I am making a walleye spinning rod for my 30 yr old nephew. He would like have a red rod. I searched high and low for some pictures for ideas. I am looking for some advice on thread color, reel seat and butt handles. I would like to turn a wood handle for him but am open to any ideas

David,
One suggestion would be to use a black blank but then do a lot of the wraps in red and gold. A great combination that would look really nice and not be too "blingy".

If it were mine, I would turn a wood handle of the choice of your son. Butt grip only. Then, use a decent reel seat, with no fore grip. The American Tackle Aero reel seat looks and works great and gives a great feel for the fisherman.
I like to design the butt grip so that it insets into the reel seat, and then have the shape of the handle continue the reel seat for the best feel and the least tiring way to hold the rod.

I would use a standard nylon red thread, along with metallic red and metallic gold trim accents.

I personally would never do a 100% metallic guide wrap. Just my personal preference on being a bit too gaudy.

Good luck

When doing a grip, this would be a good candidate for a split grip. A lot less grip and weight and it will look very nice.
This way, you only need about a 4 1-2 to 4 inch back grip with perhaps a 1/1/2 butt cap.

RodGeeks has some nice colored blanks and are a board sponsor. Check them out for red rods.

If your going to paint a blank I'd suggest using automotive paint for its durability. Testors has paint in 3oz. spray cans or do a net search for automotive paints, there are some in spray cans.

Phil

Adding a bit to what Philip posted - look for auto repair bumper paint - it has a flexative added & will lessen the chances of the paint crazing / cracking over time

Jeremy Reed Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> RodGeeks has some nice colored blanks and are a
> board sponsor. Check them out for red rods.

Ditto! Prices look good as well.

Don Campbell
don@sensorfishingrods.com

Thanks Guys

David, while I'm still somewhat of a novice, Roger's color description matches what I did on my first rod. Red with lots of gold trim. I prefer cork handles thus far since I am not able to turn wood. Feel free to see my "first rod" pics in the photos section. The Pac Bay woven graphite spinning seat is dressy. I thought after-the-fact that I could have added some feathers on the woven insert for additional effect. Maybe on a future one.

John

John Shear
Chippewa Falls, WI