Shame we’re aren’t closer Bill. I could build you a rod that you’d fall in love with. Not fancy, just functional with some trimmings and done the way you like it.
I had heard of the cork veneer but never seen one yet or if I did see one I didn't know it. But I have read about the quality of available cork being an issue for a long time now. I can see differences in the rods I have. My Winston fly rod is pretty old and you can see the quality in that cork handle.
The first ever split handles that I saw were on surf casting rods intended for two handed use. Split handles have been around for a while but their predominance, especially in lighter tackle, is relatively recent. Maybe it is cork availability causing it. Maybe it is newer materials available. Maybe it is weight savings. Just a personal preference but I just don't like a split handle. If I can find it I will choose a full cork handle. But then again my finances don't allow frequent purchases of new rods and reels. And what I currently have serves my needs.
Good luck on the water.
Shame we’re aren’t closer Bill. I could build you a rod that you’d fall in love with. Not fancy, just functional with some trimmings and done the way you like it.
Creativity is just intelligence fooling around
I appreciate the thought. I've looked at the pictures of the rods you've made. You do very nice work. I'm sure they fish very well. But I am happy with what I have. I've never been one to accumulate a lot of stuff like that. I know lots of guys like doing that. It is part of their enjoyment of a hobby/pursuit. I understand that.
Take care. Go fishing.
First, thanks for the compliments. That’s kind of me but kind of not. My internal motor runs kinda quick and I don’t sit around very well. I’m usually doing something. The rod thing is a revisited desire. Now I have more patience and a little more money. Active word is little. I’ve given up a lot of things I’ve enjoyed over the years but I always came back to fishing. A few years back I realized that I couldn’t afford to follow all my hobbies and had to focus on a couple at best. Fishing is and will always be number one and a close up much more expensive second is my shotgun and clay targets. I’m down to shooting a Browning 28ga for less recoil. Once again, a social thing also with some of the best guys I’ve ever met. This better equipment is just part of the progression of a passion. Strapping a knockout reel onto one of my own built rods just tickles me. I’m gonna keep running my mouth and I’ll be ordering my Presso in a few minutes.
What Alphahawk said about weight being the enemy of sensitivity is what I’ve also heard. My opinion is that it’s all about vibration. The many guides we now use transfer vibration to the blank. All the cork on a full grip absorbs and dampens those vibrations. The experiment I can’t afford to try is to build one skeleton style and another, identical rod and guides with a full handle to compare the feel and sensitivity. So far, all I have is my opinion.
Last edited by skeetbum; 05-23-2023 at 05:23 PM.
Creativity is just intelligence fooling aroundgillchaser999 LIKED above post
I hear you very well about having to set limits and make choices. I also have another passion or two which creeps into my budget. For me the number one thing is traditional archery. I shoot a longbow with wood arrows I make up myself. But I do very much enjoy my fishing especially because at this point I don't need to spend much money on it.
skeetbum thanked you for this post
Another Trad shooter in the group around here .
Between getting older and arthritis I’ve had to drop way down in poundage to continue to shoot a few arrows.
My bows are a little more modern but I still shoot off the shelf , instinctive.
They’re mostly metal ILF risers , some with recurve limbs and some with reflex deflex longbow limbs .
I’ve been enjoying the longbows more lately .
But fishing is number one for me now .
“ The bigger the Bend , the Wider the Grin ! “skeetbum LIKED above post