Reel Repair by Alan Tani

Fishing => Fishing Tips and Techniques => Topic started by: gstours on November 05, 2020, 05:03:47 PM

Title: Groin saver rod huki
Post by: gstours on November 05, 2020, 05:03:47 PM
A little while ago someone asked about my adaptation of a commercial type pod rod butt cushion that works great and is affordable, easily within the grasp of most diy folks.  It's very portable on the boat and can be shared around as needed, slips on ad off easily,  and can be customized as desired.
Title: Re: Groin saver rod huki
Post by: steelfish on November 05, 2020, 05:11:10 PM
pure genious !!


you're da'Man Gary
Title: Re: Groin saver rod huki
Post by: gstours on November 05, 2020, 05:13:50 PM
The 2 components are a hollow dog toy ball found in many departments stores or pet store and a tube to slip over the rod butt.  I used a hole saw to make a round hole in the hollow ball, silicone for the adhesive from a hardware store.  The tube can be ABS, PVC, or if you can locate one, a piece from a rod holder like on a Scotty downrigger.  
Title: Re: Groin saver rod huki
Post by: El Pescador on November 05, 2020, 05:17:41 PM
Gary!

AND IT FLOATS!!!   Ask me why I know!!!!

You did a DYI mod on my commercially available groin saver - The Cush-it!   Still, it does flex more than your custom model.

       https://alantani.com/index.php?topic=27228.0

BUTT I need to schedule a return trip to Gustavus, AK to RECON the Modified Cush-it on a 200+ lbs. Halibut from 180' down!!!!!

Let's make it happen.

Wayne
Title: Re: Groin saver rod huki
Post by: Crow on November 05, 2020, 05:24:54 PM
Thanks for sharing that, Gary !
Title: Re: Groin saver rod huki
Post by: gstours on November 05, 2020, 05:25:31 PM
When the hole is drilled, go slow with a variable speed drill, a vice will help butt sqishes some so use another gloved hand and help hold it.  Then rough up the inside of the ball opposite the hole where the end will make contact.  
 Another important step is to saw teeth or drill small holes on the bottom end of the plastic tube for grip
As plastic and silicone won't really grip well.  Where the tube fits at the top of the ball this area should also be at least sanded or additional holes or hacksaw cuts at the location of the upper part of the ball, and even below slightly to be hidden.
Title: Re: Groin saver rod huki
Post by: gstours on November 05, 2020, 05:33:17 PM
Lastly glob in silicone to the inside of the ball and using a finger add silicone to the inside of the upper hole,
   Add generous amounts of silicone from a caulk gun.  Then assemble the 2 parts ,  clean as desired,
     Then charter a boat and go fishing after a day of curing.
Title: Re: Groin saver rod huki
Post by: gstours on November 05, 2020, 05:41:42 PM
And after digging into the pickures box a pretty good one found of Peskydore.  I was glad to help,  every picture tells a story. :)
     These things work great,  Huh Wayne? ???
(https://hosting.photobucket.com/albums/p660/gst6814/.highres/GH013390_Moment_zpsicb91vzk.jpg) (https://app.photobucket.com/u/gst6814/p/278e6e25-2ccd-4255-875b-e12c95935ded)
Title: Re: Groin saver rod huki
Post by: El Pescador on November 05, 2020, 05:41:56 PM
Gary!

Nice new business venture,

Are you taking orders????? ;D

Wayne
Title: Re: Groin saver rod huki
Post by: Donnyboat on November 05, 2020, 07:05:07 PM
Thanks for sharing Gary, great idea, cheers Don.
Title: Re: Groin saver rod huki
Post by: El Pescador on November 05, 2020, 07:59:14 PM
Quote from: gstours on November 05, 2020, 05:41:42 PM
And after digging into the pictures box a pretty good one found of Peskydore.  I was glad to help,  every picture tells a story. :)
    These things work great,  Huh Wayne? ???
(https://hosting.photobucket.com/albums/p660/gst6814/.highres/GH013390_Moment_zpsicb91vzk.jpg) (https://app.photobucket.com/u/gst6814/p/278e6e25-2ccd-4255-875b-e12c95935ded)

Gary,

If my memory serves me, that is 160 lbs. Halibut I'm winching up from 180' below in the frigid fjord waters of Glacier Bay!!!!

