I am having an issue with the cost of sliding rings for lightweight fly rod reel seats. I was hoping to order the kit from Jann's Netcraft, but wondered if anyone has come up with a hardware store solution to sliding rings?

I have to imagine that there are small, thin walled metal rings (spacers) that have the proper ID/OD for use with an all cork reelseat?

If I have to, I suppose I can order the cork reelseat kit from Jann's, but it seems a bit wasteful since I'll just toss the cork reelseat in lieu of constructing my own. And considering the kit costs $11 for everything and I only intend on using the rings?! I'm not looking for anything fancy, just lightweight simple rings to hold the reel in place.

Any suggestions or "insider" tips would be appreciated!

Domenic Federico

My appologies to sponsors, but a good source for just rings is Rush River Rods: [pages.prodigy.net]

Hello Domenic
Several vendors to the left carry rings that are made for tennesse handles, which is what you want. They are worth the $ as they do work very well. Rings do need to be ordered by ID and it is best to have a good sliding fit. Or tape your reel to the grip that works ok too it just may not be as pretty. I do not know of a hardware store fix by part number in this age of plastic bag hardwares. But there must be something at LOWES that will help but will probably not work as well as the reel rings designed for this.
Joe Kassuba

Domenic,

We sell a variety of sizes of sliding rings in both graphite and aluminum. They are sold by the pair and are reasonably priced.

Thanks for looking.

Joe

Joe Douglas

Hi Domenic,

Merrick Tackle has them and if you don't have a wholesale account check with ACK Fishing as they carry most of the same stock that Merrick has.

Hank
On The Rocks Fishing
Wells, ME.

I recently ordered Struble nickel silver fly rings and butt plates from Custom Tackle Supply, on the left. Ralph

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

Dominic,

I have no idea where you could find them, but years ago Featherweight made rings called Magna-Grips.
These were anodized aluminum gold rings that actually tightened down on the cork. They were great
to use and inexpensive. The problem is where you would find them as they've been out of business
many years. I'm surprised that one of the ring making companies haven't picked up on this design
and produced their own.

John