Hey guys, what is the best cord for wrapping rod handles? I have used cord made for building fishing nets and saw a rod with surveyor's cord for a handle wrap, what do you recommend? What do you use for finish on the cord? Varnish? I ahve tried no finish (cord fades in a year but is easily replaceable) and two-part epoxy (too thick).

I am building some Calstar rods for jig/livebait fishing and am building them "deckhand" style without reel seats. Any tips you can share are greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance.

Steve

When I've done them I've just used nylon twine. It can be had in a lot of different colors. I like the bright ones! I scuff the rod finish and then wrap the cord. Then go over it with two coats of Helmsman Spar Urethane. This makes the cord 'tough' and more wear resistant but also a bit rougher on the hands. You can scuff the blank and probably use epoxy on the blank so that the cord will be glued down to the blank and still have a soft finish up on top, but I don't think it will last as long and might be a pain to remove. That's why I just overcoat the top with the spar.

I have never put any thing on the cord wrapped handles I've done.

I use a water proof clear glue like Titebond III on the blank. I first wrap a spiral up the blank about one to one and a half inches apart to the reel seat. Turn back across the spiral wrap and wrap down the blank as tight and close as possible. Using that type glue makes replacing much easier then epoxy. I secure the cord at the butt with a rubber cap that I glue over the ends of the cord.

I use nylon or cotton cord, but I have always used white. I little bleach and soap after a seasons use and It looks like new.

The spiral wrap makes the grip fit your hand better.

Larry Tysinger