Reel Repair by Alan Tani

This past weekend I moved my Penn Battle 3 2000 to my 6.5' Ugly Stik elite MH for
a fishing trip.Normally I have one of my 712 spinners mounted on there & it feels a little too heavy.The Battle 3 2000 felt more balanced on there.

So,my question is if I rest a spinning rod/reel on my index finger where should the balanced point be.Mid foregrip seems to be the spot for this combo.

I am not a spinner user but I would think a very slight weight forward of the reel with the reel on the rod would be "proper".

For conventional or baitcaster the balance point is the reel itself IMO.

For a spinner it should be at the top of the reel seat or not further than half way up the foregrip. Again IMO.

Hold the rod as you normally would.  It should balance in the palm of your hand as you crank the handle with your other hand.

Add or remove weight under the butt cap until it feels the most comfortable.

Quote from: JasonGotaProblem on April 27, 2026, 03:46:48 PMFor conventional or baitcaster the balance point is the reel itself IMO.

X2

Ok when the 712 is mounted on this rod it balances at the front foot enters the reel seat. So it is too heavy for the rod works ok for live  bait fishing.

Cork grips with slip rings eliminate that issue, regardless of the size & weight of the rod and/or reel, because the reel can be positioned wherever it needs to be to feel balanced. That's why I never fish with a rod with a stationary reel seat.   

The rings make it a Tennessee rod; in case someone is shopping.

I'm afraid of long term commitments and lash my reel to a deckhand grip.  The lashing is more comfortable to palm than a reel seat or clamps.