Hi all,
I have been hanging around for awhile but have only built a couple of rods. I have a Rainshadow isb780 and want to build a spinning rod. It will be used for bass and mostly from a Kayak.I would like some advice on a handle. I was thinking about a tennesse handle but not sure if I would like it or not.
Thanks for any advice you can give me on this rod.
Jack

Jack
A kayak rod is a specialty in and of itself. You need to keep the handle as short as is comfortable with the reel seat close to the end. It seems awkward but if it's to long then the butt end catches on everything due to your seated position, Especially if your in a sit-in-kayak with a cockpit. The best thing is to sit your boat and measure out where you want the reel seat to go. Make the rod as light as possible since most of the time you will be holding it with one hand with the paddle in the other. I would suggest a split grip. Or no cork at all and goes with epoxy ramps. The less you have in the handle area the better.

Building a rod for fishing from a kayak is the whole reason I started building my own rods. At the time no production companies even made an attempt to cater to the market or make a rod that fit the bill. Recently some companies have come out with kayak specific models but they still don't have it completely right.

good luck
matt

if you will be using it in a rod holder as some of the kayakers at the coast do, then another alternative is the heat shrink materials. i have found they hold up well(better than cork tape) in rodholder use. it is very easy to apply and if you dont like it you just cut it off. i like it and use it on most of my personal rods that spend time in a rod holder. at least this gives you an alternative to think about.

This should be an ideal application for a Tn handle using the new foam core carbon skinned grips.

I used a 9inch tennesse with an ice rod clamp down seat. If you have never seen the clamp down type reel seat, let me know and I can send a pic.

Vern Metcalf Jr

Jack, where are you located? maybe somebody could get your hands around a TN handle before you build.

I've built a few for kayak and small craft fishing for bass for personal use and friends. I find that ~7" from the butt to the back of the TN handle with a split grip is what works. the handle/grip is generally about 4" long, making sure that the reel foot fits completly in the flat partof the handle. I use smaller reels with braid generally so you may need to go a bit longer.

I use rodwrap to secure the reel and add a little bulk to the handle. a handle that is too thin is very uncomfortable to me. I've started with cork rings as large as 2" on some.

Thanks everyone,
If any of you want to share pics that would be great.Lots of good ideas. I have some thinking to do, HA HA .
Thanks again.
Jack

Vern, could U please post or send me a pic of the Ice Rod Clamp Down Seat Thanks! P/S my TN handles are 1'1/8 I love the size and fit with my hand I just need to find something that looks good on a custom built rod? Reel seat that is. Our Should I use RodWrap? Will it hold a reel? Thanks Jay jaydubay@msn.com