I want to remove a fighting butt from a factory fly rod and replace it with a regular butt cap.

Is heating the lower part of metal seat until I can pop it off the best way to go?

Depends. Is it built onto the rod blank, or part of the reel seat? A photo on the photo page might give us a better idea of what you're dealing with.

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I'm almost positive it is part of reel seat.

It is on a GLoomis EastFork factory rod.

Why do you want to remove the fighting butt?
Good Wraps Bob

Generally those are removeable fighting butts. Have you tried unscrewing the fighting butt from the seat?

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After removing the fighting butt, How do you intend to attach a new butt cap. Most standard fly rod reel seats have their own caps.
Good Wraps Bob

It's on a GLoomis EastFork 10' 5wt fly rod......OVERKILL in my opinion.

I have a replacement cap coming in for that model seat.

I will try to unscrew...but I believe it is on with epoxy.

Would it be fine to wrap bottom of seat with some tin foil, heat and try to pop it off to then replace with standard cap?

Dave,
Rather than removing the fighting butt, why don't you simply put a cap over the butt.

Most rods using fighting butts have a cap - rubber or plastic - to cover the butt when the fighting butt is not wanted or needed.

Give it a thought.
I think that if you find the right butt cap cover that you will be well pleased wit h the results.

Then, when you happen on that huge fish and have a need for the fighting butt, it will be there for you to use.

Take care
Roger

It sounds like his fighting butt is permant. Generally they just screw on and off .
Good Wraps Bob

It sounds like his fightigting butt is purminate. Generally they just screw on and off.
Good Wraps Bob