Modify Rods for better casting and trolling from a yak

[Hobiewanknowb]

Will cutting the butt end of a rod lose any integrity or feel? I want to cut some of my older rods to kinda match a st criox yak mojo rod to have some more leg room when i troll and also give me some room while casting.

[bignose]

If you are just cutting the butt end of a handle down, it won't affect the action of the rod, just make it a little harder to hold onto. You can cut it and use a crutch tip to cover the cut off portion.

The biggest issue with cutting a rod down is when you re-handle it, the spacing on your guide nearest to the handle will be off,
depending on how much you shorten the blank.
.
It's not much of a problem if you are trolling, but casting may be difficult. More of a problem on a spinning rod, then a casting rod.

Best way to cut a rod is to wrap masking tape where you want to make the cut and use a very fine toothed hacksaw blade.

[Hobiewanknowb]

Thanks makes sense I wound up cutting 3'' off leaving 11.5'' from rod seat to bottom of rod turned out great no more hitting my legs while trolling

[Mark]

I had a rod maker cut 4 inches from the handle of a 7-foot Bass Pro spinning rod. He capped the end nicely.

I had it modified because the handle was so long it hit my belly when I cast it while I was seated in my kayak. (And yes, it was the rod's design, not the size of my stomach that was the problem!)

The altered rod is fine. There was no change in its action and I've caught many fish with it.

The experience taught me to always consider the length of a rod's handle prior to purchase when I intend to use it in my kayak.