Friends:

Been looking at heavy duty pier fishing rods in Florida, especially East coast (Juno Pier)

Judging by the videos, I'm guessing old school howald style blank of the 8' length (plus) category, old school spiral guides and stainless tip. Kind of inspiring really, and I want to make one of those.

I have a beefy 8' Gator blank so I'm GTG on that - bought it years ago thinking I would build a grouper rod out of it, but ....life, right?

In the videos the butt section of the rod seems to be very long, like 20 plus inches, can't tell for sure, maybe even more, but seriously long.

Been looking online for EVA grips and the most i can find is about 14". .

I can prolly make something equivalent using cork tape covered with shrink wrap, but sure would be nice to get a 18'"-20" or so EVA straight grip in about a 3/4 inch inside diameter.

Can anyone recommend a source? Or have other thoughts?

Thanks in advance!



Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 01/11/2021 02:33PM by Philip Engle.

Make a split grip with a butt piece and an aft grip then you can do whatever length you want. Long fore grip would be nice to go with it too.

2 things ....

1. What is the "Inside Diameter" of the EVA that you're looking for?

2. Ever think about wrapping the base with Paracord?

Tony Boschi
Banana River Rods
Merritt Island, Florida
321~525~1063

* Rapid Prototyping Services
* Custom Beach Rods
* Custom Inshore Rods

[bananariverrods.com]

Phillip,
I often use shrink wrap over cork tape for saltwater builds except for the rare occasion the rod will be primarily used in a holder = Slick Butt. It is comfortable, easy to make (and repair as well!) and very durable. The only draw-back is possibly the weight; but then that could be a positive in assisting to balance a longer rod.

Mark Talmo
FISHING IS NOT AN ESCAPE FROM LIFE BUT RATHER A DEEPER IMMERSION INTO IT!!! BUILDING YOUR OWN SIMPLY ENHANCES THE EXPERIENCE.

Philip,
Actually, for a rough and tough grip, a length of the correctly sized rubber heater hose makes an excellent grip.

Put on a nice butt cap and a good joint at the reel seat and you will be good to go for about $2 for the material.
For example:

[www.oreillyauto.com]

Get two grips and glue them together, cut the ends at an angle, put in an accent color piece and they will always think it was a designed that way. Use the same color as the wraps, or do the same in the foregrip to balance it.

A couple years back I bought 24inch Eva from Biscayne rods in Miami. Might be worth it to give them a call. Also, try Juno bait and tackle.

One of the main reasons you see such long rear grips is a lot those rods have butt extensions installed to lengthen them. Many times after the rod is already built. With that said, you may not like a 20 plus inch rear grip on a 8 foot rod.

Split Grip