This is definety a "newbi" question but can't seem to find the answer anywhere else, so as per usual will ask here. Am getting ready to build my 1st rod, and in order to try and understand the basics am always lurking here, and have just recently been reading Dale Clements book "Advanced Rod Building".

Now to the question, have see "balancing a rod" mentioned here as well as in Dales book and can understand why it's important. But, how exactly do you balance a rod? Assume it is measured by trying to balance it on your finger, but at what point do you do it on the blank? Assume it is done with guides, seat and reel fitted. Is it done with seat perminately glued? Have seen lots about how to balance everything if it is tip heavy, but what if it is butt heavy, what do you do?

Apprecaite the advice and help.

Regards

George Miller

Geo,
Many folks like to have their rods balanced. Normally the rod gets balanced about the spot where you normally hold the rod so that the tip is neither done, nor up, just level.

Some folks will add weight to the back of the rod.

I used to do that, but now, just use the lightest components that are reasonable and have a butt length is reasonable and just let the rod balance come out where it comes out.

Be safe

Generally, rods have gotten lighter and lighter over the years so any imbalance doesn't represent the problem that it once did.

Now having said that, there are certain technique specific rods that many feel should be balanced to obtain a "tip up" or "tip down" balance. They claim it makes the technique easier to employ. You can do a search of the board archives for rod balance and turn up enough reading material to keep you busy for several days.

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Many things have to be considered for "balance"!! Rear and front grip, reel used, lure weight, etc. You can have a blank perfectly balanced before you put the reel and lure on the rod, but what good is that going to do?

You sound like the kind that does a lot of thinking about how to build a better mouse trap. Me too FWIW.

I'm going to suggest to you that there are a lot of things that are a "matter of personal preference". Rather or not one should balance a rod falls into that area.

One of the few things most everyone agrees on; all things equal, the lightest rod wins.

Why go out and spend 200% more for the lightest blank, guides, and grips........only to add 50% extra weight to balance the rig?

IMHO you have better things to be using your brain power on for your first build. Keep in mind this addtional weight to balance the rod can be added after you build the rod. For now focus on the big picture. Suitability for the task at hand, weight, ergonomics, etc.

But do keep asking these questions. Ain't no silly ones at this point.

Russ in Hollywood, FL.

Geo,
I do a lot of slack line jig fishing.
i.e. the line is slack and the jig is laying on the bottom of the lake or river.

While waiting for the tap on the line to signify a bite, it is nice to have the rod resting nicely in the hand, with neither the tip down or up.

For this particular situation, I like to have the rod balance at the point where I normally hold the rod, with the reel on the rod that I am using. The lure or jig is out of the picture, since it is laying quietly on the bottom of the lake waiting to be picked up by a wandering fish.

If you have to clench your hand all day, while doing this technique, the hand gets tired and if the light tap does come late in the day, your hand may be desensitized to the point where you don't feel the tap.

As always, lots of helpful, informative information. Thank you all.

Regards

Geo Miller

The balance point of a rod in use depends a good deal upon the weight of the reel being used and the amount of weight being cast.