Wayne
Title: Re: Groin saver rod huki
Post by: Gobi King on November 05, 2020, 08:07:07 PM
Hey Gary,

Did you put anything inside the ball?
How long did the silicone adhesive take to cure?

did you block off the bottom of the tube?
Title: Re: Groin saver rod huki
Post by: gstours on November 06, 2020, 01:33:42 AM
ok, ok,  yes this is a good thing... even for women n children.  butt its fun to wait for my men frriends to ask for the Ball Thing.  and  more pictures are available upon request. :-X
  Q-2   yes you should add a lot of silicone to the bottom floor of the ball before and after inserting the tube hopefully vertically and stirr it around to the tube,  after the drilling and cleaning / scruff interior.    vacuum or tilt to rid of the loose particles,   dust, 
  ive used these almost every day and they work for me,   I like belts, harnesses, when they are needed ....... Butt more people catch small fish than big fish....................like more people have a dime than a dollar................
    To prevent boredom be a diy person...... ;)
Title: Re: Groin saver rod huki
Post by: gstours on November 06, 2020, 02:42:54 PM
Gobi,  no hole thru thebottom.  only one hole.  top side.   the rod butt sits in the ball lining and that it.  yes you can add silicone to the bottom and smooth it against the sidewall of the tube to insure a smooth surface.  24 yous at room temperature will cure the silicone .....
   then goo fishin....... ;)
Title: Re: Groin saver rod huki
Post by: Ryan_W on November 13, 2020, 02:42:05 PM
Nice job and thank you for sharing
Title: Re: Groin saver rod huki
Post by: Gobi King on November 16, 2020, 03:27:53 PM
Quote from: gstours on November 06, 2020, 02:42:54 PM
Gobi,  no hole thru thebottom.  only one hole.  top side.   the rod butt sits in the ball lining and that it.  yes you can add silicone to the bottom and smooth it against the sidewall of the tube to insure a smooth surface.  24 yous at room temperature will cure the silicone .....
   then goo fishin....... ;)

Gotcha, leaving the silicone will probably give the rod butt a squishy surface to sit on  ;D
Title: Re: Groin saver rod huki
Post by: Dominick on November 17, 2020, 12:47:20 AM
Quote from: Gobi King on November 16, 2020, 03:27:53 PM
Quote from: gstours on November 06, 2020, 02:42:54 PM
Gobi,  no hole thru thebottom.  only one hole.  top side.   the rod butt sits in the ball lining and that it.  yes you can add silicone to the bottom and smooth it against the sidewall of the tube to insure a smooth surface.  24 yous at room temperature will cure the silicone .....
   then goo fishin....... ;)

Gotcha, leaving the silicone will probably give the rod butt a squishy surface to sit on  ;D

Shibley, of course squishy in the ball is better than squishing the...  ::)  Dominick
Title: Re: Groin saver rod huki
Post by: Gobi King on November 17, 2020, 05:20:15 PM
Quote from: Dominick on November 17, 2020, 12:47:20 AM
Quote from: Gobi King on November 16, 2020, 03:27:53 PM
Quote from: gstours on November 06, 2020, 02:42:54 PM
Gobi,  no hole thru thebottom.  only one hole.  top side.   the rod butt sits in the ball lining and that it.  yes you can add silicone to the bottom and smooth it against the sidewall of the tube to insure a smooth surface.  24 yous at room temperature will cure the silicone .....
   then goo fishin....... ;)

Gotcha, leaving the silicone will probably give the rod butt a squishy surface to sit on  ;D

Shibley, of course squishy in the ball is better than squishing the...  ::)  Dominick

:D :D
Title: Re: Groin saver rod huki
Post by: Tiddlerbasher on November 18, 2020, 01:33:53 AM
Quote from: Dominick on November 17, 2020, 12:47:20 AM
Quote from: Gobi King on November 16, 2020, 03:27:53 PM
Quote from: gstours on November 06, 2020, 02:42:54 PM
Gobi,  no hole thru thebottom.  only one hole.  top side.   the rod butt sits in the ball lining and that it.  yes you can add silicone to the bottom and smooth it against the sidewall of the tube to insure a smooth surface.  24 yous at room temperature will cure the silicone .....
   then goo fishin....... ;)

Gotcha, leaving the silicone will probably give the rod butt a squishy surface to sit on  ;D

Shibley, of course squishy in the ball is better than squishing the...  ::)  Dominick

Dominick - you do crack me up my friend ;D