I have a St. Croix Premier spinning rod, and before I build my first rod, I want to modify this one. Can I remove the existing factory handle and replace it with a split rear handle? If so, how do I go about removing the old handle? Thanks in advance.

You can go about it several ways but in order to replace it with a split rear handle you'll have to probably refinish the blank where the old handle resided.

I think what I would do, is turn the current one-piece rear grip down into two pieces, just like you would for the split grip you desire. When you get close to the blank surface you'll want to take care not to damage the blank itself. It's likely that there will be all sorts of epoxy there and it will require some chipping and flaking with a spatula or pocket knife to get it all off and clean again. Even so, the surface of the blank will likely be very marred. So at that point you can refinish or overwrap with thread.

If you want to remove the entire rear handle, the process is pretty much the same. Removing items that have been epoxied on can be a bear. They were installed in such a way that they aren't supposed to come off, and removing them can be a pain.

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Thanks a lot. I think I might give it a try. I will then just refinish it like you said, I'll let you know. Jon

Ther's a nice tutorial at www.georgescustomrods.com in his articles section.