I am trying to extend a Phenix X-13 crankbait rod to 7'-11" (5" extension plus 3.5" of overlap), and I want to use a graphite tube like the ones available from Mudhole. The problem is that the butt is 14.8mm and I can't find a tube that will fit it. Everything I have found is either too small (14mm inside diameter) or way to big. I would use a piece of a blank, but I don't have anything that is broken large enough. Matagi has a tube that would work, but I would like to find one domestically if available before I pay for international shipping. Anyone know of something that would work? Thanks.

You could always build the entire handle on the larger tube, then oversleeve that onto your rod blank, using or inserted whatever amount is required to achieve your desired final length. Take a look at the online article on extending rod blanks just to see what options you have.

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I'm pretty sure the MudHole tube is 15mm ID. I have one at home and can measure it later this week.

[www.mudhole.com]

_________________________________________
"Angling is extremely time consuming.
That's sort of the whole point." - Thomas McGuane



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 01/05/2011 01:54PM by Chuck Mills.

Andrew,
Go to your local good will or salvation thrift store.
You can often find old rods there for 50 cents or a dollar. See if you can find a few to chop up to get you some blank material to use to extend rods.
You will often need a full length rod, to be able to chop out the right 3-10 inch section of rod to extend a blank.
A pretty cheap source for inexpensive graphite material.

Also, many of the bait and sporting good shops have fishing rod recycle bins. If nearby, go through those bins to find some rods for blank material. Generally, the cost of these rods is 0.

Take care
REW

Tom, I was trying to avoid cutting the blank to save the warranty, but cutting or an inside extension are possibilities if I can't find anything. Chuck, or anyone else that has the Mudhole piece handy, it would be great to know the inside diameter. I thought it was 14mm, but if it is 15mm that would fit perfect. Roger, I will look around for some cheap used rods, thanks for the idea. Thanks for the help.

Graphite tube - GT19X16MM @ Mud Hole Custom Tackle is just slightly under 14 MM inside diameter.

Bob McKamey
bobm@mudhole.com

For an extension of only 5" I would glue apiece old rod section into the butt end to get the 5 inches. Then go to Wal-mart and buy a crappie stick, one of those telescoping ones, for about $7. That provides all sizes of tubes to build the handle on and slip down over the extension. This method may add a few oz. to the overall weight, but it's behind the reel seat.
Anyway, I have done this on a couple of rods and it works well.
John