Is it possible to use wood for rod handles and foregrips on light spin and casting rods in the 4-10lb. and 6-17lb. class line weight 7' length rods without taking a chance on the rod snapping close to the foregrip or reel seat area? I have very good quality mesquite wood I can use.
Thanks,
Capt. Engel

I love mesquite on rods. I've used wood on U/L rods with no problem. I'm curious as to why you think that the use of wood would have anything to do with a rod breaking??? Here's a pic of a Mesquite split grip [www.rodbuilding.org] Here's a 7 foot U/L with a Juniper grip. [www.rodbuilding.org]
If you are concerned about weight, go with a split grip or over bore the wood grip and use a Flexcoat arbor in it. Here's a pic of an insert by Stan Grace [www.rodbuilding.org]

Go for it!!!

Mike (Southgate, MI)
If I don't want to, I don't have to and nobody can make me (except my wife) cuz I'm RETIRED!!

Mike,
I thought that the wood handle would put more of a bind down under the handle. The cork handles will slightly bend on a cast but it is not even noticeable to most people who cast. I was just concerned that with wood on a ultra light rod it would put more stress down around the foregrip or under the reel seat area. I appreciate the information you provided me. I just did not want to mess up a high dollar ultra light rod. I will be using the rods on Redfish and Speckled Trout with 6 to 10lb. line for my repeat clients who prefer very light tackle.The fight is incredible with lighter tackle on big bruiser Reds especially the oversized ones 28" and on up.
Thanks Mike

Capt. Marvin Engel

I don't have any technical knowledge about this, but I use a lot of wood grips and have never had a rod break at or even near the handle. I know a lot of fly guys that use them and I just haven't ever heard of this happening, but then again, I lead a sheltered life here in Michigan.



Mike (Southgate, MI)
If I don't want to, I don't have to and nobody can make me (except my wife) cuz I'm RETIRED!!

Mike,
Sounds good. If you have not heard of any problems with wood handles on ultra light rods, then it will work just fine. Thanks for the information.
Capt. Marvin Engel

I use wood grips exclusively on light and UL spinning rods with no problem. I do use a very abbreviated fore grip on them however as there is little need for one much larger than just enough to transition from the reel seat to the blank in a smooth and aesthetic manner.

Stan Grace
Helena, MT
"Our best is none too good"

I understand your concern - by using something as rigid as wood you create a sheer point at the forward edge of the foregrip. However, most of these blanks don't flex as much as you might think in that area and the butt area is the beefiest part of the blank. In most cases you're probably okay.

I have some much older UL blanks with a very slow action that might run into problems here, but not many of those are made anymore.

.................

Marvin...where are you located at? Mesquite only grows in a few choice places...SOuth Texas being one of the most prolific!


Andy Dear
www.lamarfishing.com