When I surf cast I place the reel in the low position then slide the reel seat up the rod to a position of comfort and better fish fighting capabilities. I have used butt extensions to acheive a more comfortable position and have rigged the reel seat so a clamp will go over the seat to hold it in place. Im always looking for better ways of accomplishing the sliding seat position . Any suggeations?

Common practice among surf casters on Long Island, NY is to forego the use of any reel seat.
Instead they simply bind the reel to the rod with electrical tape.
This enables them to reposition the seat easily as needed when changing the weight of whatever they're throwing.
Casting dynamics are easily optimized this way.
They usually wrap the butt with cork tape, rubber tape or cord.

Maryann:

How much more distance does the low reel position produce?

Great idea Dave but that technique does not allow me to Slide the reel from low to high position Phil form what I read it does increase the distance but it is contingent on many other factors. For me ,I like how the rod balances in the low position.You can use your right hand more effectively with out holding on to the reel and personally I think it gives more distance. I cant swear to this but it would seem your using more of the rod in a more "powerful" way.???



Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 01/25/2013 01:29PM by Maryann Cohen.

How about something like this [www.rodbuilding.org]. Once the cast is complete. Loosen, move then tighten. Move down for the next cast.

Chris Richer
Iroquois ON

beautiful work! some thing to consider

This is an old Philpson reel seat. I don't know if there is a modern equivalent. I looked at the concept for a spin/fly rod build.

Chris Richer
Iroquois ON

A cast occupies a few seconds of my time. It seems that changing the reel's position provides comfort during these seconds, after which the reel is again moved for more comfort.
I think I would rather suffer a few seconds of discomfort during the cast rather than suffer the annoyance (and discomfort) of loosening, sliding, an re-tightening the reel seat twice for each cast.

you can make the same type of seat buy cutting out a square section of a spin seat
The whole idea is when the reel is tightened up the feet press agenst the handle and it stays put

Bill - willierods.com

Would two fixed reel seats work? Just an idea...

it works John but it doesn't look very pretty

Here is an approach that is effective and looks good.

[www.soniksports.com]

Take a close look at the handle detail.
It is shown fully extended, extended about one inch and closed.

If it is something that you wish to pursue, I'm sure there are more ways than one to accomplish the task. One approah would be to buy a Conoflex captive reducer. Or you could have them equip one of their blanks, such as a Nemesis

[www.conoflex.co.uk]

1/4 turn unlocks the extension, you slide it into position, and then lock it with another 1/4 turn.

Don Becker



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 01/25/2013 06:45PM by Donald Becker.

Are you looking for something like this?


[www.rodbuilding.org]

have that Jim thanks