How to make your rod longer...

  Umm fishing rod that is...

Kind of a funky redneck kinda project but here ya go...

I picked up a couple of freshwater bass type rods on sale the other day and wanted to turn them into something that would be more salt/kayak worthy. I like the action of the freshwater sticks but inevitably the butt is way too short for me.

I prefer to have a longer butt section so that I can easily palm the reel and use the butt of the rod like a lever along my left forearm. This makes it much easier for me to reel, gaff, paddle, grab my stringer etc with my right hand. This is especially true when you're hooked up to a good fish and need to keep the pressure on but still clear a line or make a quick paddle to get away from some kelp or whatever.

  I just used some lightweight aluminum tubing and some shrink wrap and a rubber cap to finish it off. If you do a carefull job with the cork it is a very tight fit but if not you can add a little gorrilla glue to fasten the aluminum to the remaining cork.

Good idea

Rest of the pics...

Nice Work and a Great Idea! Now I know what to do with a couple old bass rods ....thanks

Good idea.  Wonder if we a PVC pipe will fit too?  If it does, then the rod would be lighter.

what and where on the grip material. I have a rod that needs some TLC in that area.

Thanks guys!

Sonny I think pvc would work but the aluminum is probably a little lighter and stiffer.

Eric I got the shrink wrap grip at the Rod Rack in Hayward before they closed. I imagine you could find it at an online store.

maybe http://www.mudhole.com/

I haven't ordered from them before but heard they were good to deal with.

-Eliot

You did a great job there bro. Thanks for sharing.

Jedmo

i can honestly say i've never seen that before.  great idea though!

I wonder if the air in the extra length will allow it to float?

E

I wonder if the air in the extra length will allow it to float?

E

Thread Jack of Sorts. I don't see the fascination with floating rods? Has anyone tested their "floating" rods with a reel, lures, and maybe even a small fish on the other end?

Either way I can't wait to get into the shop and modify a couple  older rods with the butt extension...

DAM IT!  i thought.......well, wouldnt you just want to look.

Very interesting and excellent craftsmanship.

but inevitably the butt is way too short for me.

I prefer to have a longer butt section so that I can ...

reminds me of a rap song back in the late 80's.  Wish I had youtube here at work.

Short rods and long butts are not a good combo...   

I wonder if the air in the extra length will allow it to float?

E

Thread Jack of Sorts. I don't see the fascination with floating rods? Has anyone tested their "floating" rods with a reel, lures, and maybe even a small fish on the other end?

Either way I can't wait to get into the shop and modify a couple  older rods with the butt extension...

I'm with you on the floating rod thing. It seems great in theory but I bet in the real world it probably doesn't really work out that well. 

Love to see what you come up with in the shop.

Short rods and long butts are not a good combo...   

Ha Ha! Wish I never had that happen to me.