I made a big mistake. Or a least I think so. I am building a 10wt. fly rod, and the reel seat I bought is too big for the reel. Handle and seat are epoxied in, before I decide to check if the reel fit. Everything turned out sweet!! My first custom handle. How can I solve this problem with out buying a different reel? How do I know when ordering a reel seat that it will fit the reel I want? If this helps at all the reel seat is a Batson RA8L2. The reel is a Tibor Ripetide. Thanks Ted

The problem is with the fly reel manufacturers, as there is no standard for reel foot size. About all you can do is test fit the reel to the seat before you mount it.

The problem before you now is really whether or not to remove, and possibly damage the seat and have to replace it, versus some sort of modification to the reel foot such as wrapping with tape.

Considering that you may be using this for years to come, and that you won't want to be aggravated by a reel that comes loose or wobbles about, I'd tend to lean towards replacing the reel seat even if I had to destroy the one on there now to get it off (spiral cut).

I'm sure others will chime in with their own opinions on the subject.

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I'm wondering if the feet are different sizes on the different reels. And if they are, are they interchangeable. Or at least do the bolts line up as the rest could probably be ground to fit. I have a Riptide and a Gulfstream I could check "if I remember to do so".

Jay

Worst case scenario (or in this case it might not be the 'worse' case)...do you know anyone that can machine aluminum? If all else fails, you can have a reel foot custom made.

Jay

Tom is correct on this one. Best to cut the reel seat off and start over. Lots cheaper than buying a new reel. Having said that my partener and I ran into the same problem several years ago. Not only do all the reel seat manufactures make the seats different sizes but the hoods don't want to match up with bigger fly reels feet ,the hoods are too big and the reel wants to come loose. We solved the problem by going to Fuji reel seat sizes 16 for rods up to a 10 weight and size 18 for 12 weights and up. No more loose reels and no more corrosion either you can leave the reel on the rod and come back 6 months later and take it off without saying alot of bad words because the reel seat is locked up.

I have decided to cut the reel seat off, and install a new one. How do I go about spiral cutting this seat off? Are there any other options to getting it off with out the risking damage to the blank? I don't care if it ruins the seat. I figured I would remove the fighting butt cork and take the seat off some the bottom of the rod, and try and save the fore grip minus one cork ring. Thanks Ted

Ted,

Dremel tool with cut-off disk, goggles for eye protection and a bit of care should work well.

Stan