Guys,

Just received my 2 part st. croix blank for my dad and it's not at all what i expected.  Instead of the top section being the 'male' part and plugging into the bottom section, the top part is actually larger at the base and plugs 'over' the top of the bottom section.      So the bottom taper is really fast and at it's tip it's really small so that it'll plug into the top section.  Seems to make a very delicate rod and looks really strange to me.  When put together it doesn't look like one continual taper, it looks like stacking cones.   Is this typical?

If this is typical, do I wrap around base of the top (female) section then?

Thanks again.

Theresamarie1,

What blank model did you order?

So the bottom taper is really fast and at it's tip it's really small so that it'll plug into the top section.  Seems to make a very delicate rod and looks really strange to me.  When put together it doesn't look like one continual taper, it looks like stacking cones.   Is this typical?

This is called a Tip-Over-Butt ferrule. It could be typical for medium light power, fast tip action 2 piece spinning blanks. You would wrap the female end (the part that slips over the butt end) just like explained before.

David...

Theresamarie1,

What blank model did you order?

Hi David, I ordered the 2C60MLF2, and you're right on, it's a medium light rod.    It's really light and has a really small tip.  I hope it's going to be ok (durable enough) for my Dad.  He's pretty old and has typically used pretty heavy duty  stuff.   I'm going to put a nice spincast reel on it as I don't think he'll want to deal with the baitcaster and definately not the spinning reel.      I remember when he first took us fishing up on Lake Huron and we used some baitcasters that I would create huge rats nests in.  The line was some kind of black braided stuff (at least i assume it was braided).    I think a couple of times I was relegated to the drop line (green string on flat spool with bobber, split shot and hook) after creating a non-fixable mess of knots. :

Anyways, nostalgia aside, thankyou for clearing up my concern/question.   I'll put the wrap on the top part.

Should I epoxy any kind of plug in the hollow male end to ensure it's durability?  

Theresamarie1,

Should I epoxy any kind of plug in the hollow male end to ensure it's durability?

Hmmm that's a good question. The Tip-Over-Butt ferrule is friction held, not suction. If you added a plug you would be adding weight, and a slight bit more stiffness to that area of the blank. I would wrap it as is and see how it holds up. If you don't like the way the sections hold each other, you can always go back and add some epoxy lay some tape over it, stand it on that end and let cure, remove the tape and you'll have a plugged blank.

Hope this helps..

Tight Wraps!!  

Seems to make a very delicate rod and looks really strange to me.  When put together it doesn't look like one continual taper, it looks like stacking cones.   Is this typical?

If this is typical, do I wrap around base of the top (female) section then?

Thanks again.

T1,

I have only wrapped one piece spinning and casting rods, but every multi section fly rod I have ever seen (I have 8 fly rods and 3 waiting to be built) is designed this way. Even my big ole 12wt. My 9wt fly rod feels like a noodle when you hold it in your hand, but lots of 20lb+ stripers have been landed with this model rod. So it is very typical for fly rods. Don't let it bother you, wrap the female end of the ferrulle 1/2 - 3/4" or so and this rod will work fine. St croix rods are tough and if it's not abused, I don't think you will have any trouble with it. You can plug the male end if it makes you feel better, but I wouldn't bother. Wrap it, fish it and have fun. Just my $0.02.

Ronnie

Theresamarie1,

If you don't like the way the sections hold each other, you can always go back and add some epoxy lay some tape over it, stand it on that end and let cure, remove the tape and you'll have a plugged blank.

David, thanks for the idea.  I was unsure what kind of plug to put in there... and nothing is the answer, just epoxy.

I have only wrapped one piece spinning and casting rods, but every multi section fly rod I have ever seen (I have 8 fly rods and 3 waiting to be built) is designed this way. Even my big ole 12wt. My 9wt fly rod feels like a noodle when you hold it in your hand, but lots of 20lb+ stripers have been landed with this model rod. So it is very typical for fly rods. Don't let it bother you, wrap the female end of the ferrulle 1/2 - 3/4" or so and this rod will work fine. St croix rods are tough and if it's not abused, I don't think you will have any trouble with it. You can plug the male end if it makes you feel better, but I wouldn't bother. Wrap it, fish it and have fun. Just my $0.02.

Ronnie

Ronnie, thank you for the reinforcement.    I just haven't done this and don't have a lot of 2 piece rods, just a couple of cheapies.   This does seem like a very nice blank, although very fine.  I may have to build a short M-L one for myself as well after I get the one done for Dad.