Michael,
When I first started building rods, I would cut off the spinning reel seat threads to minimize the length and for the overall appearance.

However, that changed a couple of years later, when I had picked up a new reel for my favorite rod. However, when I went to put it on, I found that the reel seat was too short due to my thread trimming.

After all - a treasured rod may last for many many years, and it is nice from time to time to switch to a different reel. So, to take care of the issue, I used an abrasive cut off wheel to trim the length of the spinning reel foot - because I have no interest in rebuilding the rod for a different reel seat.

Hence, ever after that incident, I no longer trim any reel seat threads for a shorter length.

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When I do my blank trimming for to cut repair pieces for a broken blank for a client, I use a mini chop saw that came from a commercial mini saw. I removed the guides and adjustments and put on a fixed backing angle and replaced the blade with a 3 inch thin abrasive cut off wheel. It works very well for cutting of all sorts including cutting reel seats.

[www.rodbuilding.org]

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This is the current version of the chop saw that I started with:

[www.harborfreight.com]

Roger, I know you know this, "measure twice, cut once."

Roger, what if you trimed the foot of the reel?

Mark,
That is what I did with that particular reel.
i.e. I trimmed the foot of the reel to let it fit the reel seat that I had made shorter by trimming some threads from the reel seat.

But, that incident caused me to stop doing any trimming on reel seats.

I decided that the small amount that was trimming the seats were incidental in the larger scope of things and I wanted the ability to put virtually any reel that I purchased to be able to fit on any rod that I had built -

So, no more reel seat thread trimming from that point forward. I had decided that from that point forward, I didn't want to have to take a brand new reel and cut off part of the foot to allow it to fit into any reel seat that I had on an appropriate rod.

Rods can last a very long time. But often, as time goes by - one likes to try some different reels on a favorite rod.

Take care.

I don't disagree , Roger. Functionally it's a non-issue, so why take the risk.

I have to agree. Not worth it.

If you are using certain hidden thread hoods it may be necessary to trim the threaded barrel of the seat so the hood with sleeve fit properly. Also if you are using no fore grips you can certainly trim the reel seat threads back, because there is fore grip in the way to prevent using a reel with a longer foot. I just do what’s necessary.
Norm

I trim all excess threads from all my seats. Livin' on the edge! lol

If my customer tends to land fish 'on his/her own' especially from a boat.... this means for a time they have to hold the rod in one hand while they maneuver the fish to the net or their hand. This means locking the rod into their elbow or lower arm for good leverage!!!! If this is the case. I set the handle for their their particular arm length so this is very comfortable for them!!!!! :-)

If my customer tends to land fish 'on his/her own' especially from a boat.... this means for a time they have to hold the rod in one hand while they maneuver the fish to the net or their hand. This means locking the rod into their elbow or lower arm for good leverage!!!! If this is the case. I set the handle for their their particular arm length so this is very comfortable for them!!!!! :-)

Steve 2 questions. 1 for jigging, is it better to have your reel seat farther up the tip for feel. Having said that, 2 why not just lock the reek and move your hands to have leverage to net the fish? thanks