Balancing a rod

[Paul Huffman]

When I had a friend make a 13.5 rod for me, he asked me to bring him the reel and line I was going to use on it. He set it up so the rod and reel balance right at my top hand position.

Now that I've been fishing a Sage 8126 more, I noticed this rod balances a little too high up. It's a bit more tiring. I notice it especially when leading a drift one handed, or doing anything else one handed. Is there a way to open up the butt to add a little weight? Could I just wrap something on the rod seat?

[Nooksack Mac]

Yes, if the butt cap is removed (better have your friend do it) and a mix of birdshot or sinkers and epoxy poured into the butt blank. A heavier reel might be an easier solution, with other advantages.

[Bert Kinghorn]

Or it might be easier to just use a heavier reel on that rod.

[Paul Huffman]

It's hard to image that there's a reel heavier for its size than the Scientific Anglers 89 System two I'm using on it. With line it's 11.06 oz. I gave up on my Ross Canyon 4, because it's way too light. Too small, too. Do I have to go bigger to find something heavier?

Do you suppose I could spin on a couple oz. of lead core trolling line under the backing? I wonder how much backing I'd lose.

[Big K1]

4" or 4.25" Hardy Perfect.:thumb:

[pescador do mosca]

Hi Paul,
I have that same rod and same problem. I have a CLA 6 on the rod and it is still a bit tip heavy. Great stick though. I have it lined up with Rio WC 9wt with skagit cheaters and tips.

Anyway, been looking for something less invasive than taking my rod apart and am thinking of some lead core under the backing or wrapping it around the reel seat. We'll see.

Have a good one :beer1:

[Salmo_g]

Paul,

I haven't done so yet, but I think balancing a rod and reel combination is a good idea for all day casting and fishing comfort. So far I'm able to get close to a good balance by swapping reels around my different rods. However, it's not a big deal to remove a rubber butt cap from a rod and glue a couple lengths of pencil lead there. I think that's what I'll do for my longest rods; they're the ones I can't get to balance near the upper hand position.

Sincerely,

Salmo g.

[Paul Huffman]

Salmo_g -

That's what I was thinking but I'm not sure how to safely pry the butt off the 8126.