Split Grip Baby… Split Grip Baby…

[islandbass]

(Hum the stolen Vanice Ice tune )

I decided to give it a go and convert the worst spinning rod in my arsenal a make over. So after mowing the grass, edging the lawn, breaking out the weed eater to finish up the honey does list, I felt I needed a break.

The rod is a Rapala Sportsman’s Classic rod, and real piece of junk in the sensitivity department. This rod is so lacking in the sensitivity department that it would make an ugly stick feel like a GLX after fishing with it.

Okay exaggerations aside, I used a hobby knife to get it done. I couldn’t find standard head for knife so I opted for a chisel head and it turned out to be a great choice.

Here is the rod before the operation



Here it is after some of the cork has been removed




The cork was removed methodically by pushing the chisel close to the blank all the way around the rod. Then, I used a chiseling technique by making lines lengthwise. This step broke the cork into smaller sections that I was able to peel off as if I were peeling an orange. The shot below shows the lengthwise cut. These cuts were also made about the blank.




Here it is, with the cork removal phase completed. I plan to chisel off as much of the stuck cork as I safely can and will taper the ends soon.




Oh yeah. I saved the pieces of cork I broke off. It can be used as filler to shore up pits and holes that my other rods might acquire over time.

I will end this by saying that I was a bit unsure and nervous that I might damage the blank, but that quickly passed when I realized the process of cork removal was not as difficult as I initially thought it would be.

I hope doing this breathes new life into a rod that needs braid to feel the wiggle of a DT6.

[Patrick Krueger, Jr.]

Great idea! I have a rod in mind that I'm gonna' try that with. Thanks islandbass.

[BigBassin144]

Nice. I'd like to see some pics of it when you get it done.

BB

[islandbass]

I finished sanding the remaining cork with Medium 100 sandpaper. The remaining cork came off quite easily and much to my surprise, so did the epoxy. All I used were gentle, careful strokes.







I didn’t go any further. I visited George’s Custom Rods site to study his article and have decided to buy a file as he recommends before proceeding.

So far, so good!!

[crankybait]

IB, you should get yourself a woodrasp if you don't have one already. they're very useful... The halfrounds are the best

[Buzz Wing]

That's looking GREAT, IB! Let us know when you finish leveling down the remaining cork!

-Buzz

[BigBassin144]

looking good. I'm thinking of giving my Cabela's Fish Eagle II a makeover. I'm gonna Cut about 6" off the top and put a new tip on it, and take about 4" off the handel, replug the end, and put a new butt cap on it. This'll make it about 6'2" and probably a big heavier than ML. A perfect topwater rod.

BB

[islandbass]

Originally Posted by crankybait

IB, you should get yourself a woodrasp if you don't have one already. they're very useful... The halfrounds are the best

cranky,

that is what I am going to buy in addition to a file. I don't have either and that is why I couldn't go any further last night.

Big Bassin,

Give it a shot!!! I found the entire process calming and therapeutic.

Buzz Wing,

Dude, that name is cool! Your old name was alright, but Buzz Wing gets a thumbs up!

[carolina-rig-01]

the rod is looking good!

[Buzz Wing]

Originally Posted by islandbass

Buzz Wing,

Dude, that name is cool! Your old name was alright, but Buzz Wing gets a thumbs up!

Thanks, man!

-Buzz

[Wishing2BFishing]

Is that reel a 2500 or 4000 Symetre?

[Buzz Wing]

Top picture shows 2500, I believe.

-Buzz

[BERKLEY83]

Hey Just Would Like To Thank You For The Great Idea Here Are The Pics Of The One Rod I Had And Did

[BigBassin144]

Berkley, what kind of rod is that?

BB

[BERKLEY83]

It Is A Berkley Cherry Wood Cheap But For The Price It Has Been A Great Rod I Use It As A Crnking Rod

[BigBassin144]

I was thinking about maybe getting a couple cheap $20-30 rods from walmart or such and reconstruct them and make them better.

BB

[BERKLEY83]

Yeah Very Good Rod, It Goes For $20.00. It Has Been A Great Rod No Problems At All. Have Caught An 8lb Bass On It And No Problems. Pick Some Up And For $20.00 Buck You Can Custamize It And Not Have To Worry. That Is Why I Tried It, It Turned Out To Be A Great Looking Rod On Top Of Shedding Some Wieght.

[senko]

Originally Posted by BERKLEY83

Yeah Very Good Rod, It Goes For $20.00. It Has Been A Great Rod No Problems At All. Have Caught An 8lb Bass On It And No Problems. Pick Some Up And For $20.00 Buck You Can Custamize It And Not Have To Worry. That Is Why I Tried It, It Turned Out To Be A Great Looking Rod On Top Of Shedding Some Wieght.

You're right, a great, cheap rod. I loved mine as a sorta throw around one until I accidentally lopped off a foot of the end

[islandbass]

Originally Posted by BERKLEY83

Hey Just Would Like To Thank You For The Great Idea Here Are The Pics Of The One Rod I Had And Did

Berkley,

You did an awesome job! Wow! I just bought a file from Home Depot this evening and I plan finish the job.

I am going to do my lightning casting rod and cherrywood spinning rod.

It's a lot of fun, isn't it?

[BERKLEY83]

Thank You. But I Would Have Never Thought About It With Out Seeing Your Post.i Am Also Doing A Lightning Rod Next The Im7 Model.:d

[BigBassin144]

I have a question that I don't know if you guys'll be able to answer. Since I plan on cutting my rod shorter, is there any good way to cut it so the graphite doesn't splinter?

And I'll be sure ot post pics when I start construction.

BB

[islandbass]

Right on, Berkley!

Big Bassin',

I am not certain what saw type to use, but I can think of one forum that has a rod and tackle making forum.

http://www.bassresource.com/bass_fis...d=Tacklemaking

-ib

[crankybait]

I'd use a rotary tool... That would be the best way to get it done, IMO

[BERKLEY83]

I Agree With Cranky. I Would Use A Drimel With A Cut Off Wheel.the Higher The Speed The Less It Will Splinter.

[Buzz Wing]

As long as it doesn't splinter more than an inch, the epoxy to hold the tip on should solve any splintering problems.

-Buzz