I got this rod many years ago.  It served me well and the superstitious part of me considers it lucky.  However, as I have gotten older and my tackle has better and more refined, this old Berkley Lightning Rod Shock never finds its way onto the boat.  It is too heavy compared to my other rods to get much action.  My thought is to extend the length of the handle to make it easier to cast and tuck under my arm to retrieve.  

 

The problem is that it is an inexpensive rod, and I want to throw as little money at the project as possible.  I have never done any rod building so I do not have any of that sort of equipment.  What I have at my disposal is a friendly neighbor who is a handyman, a broken rod that I can cut an extension from and some epoxy.  My thought is that I can carefully strip off the butt that is on there currently, glue on the extension, slip a new section on butt grip on their that is long enough to cover up the extension as well as the scar left from stripping off the original butt.  While aesthetics are nice, I am more concerned about cost and functionality.

 

First off, is this a flawed plan?  Second,  where do I go to get a new butt grip and what is that piece actually called so I can search it?  Any feedback would be appreciated. 

 

 

Good plan.  The critical part is getting the extension and the current blank to fit  properly, with a few inches of overlap.  Mudhole.com has all kinds of grips, butt knobs, etc etc.  

20 hours ago, Happybeerbuzz said:

I got this rod many years ago.  It served me well and the superstitious part of me considers it lucky.  However, as I have gotten older and my tackle has better and more refined, this old Berkley Lightning Rod Shock never finds its way onto the boat.  It is too heavy compared to my other rods to get much action.  My thought is to extend the length of the handle to make it easier to cast and tuck under my arm to retrieve.  

 

The problem is that it is an inexpensive rod, and I want to throw as little money at the project as possible.  I have never done any rod building so I do not have any of that sort of equipment.  What I have at my disposal is a friendly neighbor who is a handyman, a broken rod that I can cut an extension from and some epoxy.  My thought is that I can carefully strip off the butt that is on there currently, glue on the extension, slip a new section on butt grip on their that is long enough to cover up the extension as well as the scar left from stripping off the original butt.  While aesthetics are nice, I am more concerned about cost and functionality.

 

First off, is this a flawed plan?  Second,  where do I go to get a new butt grip and what is that piece actually called so I can search it?  Any feedback would be appreciated. 

 

 

Where are you located ?  Im in central nc and would do it for free if you buy grips. It isnt hard to do especially if you have a broken rod laying around.

Thank you for the offer, but I'm about as far away as possible in Modesto, CA. I found a video on YouTube that makes me think I can pull this off.  However, I am struggling to find the grip I think I need which I believe is a 6" Grip.  Any thoughts on where I might find an EVA grip for a reasonable price?  I assume EVA is cheaper than cork. 

 

 

3 hours ago, MickD said:

Good plan.  The critical part is getting the extension and the current blank to fit  properly, with a few inches of overlap.  Mudhole.com has all kinds of grips, butt knobs, etc etc.  

Thanks.  I will take a look on Mudhole.com.

22 hours ago, Happybeerbuzz said:

Thank you for the offer, but I'm about as far away as possible in Modesto, CA. I found a video on YouTube that makes me think I can pull this off.  However, I am struggling to find the grip I think I need which I believe is a 6" Grip.  Any thoughts on where I might find an EVA grip for a reasonable price?  I assume EVA is cheaper than cork. 

 

 

Thanks.  I will take a look on Mudhole.com.

Get bit outdoors is another source but Mudhole has a better selection.  This is an easy job if you have the tools but not really one if you dont.

In my opinion you need the following-

Section of blank that fits in the butt (hole in back of rod you want to lengthen).  This section needs be tapered to fit where it fits like a two piece rod.

Carbon sleeving in close diameter to rod and extension piece.

5 min epoxy 

30 min epoxy

grip that goes over connection point

https://mudhole.com/products/eva-foam-grips-tapered?_pos=7&_sid=c9cce2150&_ss=r&variant=40577781334149

Plus shipping.

One month later...

 

$15 on epoxy, $9 on parts from Mudhole, and $6 on tools, my $50 rod is 4" longer!  I have to say, the process has been very satisfying, and I can see why people enjoy rod crafting.  The process was fun for me, and it turned out better than my initial expectations.  Thank you all for your input.  

 

 

 

My suggestion is simple….put it away for another few years then donate it to youth fishing club. The value it may have is memories, you don’t need the rod for that. Putting time and money to modify the rod maybe a fun project.

I held onto my old tackle for decades before selling or giving it away and don’t miss it!

Tom 

He’s already done it.  Check the post above yous.