file teeth in it, and if you can turn it into the seat and over the blank, you may be able to cut the seat off ? The teeth on the end of the tube act like a round hack saw. Maybe even give the teeth a little twist with a pare of needle noise pliers.Tried it and it does work. I have to try and make mine conect up to a drill ?