I am looking at building a 15' Raven IM6 for float fishing. How would I go about counterweighting the handle to keep it from getting tip heavy and still look good. I am going to put a sliding ring handle on it. I was thinking maybe having my buddy turn down a wood butt that would plug into the blank like a fight butt does on a fly rod.

Thanks
Abel

For whatever it might be worth, there was a full article in a recent issue of RodMaker that dealt with just this type thing.

Yes, adding weight to the butt, or removing it from the tip, will help you gain a neutral balance. However, with a 15' rod, to truly gain a full neutral balance, you might have to add so much weight to the butt that you will end up negating any advantage you had hoped for.

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I have made all of my steelhead rods with counterbalancing weight. I start by gluing in a 3/8 stainless steel bolt that I have cut off the hex end and leave about 1/2 inch sticking out Then I drill and tap 3/8 hole in a peace of brass or stainless steal. I prefer stainless steal because it does not tarnish over time. Then I will turn it down to the shape and length that I want. By having the threads stick out you can remove it and make a cork cap if you do not like the weight or change the weight. I have put this on 11'6 rods and on 13' rods. I will not fish with out one any more. It does make the rod feel heavy if you are not holding it at the balance point. But it is very comfortable to fish the long rods all day.