Got an email from Mudhole today. If you’re looking for a Tsuka 2 handled rod, they now offer it in an all in one kit. I briefly looked and it’s available in 4 casting models. Didn’t look at the spinning models.

I’ve been wanting a Tsuka handled build for a while, but was unsure if I’d like it. However, I just got a zodiac for Xmas and though not the same, I do like that style. For $200, probably not a bad kit.

Let us know what you think about it.

Also...did you mean a Shimano Zodias?

From a cost point the kit is a value and it includes blanks that give a reasonable length

I tried the handle on a spinning rod . . .

Pros: It looked pretty good and is lightweight

Cons: Handle is too long for me, handle diameter is too small for me, hole in front is way too big, had a 7' blank in mind and had to cut to get final length wanted because the blank is arbored/glued into the front of the reel seat.

I never even wrapped guides, just gave it away to another rod builder.

Years ago you could buy what they called a Japanese handle that was a grip and seat mounted on a carbon tube. You just used arbors to fit to any blank. I don’t like the idea of the blank not going all the way through.

On 2/1/2026 at 9:50 PM, Delaware Valley Tackle said:

you could buy what they called a Japanese handle that was a grip and seat mounted on a carbon tube. You just used arbors to fit to any blank

Check ali express, they have some similar products available

A lot of the ols glass rods were built much like the Tsuka concept with the grips and reel seat built on an aluminum tube with the blank 4 to 6 inches inside the tube, a great way to get one of the limited variety of blanks to be adapted for many purposes and lengths. All the old pistol grip and longer offset reel seats designed for the old round reels had the blank on a ferrule that fit into the front of the reel seat and the foregrip many times was the nut that tightened it all together, lots of those old rods still out there in some old man's garage.