While steelhead fishing yesterday with a 9 ft, 8 wt I was having trouble reaching water on the far side of the river. I have a bad shoulder and am basically a mediocre caster so this was not a new situation for me. This particular 8 wt has a short fighting butt so I was able to grasp it and use the rod as a "poor mans spey rod" I was pleased at the distance I could now achieve with less effort and it was far easier on my shoulder. I am sure I am not the first person to discover this but I have seen no articles/posts on any forum or in magazines. It seems to me that a short removable extension on the handle would be a great add on for this type casting, not to be used all the time but invaluable when needed. Does this make sense and if so can you purchase something like this or how would you make one? Thank for any ideas you may have

There are removable fighting butts of different lengths. A custom builder could easily adapt one to just about any length. Makes a lot of sense.

When doing the original build a custom builder could extend the butt of the fly rod past the seat to just about any length by inserting a piece of blank into the original blank and building on that. For a non-removable extension.

Jim,
The fact is that a two-handed rod does not out perform (distance) a singe-handed rod with a double haul until it exceeds 12'.
It sounds that you have to perfect your double haul - as well as changing your casting style if you are hurting your shoulder. You are probably lifting your arm too high and stressing your shoulder.
Study Henrik Mortenson's video. The single handed portion starts at the 2 minute mark.
Sorry - that link did not work - try this: [www.youtube.com]
Herb



Edited 3 time(s). Last edit at 04/06/2021 11:42PM by Herb Ladenheim.

Herb, I would be the first one to admit my double haul technique is sorely lacking but that is not the issue. My shoulder problem is pre existing and is there regardless of how I cast, I just find it easier and more efficient to roll cast and single hand spey cast as I swing flies or streamers, not to mention the inevitable stream side trees and brush ever lurking to gobble up my flies. I am not trying to get 80 feet of fly line out on every cast, I am just trying to cover as much water as I can as efficiently as I can and for me that seems to be with a little extra snap from my off hand on the butt of the rod. I don't think RIO would want to film me for their "how to" series but for me it works, so my original question is still germane; is there a way to fit a slight extension on the end of the reel seat and if so is it going to cause harmful stress on the rod?

Jim,
I experimented a lot with 2 handed rods from 10'6" to 13'6".
I did extend the FB on a 10'0" #10 rod by 6" by utilizing REC's removable FB hardware. But that was when I was building it from scratch. The REC hardware is made to fit into REC reel seats.
I don't know how your rod was built - do you know if the FB is installed over the butt of the blank - or added on?
Is this a factory rod - or did you, or someone else built it? All this matters you are to get good info.
The bottom line - it can be done - but the method will be different depending how the rod was built.

Sounds like you were watching some of the OPST videos. Ed Ward extended the FB on his rod. Although on this video: [www.youtube.com] It looks like it was custom built. On other videos it looks home made. It might be easier justto install a NON-removable fighting butt of 3-4 inches.

Herb

Thanks again Herb, the rod in question is a TFO 8 wt, one of the best 8 weights I have ever used regardless of price. I havent watched the video you referenced but I am going to do that right now. I think you are right the best solution probably would be to install a new longer FB on the rod. I have no qualms with that solution Im just not sure my rod building skill set is up to the task. Thank you

Herb, I just watched the OPST video you suggested and that is exactly what I envisioned, looks like it might be 3-4 inches long and you are correct on this video it looks "factory installed" I need to find someone local to help me with it when I screw it up

Jim,
See this: [js-outdoors.com]
I've got tons of old graphite that would probably fit into the butt of your rod as an extension to fit into the new FB.
If you want to attempt this - measure the I.D. of your blank's butt.
BUT - you will have to destroy your current FB. But all will be well if you can access your butt section. So much the better if it extends beyond the reel seat. If it does not - no big deal. You will just have to use a longer piece of graphite.
Herb



Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 04/07/2021 01:39PM by Herb Ladenheim.

Herb,
That tutorial from outdoors.com explains it very well, I actually think even I could do this. Im going to try it, thanks for your help!!

Jim,
If you need a bit of graphite blank to extend the support for the FB - give me a shout. I will mail you some. If you have a digital caliper - measure the I.D. of the butt opening.
Also - let me know if you need some cork and a rubberized cork butt cap.
Herb

Thanks Herb, I think I have (or a fishing buddy of mine) has what I need but I will keep your offer in mind. You have been a great help!!!!

Atta boy, Herb! Neat that you're willing to go the extra yard to help.

Just completed the extension on my 8 wt, used the video Herb referenced and I think it came out great. I was going to put a picture on here but apparently this site is not set up so you can attach pictures. Thanks again Herb, I will try and send you an email with an attachment