Rod building

[makojim]

Here's a question for anybody. I'm building a couple of rods specifically for the kayak. 7' fast action 10 to 20lb.. My question is "What is better grip material EVA or Cork?"

Thanks guys

[T Bone]

Cork,but it involves more tools because you stack and glue cork rings and then have to shape the grip from there either by a hand made drill lathe or just by sanding.I made a 12-25# rod and found hypalon in a 3/8 inside diameter so I went with that.I like hypolon.That particular rod was stolen(they will never catch a thing on it)
I havent wrapped a rod in a few years.I may do a 9'er this spring if I get a deal at the fred hall show.Good luck.

[fishinkid2010]

The grip reallydepends on what you intend to use it for. Like stated prior, cork requires more tools. It however is lighter and is ideal for a rod you will be casting for lengthy periods. ie a Calico rod.

I have found hypalon to be easy to work with. (Just a hint that I found out the hard way, spray A LOT of lubricant like silicon spray down the inside of the hypalon before trying to slide it down the blank. you'll thank yourself)

Go to a tackle shop and look at the rods similar to yours. see what you like. For a kayak rod that's mostly for trolling bait, you may prefer the hypalon. EVA is nice to, but I prefer hypalon. And if the shop will let you, I like to take a china marker with to mark their spacing of guides. Less taping and guessing when it comes to the proper spacing.

Also, check out the rod building forum on Bloodydecks. The guys there really helped me out when I was starting to wrap rods.

Good luck and post some pics when its done.

[makojim]

I fish almost exclusively my own built rods and have built a dozen or so. Just finished a sweet 3wt 9' 4 pc. fly rod. My last several boat rods have be cork taped which makes them real light. I have found a textured shrink tube, about 2" id, that I'm going to refurbish and old cork taped jig stick. But thanks for the input.

[fishinkid2010]

Sounds good... You ought to post up some pics of your work. I need some inspiration for the graphighter blank I have sitting in my rod rack anyways.
I've wrapped a couple kencor's and calstar's as presents and yak rods. I too prefer the deckhand style cork tape, much lighter and a reel clamp is less of a pain than a reel seat to install. haha not as pretty but it gets the job done.

[Siebler]

Im a EVA or Cork Tape fan.