I just finished building my first rod and am quite pleased with the results. Thanks for the help from all who assisted, especially Roger Wilson.
While I have seen many exposed blank casting reel seats, I have never seen one for a spinning rod. Is ones thumb too numb compared to fingers? I am considering machining a bit of the top of a spinning reel seat to expose about one inch of the blank but thought I would consult you professionals for insight and information first.
Prior thanks for responding.
Mark T.

They are available. Here's something else you could do if you desire almost direct contact - shorten the forward barrel so your thumb or finger can contact the blank there. Or, bore a small hole in the seat and install a "button rod" down through the seat until it sets against the blank. Locate it so that your hand or a finger will rest against it.

Doubtful that there is really any measurable increase in sensitivity, but these are nice touches if you just have to have something along these lines.

.............

Do a small one of these.

Since they are made from rigid foam topped by epoxy, it's almost like direct contact with the blank. They weigh almost nothing. Make the final outer diameter just smaller than the hood diameter to make it easier to finish without creating a mess. The front face of the hood provides a "wall" to apply the epoxy against. They are very comfortable, and being larger than the diameter of the blank, the ergonomics is better.

[clients.criticalimpact.com]

PacBay creates an exposed reel seat for spinning rods. It's part of their Minima series.

The GBS Pac Bay reel seat mentioned above comes in a larger, more comfortable 18 mm size that still fits today's thinner blanks.

THIS FORUM IS GREAT !!!! Thank you Tom, Michael, Austin and Spencer for taking the time to help out the newbie. I appreciate your insight and willingness to share.
Mark T.

The SK2 spinning reel seat works well also.

Thanks also, Chuck.
Mark T.