I picked up a Seeker blank labelled IGFA 16 at a garage sale and I intend to build a rod for my own use and never having made a game rod before there are a couple of issues that I am not sure about , The first being is,does this blank has to have a detatchable butt and reel seat or can a aluminium reel seat be glued approximately 8-10 inches from the blank butt ,which would be my preferance as overall lehgth is not an issue and secondly would roller guides be more beneficial than titanium framed boat guides.
Any thoughts from rod builders that have the skills in making game rods would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you


T

How long is the blank? Most IGFA rods intended for use in a fighting chair are going to need to be at least 6'6" in length. For fighting fish from the gunwhale in a stand-up situation, you don't want that much length.

Your answer really depends on how you intend to use the rod.

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Tom thanks for replying. The blank is 6' long.The intention for use will be in a " stand up " format i.e. some light ,fun type fishing.
Once again thanks for replying.

Then I'd build it straight-thru and mount the seat on the blank.

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I build quite a few stand-up trolling rods on IGFA #20 and #30 blanks. The #20 and #30 blanks are typically 62.5” and I extend them to 6'. I like to build the butts up from scratch but a lot of guys go for the Stuart Tuff-butts.

I really don't see the benefit of using titanium guides on a trolling rod. I use Fuji hardloy turbos on all my personal trolling rods and they hold up very well over time.

My preference is for a roller stripper guide and a roller top. I use larger capacity reels on smaller rods and the stripper makes for a better transition IMHO. Top wise, braid is roller tops for me.

Clyde,thanks for replying,When you think about what you have said about mixing guide " types " it certainly gives you another option other than using all rollers.It certainly will keep the weight of the rod down and assist with keeping the rod more balanced.
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