Thread: I think I'm chasing an imaginary creature

what is a Tenn. handle may I ask ?

No reel seat. Either sliding rings, black tape or a combination of both. Billy Westmoreland helped make them popular.

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Here is an example

Tennessee Handle Rods | APR - All Pro Rods

When you find your rod, if you have any problems with the rings coming loose ... try some of this stuff

1x Waterproof Black Rubber Silicone Repair Bonding Tape Rescue Self Fusing Wire 6946516807433 | eBay

we called it F4 tape in the Air Force. It sticks to itself, and not much else. It can be used as wire insulation, to fix leaky hoses, and it makes a pretty darn good rod wrap for Tennessee handles. It’s got rubbery feel, and kind of cushiony. And best of all it doesn’t leave any sticky residue.

this stuff was probably made in China and not as good as the real thing we used in the AF. I think you can still get the mil spec stuff too, the stuff I used was a brownish red color.

Man, I live and die by that tape. When I was a kid it was my job to wrap the handles on my brother's electricians tools when one got damaged.

Originally Posted by SuperDave336

Here is an example

Tennessee Handle Rods | APR - All Pro Rods

For those not familiar with these rods I can say that their quality is very good. I had a couple in TN and the one that stands out was a BC rod that had a fantastic action for multiple uses. My next door neighbor lost his due to someone else’s abuse in the boat, and I had been bitten by this crappie fishing bug, and I let him have it. For twice what I paid for it. He hesitated not a second and counted out the duckies and smiled big. Such is their following. If you could find one they offered that fit your criteria, I believe you would be pleased with it. Good luck in your search.

My fear with "rolling my own" is that my time is thin as it is and I'll never finish it. I have found the BnM Sharpshooter, a Bass Pro branded offering that is only 5' long, and one calledDock Shooter from H and H rods. I have no experience with BnM, and I'm affraid it will be "whippy" and not as stiff as I like. the BP rod was ok except for being so short. The H and H is a medium/light rod and I'm afraid the sensitivity won't be there.

I did look at the ESP rods. They look awesome, but I don't know I would like that carbon fibre handle vs tradition cork.

Originally Posted by gunwhatgun

I did look at the ESP rods. They look awesome, but I don't know I would like that carbon fibre handle vs tradition cork.

If you want cork, you don't have a lot of options. Here are two:

1) 4'9" slider rod

2) custom rod