All,

I'm building a spinning rod for a buddy, 7' for the Gulf for nearshore trout, reds, etc. He would like the reel seat to be similar to that shown on the Jann's Netcraft site as: CORK CONCEALED HOOD SPINNING HANDLE KIT 13-1/4" LENGTH, their Catalog # 215107, where the cork foregrip contains and moves with the locknut.

The problem is that I would also like to introduce him to the split-grip design, so my question is this. Is there a reel seat out there anywhere that has the foregrip as an integral part of it and also some cork on the topside of the seat over the reel, but doesn't carry along a complete butt grip section?

And if not, is it practical to think about savaging a handle kit like that from Jann's, cutting out the middle of the butt grip section and shaping the ends of the cork remaining to form a split grip?

Thanks.

Bilgee

By George, I think you've got it! Seriously, yes, it is practical. Do it your way. Before I started making my own grips from rings I modified a lot of premade grips to suit me or a recipient of a rod. Cork is easy to modify/shape. Ralph

If at first you don't succeed, go fishing, then try, try again.

You may want to reconsider that type of foregrip for strong fighting fish.
We have repaired some over the years that failed when putting pressure on while working a big fish.
For lighter duty rods they seem to be fine.

Best wishes,
Ron Schneider
Schneider's Rod Shop
Mountain Home, Arkansas
[www.schneidersrods.com]
mtnron40@yahoo.com
870-424-3381

Bill,
Here is a link to a photo posted by Rich Gassman.

[www.rodbuilding.org]

You will see, he makes custom handles that are designed just
as you are talking about. I'm not sure who you would order the
parts from but I'm sure Rich does. The handles Rich made are
wood but cork or other material could be used as well.


Raymond Adams
Eventually, all things merge, and a river runs through it..