I am fairly new to rodbuilding, and have just finished my first rod. It was a mudhole spinning rod, and while very simple it came out better than I expected. I am about to start my next rod, but don't know how to pick out components for the rod yet that will fit properly.

The rod I am building is a 8' lamiglas inshore classic graphite blank (IC96-H). Butt .61, Tip 6.5. I will be using the rod as a bridge between my lighter inshore gear and heavy surf gear. I will mostly be throwing swimbaits (4-6" storm shads), lipped hard plastics (bomber long A, crystal minnow...), and bucktails. The rod will be used on the beaches and jetties on the west coast of FL. I will be pairing the rod with a Daiwa Coastal 4000 spinning reel, which by the way I have found to be a very nice reel for the money. Line will be 20# braid. Guides will use concept system. Additionally, I have fairly large hands. I am looking for comfort and durability more than a fancy decorative rod.

1) What size reel seat should I use? 20? 22? Bigger?

2) I really like cork tape handles. Do you think the rod diameter is too small to make cork tape comfortable?

3) If cork tape is not an option, I will probably go with a foam grip. EVA vs Hypalon? I like that EVA comes in tapered grips, but hypalon seems to have a better feel and more durability. Also what size internal diameter would you suggest? Does this stuff stretch much?

Thanks for all your help. I really appreciate it, as it saves me a lot of time and $$$ returning items that don't fit.

1) #18 or #20, whichever you find to be comfortable. I would suggest you look at Fuji's Ergonomic reel seats ... DNPSD. IMO, they are very comfortable for inshore use in an uplocking orientation.

2) That would be completely a matter of taste and comfort. You may find a small foregrip is desirable.

3) I would recommend EVA. Hypalon is considerably heavier, something I find undesirable in a rod to be cast all day. Purchase the largest ID that is still less than the diameter at the TOP of each grip's permanent location.

Your vendor should be more than capable of assisting you with the components ... sizing grips, etc. Pick up the phone and make the call, the internet is a valuable tool - but you can do better via "old fashioned" communication methods with this type of project.

What Jim said is pretty well spot on.
Call the guys (and gals) at Mudhole, they're happy to help.

Call Bob at Custom Tackle and he'll get you on the right track. E....

I'm a big guy (6'5'') and have big hands as well. I would think an 18 would do you right. on a rod like that unless you are going to be using it in a rod holder or something that might damage an exposed blank I would build a split but.

I would just use small cork fore grips on both ends of the reel seat as with a big grip like that you won't be touching the blank anyways. And just use short but cap.

They make short EVA grips for surf rods that are very sharply tapered that would work well for it. And you can always put cork tape on the exposed blank for a little protection. SOme production rods are made like that.

You can always double up on the cork tape to build up the OD and use 2 of our 3" eva fore grips w/3 ID's (which can be cut and shaped if you like), for a split grip configuration fore and rear with a butt cap or one of our light EB EVA butt caps that run up to 5/8" ID. That would keep it really light. Rocks chew up EVA butt caps but they are inexpensive and easily replaced or go w/our RBC caps rubber/vinyl. EVA does stretch a bit but with the many ID's you shouldn't have to worry about getting them on w/o too much trouble. We also have our CRSD-18 or 20 reel seat in brushed SS or Black. Mudhole has all of this. Joe Meehan American Tackle