Spinning Reel Seat to Rod Butt Dimension Question

[MickD]

Looking for comments from some of the rod-building experts:

One dimension that I haven't heard mentioned much on spinning rods is the reel post to rod butt dimension.  I made  a 7 foot spinning rod recently using a 9 inch rear cork and a 4 inch reel seat.  This positioned the reel post about 12 inches from the butt.  When jigging the butt keeps hitting my body or biceps-the dimension is too long.  

With that reel seat, it appears I should have used only about a 7-8 inch rear cork.  Or it may have been possible to cut off the reel seat.  I haven't heard of that either, but the reel seats seem to be at least an inch longer than necessary.

Having said that, you also have to keep rod balance in mind.  My rod feels fine for balance with the reel I plan to use most of the time, so I'm not sure how it would feel with a shorter rear cork.

The main point is, consider that dimension when designing your rod, and the design of the reel seat will also be a factor in that dimension.

I would appreciate comments from some of you expert rod builders on this issue. thanks in advance.

Mick

[Guest DavidGreen]

Mick,

Here is a look at a spinning seat configuration I just finished on a 7' MF rod. The seat center sits at 10" from the butt end of the rod. Now this configuration brings the butt to about the midway point on the forearm. The rod was built for a Quantum E20PTi, the balance point is just at the front comfort button, and is slightly tip forward weighted.

Tight Wraps!!

David...

[MickD]

Thanks, David.  It looks like I need to shorten up a little on the length of the butt cork.  I was thinking, after fishing with my rod, that 10", as in your rod, would have been about right.

Mick