After reading my question some might just wonder why I didn't just build a new rod, and perhaps I should have.

However, these rods have become very sentimental to their owner and quite frankly to me as we fish together quite often. So aside from some beat up guides and worn out handles these old fiberglass blanks still have an action that makes fishing 25 to 30lb Chinooks a hoot here on Lake Ontario.

Anyway.

To state the obvious for these downrigger type rods, the reel and guide placement is on the top, unlike a spinning rod or fly rod where the guides and reels are on the bottom. Determining any kind of spine has become very difficult. Years of sitting in a downrigger with a 12 to 15lb cannon ball forcing the rod into the classic downrigger rod curvature have created memory through the last 30% of the tip section. In other words this rod has an obvious permanent bend as you move towards the tip.

My Question Is:

I was thinking of placing the new guides and reel seat on the same side as this pronounced memory curvature. The idea being that with time in the downrigger the rods will have the same cannon ball forcing back the old memory curve. This migh just force the rod to create a memory towards the opposite direction. Essentially straightening it out a bit. I decided that I am not sure if this line of thinking is just plain stupid or not. That, maybe this idea might just wind up putting far too much stress on this old blank and the best coarse of action is to leave the curvature facing the cannon ball as it has done for so many years. Maybe this is the safest thing to do.

Any opinions are welcomed and I thank all those that submit one in advance.

Thanks
SAL's Custom Rods

Steve Lynas

Steve, as to the spine, it's not an important factor.
Rebuild on the straightest axis. Consider a spiral rebuild.

What blank are you referring to? What were these built on? Fenwick 982s?

You can flip it per your own idea. The only way not to stress a rod blank is not to flex it.

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Thanks Tom

I will proceed as I deem best then.

As to the manufacturer of the blank I do not really know. All I can say with confidence is that the blanks have stood up to some pretty spectaclular punishment over the years by both both the owner and his quarry. As a result the poles have become sentimental fixutres on his boat.

I have considered doing spiral wraps. But for me, until I have done at least one wrap for my own rod building knowledge I do not feel comfortable trying them out on fisherman here who are less in the know about their benefits. Plus in this build I am purposely trying to bring back an old favourite and make it familiar again, albeit with some upgrades in hardware though.

Steve

Steve Lynas

Since this rod will not be used for casting - either distance or accuracy - the spine and the set are cosmetic, not functional, and will only be noticed when the rod is not being used. I think a down rigger rod would look good bent in its customary direction.