I am in the process of building a casting rod and have been wondering if the rear grip cork is suppoesd to be fitted into the rear of the reel seat (if so, how far?) and does the foregrip butt up to the reel seat or does it have to fit over the reel seat a little bit? I can't find any info on this. Thanks for any help, this is a great site.

No, it does not have to. Most grips just butt up against the seat. Some preformed grips have shoulders that extend under the seat and/or butt cap, but they are not absolutely necessary. Nothing wrong with those that are, but again, not necessary.

I cannot recall ever building a rod where my butt or foregrip was shouldered to fit the reel seat.

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There are preformed cork grips that you can buy that are recessed (if that is the word) on both ends - one for the but cap and one for the reel seat. The ones I have used are made to fit the Fugi trigger seats and I usually use #16's. If you use one of these, be sure to get the seat and butt cap to fit. Some preformed grips come with the shoulder only for the butt cap. And as Tom says just butt the seat up against the grip.

Thanks, that saves a lot of time!

The St. Croix custom casting hadle kits contain preformed cork that have a shoulder to recess into the reel seat. Makes for a flush type transition and clean, quick finish. Basically a foolproof fit when the shoulder is in to the raised portion. One thing to remember is to allow enough leeway at the end of the arbors for the cork to go inside the butt of the reel seat.

Rich
Richard's Rod & Reel