How to shorten rod butt for better handling in kayak?

Started by wahoowad, April 15, 2025, 10:12:18 PM

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wahoowad

April 15, 2025, 10:12:18 PM
I have not used this Quantum 7'6" MH since I got rid of my boat 10 years ago. Now I exclusively kayak (or surf) fish and find the long butt unwieldy in the kayak. Is cutting a few inches off a solution? If so what is the right kind of saw and how can I finish the end? It's a broomstick of a rod for a MH but might serve me well for some sheepshead, black drum or Cobia fishing this year.

The butt is also really thick - I assume it's a thick cork grip glued on? If I cut the butt can I possibly finish it more like my St. Croix Mojo series that has a split grip? I have saws (+bandsaw), e6000 adhesive, sandpaper and bandaids.






JasonGotaProblem

#1
April 15, 2025, 11:44:48 PM
There's a dozen viable options here. I'd try to keep the butt cap, it's nice. I'd decide how much you want off, and cut that much off above the butt cap. Then peel the cork off the butt section you removed down to the butt cap then carefully cut down close to the butt cap. Then find a dowel rod that matches the ID of the top section that you're keeping, cut a short section and glue it in. If you're lucky there won't be a difference in ID between the two but if there is you can wrap with thread. I'd use 5 min epoxy. I hope I did a decent job explaining that.
Any machine is a smoke machine if you use it wrong enough.

Dominick

#2
April 15, 2025, 11:51:40 PM
Jason that is a good way to do it.  He can also just buy a butt cap.  Dominick
Leave the gun.  Take the cannolis.

There are two things I don't like about fishing.  Getting up early in the morning and boats.  The rest of it is fun.

JasonGotaProblem

#3
April 16, 2025, 12:04:18 AM
Also don't go too too short. That extra length keeps it out of the waves
Any machine is a smoke machine if you use it wrong enough.

oldmanjoe

#4
April 16, 2025, 12:14:21 AM
 :)   My personal opinion , get another rod for the kayak .   One that does not hurt when you turtle ..
 Keep the long handle for the surf long casts .   
Grandpa`s words of wisdom......Joey that thing between your shoulders is not a hat rack.....    use it.....
A mind is like a parachute, it only work`s  when it is open.......
Character is doing the right thing when nobody is looking .   There are too many people who think that the only thing that!s right is to get by,and the only thing that's wrong is to get caught .
The power of Observation   , It`s all about the Details ..
" Life " It`s a thinking man`s game
" I cannot teach anybody anything   I can only make them think "     - Socrates-
 Forget about all the reasons why something may not work. You only need to find one good reason why it will.   Alto Mare

oc1

#5
April 16, 2025, 05:33:52 AM Last Edit: April 16, 2025, 05:36:22 AM by oc1
First pull off the butt cap just to check and make sure the blank extends all the way through.  Use a fine tooth or diamond edge hacksaw blade and cut a little at a time going all the way around the blank so it doesn't splinter right at the end of the cut.

Cor

#6
April 16, 2025, 06:04:07 AM
Just an obvious tip, first cut of less than you think it should be and go test it like that.
It's easy to cut of another inch if it's not right, but more difficult to lengthen.

Most of my rods I changed the buts, lengthened, shortened, moved reel seats and so on, can easily be done.

For a kayak you probably do not want too long a rod, nor too strong.
Cornelis

oc1

#7
April 16, 2025, 07:22:27 AM
Yeah, but you want the rod to be long enough to reach the bow and the stern.  If the fish runs under the boat you need to be able get the line over to the other side.

wahoowad

#8
April 16, 2025, 12:49:16 PM
Quote from: oc1 on April 16, 2025, 05:33:52 AMFirst pull off the butt cap just to check and make sure the blank extends all the way through.  Use a fine tooth or diamond edge hacksaw blade and cut a little at a time going all the way around the blank so it doesn't splinter right at the end of the cut.

How should I try to remove the butt cap? I tried pulling and twisting so far. Must be glued on pretty good.

Swami805

#9
April 16, 2025, 01:16:03 PM
Try a heat gun to loosen it up and slip something under it to pry it off. 50/50 it won't come off in one piece. They don't cost much
Do what you can with that you have where you are

Cor

#10
April 16, 2025, 02:52:53 PM
Quote from: oc1 on April 16, 2025, 07:22:27 AMYeah, but you want the rod to be long enough to reach the bow and the stern.  If the fish runs under the boat you need to be able get the line over to the other side.
Quote from: Swami805 on April 16, 2025, 01:16:03 PMTry a heat gun to loosen it up and slip something under it to pry it off. 50/50 it won't come off in one piece. They don't cost much
Yes, if I put it there it will come off because I usually use hotmelt glue. ;D
Cornelis

foakes

#11
April 16, 2025, 03:59:55 PM Last Edit: April 16, 2025, 04:03:02 PM by foakes
Dominick is right —- just cut it to your preferred length —- then install a butt-cap.

What a lot of folks don't realize —- a cane tip or stool tip can be installed easily —- looks decent —- and is ten times tougher that a regular rod butt-cap.

Available at Wal-Mart or Amazon.  Super cheap.

Consider the continuous pressure on a cane, stool, or crutch tip —- all weather conditions —- and these make sense.  All different sizes and shapes.

Best, Fred
The Official, Un-Authorized Service and Restoration Center for quality vintage spinning reels.

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JasonGotaProblem

#12
April 16, 2025, 04:02:29 PM
I'm very partial to champagne and patron corks as butt caps
Any machine is a smoke machine if you use it wrong enough.

Gfish

#13
April 16, 2025, 07:13:27 PM
What's your rod-holder look like? I use pvc that's relatively narrow. Important to lift the rod out with out too much friction. If you troll, or baitfish with the rod in the holder, a big'un on a heavy drag can wedge the rod so it's locked in there. It always takes me a few seconds to think; "oh quick, loosen the drag!" No problem if the critter's headed fore or aft, but sideways can be dangerous.
Fishing tackle is an art form and all fish caught on the right tackle are"Gfish"!

oldmanjoe

#14
April 16, 2025, 09:52:58 PM
Quote from: Gfish on April 16, 2025, 07:13:27 PMWhat's your rod-holder look like? I use pvc that's relatively narrow. Important to lift the rod out with out too much friction. If you troll, or baitfish with the rod in the holder, a big'un on a heavy drag can wedge the rod so it's locked in there. It always takes me a few seconds to think; "oh quick, loosen the drag!" No problem if the critter's headed fore or aft, but sideways can be dangerous.
Good point , A lot of my old sticks I had to remove the butt caps because they did not fit the rod holders .
 
   One of my back burner projects is to make a adjustable handle length with pool stick hardware .
Grandpa`s words of wisdom......Joey that thing between your shoulders is not a hat rack.....    use it.....
A mind is like a parachute, it only work`s  when it is open.......
Character is doing the right thing when nobody is looking .   There are too many people who think that the only thing that!s right is to get by,and the only thing that's wrong is to get caught .
The power of Observation   , It`s all about the Details ..
" Life " It`s a thinking man`s game
" I cannot teach anybody anything   I can only make them think "     - Socrates-
 Forget about all the reasons why something may not work. You only need to find one good reason why it will.   Alto Mare
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