My GF bought me a semi custom rod (the builder makes this model in advance not to order) for Christmas and it's not at all what I can use.

 

It's 6'10". But the problem I have is 6' is my max usable length as my fishing bike (overhanging tree clearance) truck cab, and topper length can handle 6' max. 

 

The handle is VERY long, my fave pole has an 11" handle (from the center of the reel seat) which doesn't clank against my fishing vest or the bench seat in my boat (nope no pedestal seats) 

 

The blank is excellent, and VERY stiff (I fish for snakeheads a lot) and I'd need its length and the handle cut down to be usable or leave it as a boat only rod. I'm wondering If I can have either the original or another builder take off 10 inches from the handle and tip reasonably easy or would bringing it back and having him make me what I want instead be better. Balance is not an issue, my current rod is a bit tip heavy and I have no problem with it.

 

TIA for advice.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Take it back to the builder and see if you can exchange it, or maybe he’ll build one that suits you.

Don't cut the tip on any rod unless your absolutely sure of the results, 99% of the time you'll ruin a rod. There is a way to find out if you can cut a tip and how much, but most don't want to be bothered learning and doing it.

6 hours ago, spoonplugger1 said:

Don't cut the tip on any rod unless your absolutely sure of the results, 99% of the time you'll ruin a rod. There is a way to find out if you can cut a tip and how much, but most don't want to be bothered learning and doing it.

this....never cut a tip ......

I agree with the above posters who say don't cut the tip.  Not one inch.  Do all the revisions if necessary from the butt.   If you have to move the reel seat then you have a major rebuild that will be expensive - it won't be a move of the existing seat, it will be a remove and replace, not easy to do from the rear.

 

Sell it? Trade it back to the builder for another, as suggested above?

 

You can pretty easily feel approximately what will happen if you cut the tip- tape a guide at the proposed cut point and use it like a tiptop for some test casts and to feel it when flexed.