I usually just build light spinning and casting rods for trout, bass... Have built heavier rods for stripers and catfish.Enough of that Here's the deal/question. My buddy that now lives in Texas wants me to build him a surf rod. One particular item that he desires is a tough grip. He says the PVC rod holders that he is using are eating/tearing the grips on his rods up. I was wondering if any of you could help me out with some ideas. I was thinking of just a cork tape grip. It would be easy to replace. I think he is looking more for something that is long lived and maintenance free. Since I'm not a surf fisherman I cannot fully adress his concerns/conditions. Any help/ideas would be greatly appreciated. Thanks guys.

George

P.S Since this will be my first surf rod any and all sugestions unique to surf rod building will be appreciated.

i like the spray on bed liner. I.E. Rhino lining. you have to scuff the blank a bit but it is the most durable thing i have found yet. and it does not soak up all the fish guts and saltwater like foam or cork tape.

Thanks Wes, Sounds like a innovative and creative solution. I'll run the idea past him and see what he thinks. I like it.....

go with a cord handle..it is very durable and can easily be replaced..another option would be to use a shrink grip

I use shrinking tube in my surf rods.
And gives you the possibility to ad what ever you want under it to shape the grip.
Abraço

Nuno Paulino

George,

I'm on a short fuse for an expo and can not give you the time you deserve.

Surf rod has many meanings and the scope of surf rod is somewhat large.

As the problem was stated, the PVC is causing the problem.
Gently heat the PVC tube and stick something round into the opening to flare the tubes opening. No longer will the PVC be a cause of damage to fishing rods. You will have solved the problem at the source and not have to adapt all your friends rods.

Don

Don Becker

I build a lot of surf rods. The shrink grip is the way to go. Typically I will 1st put on a thin layer of cork tape. Then I usually use thin marine grade twine and wrap it in an X pattern over the cork tape. The heat shrink the quick grip onto that. Make sure to epoxy around the ends of the shrink tube to prevent water/sand intrusion. I will also usually use a rubber crutch butt cap

Thank guys, I really appreciate all the input. I'll present Jeff with all your options and let him decide. Donald I really like your idea of fixing the rod holder rather than design a rod to conform. Then you can have the grip you want with a rodholder that behaves itself.

Fix the rod holder AND use Shrink Wrap

Hi George,

The expo has come and gone. It was a very busy 2 days.

I am not a big fan of using heat shrink tubing unless you have access to the quality of heat shrink that is used by Conoflex and Zziplex.

We use 3M Safety Walk tape (SSWALK-B 1"X60') when there are concerns of damage to the rods handle. It comes in 60' long rolls that are 1" wide. The link will give you some additional info. The down side is that should your hands be constantly wet due to continued use of the rod in the water, it will be rough on your hands. The up side is the great grip that it does provide. It is applied like cork tape. At the end of the grip or tape, build a thread ramp. Then continue with the thread onto the top of the tape for about 3/16". Glass (epoxy) the thread and you will have locked down the tape securely. Also, we only tape the the portions of the handle that will be subject to dameage. Most of our surf rod handles are about 34" in length. The butt has a 12" stainless steal butt cap. Above the butt cap we will have about 6" of tape so that the bottom 18" of the handle are protected. The 3M tape is also used for the grips with 6" of tape below the reel seat and about 5" of tape above the reel seat. I have used this tape on handles as small as 22mm. I can not speak for its ease of use on handles smaller than 22mm.

[store.safetysystemshawaii.com]#

Due to shipping costs to and from Hawaii, the costs will be a little high. I'm sure you will be able to find the tape at a more affordable price in your area.

Should you have additional queasions about the use of 3M tape, I suggest you post them to the following fishing message board. They will have broader experience. I do use the tape on my harder usage surf rods. I also use it on blanks that I test. It is easy and fast to put on and provides an excellent grip. One of my rods at the expo did have the 3M tape and I received several questions about it and how it was applied.

[www.ulua-fishing.com]

Hope this helps,
Don

Don Becker