Get the list of stuff ready for my dad to order me for Christmas and taking centre stage isn't a Playstation or Xbox but a rod I hope to build over the winter between homework and coursework etc.

The rod I'm looking to build is 10 foot 6 weight on a Harrison Balista Blank

Questions from butt of the rod upwards

1 What is a decent length for a fighting butt on a rod of the length? I'm thinking about 2'' or so.

2 Which is easier a butt which put the plug of into the blank or a butt which is glued onto the blank?

3 Would a Fuji reel seat be salt water proof?

4 Would a graphite skeleton reel seat with a cork insert be saltwater proof and would it be odd on this rod?

5 Where can you buy a full wells handle, 8'' long and with rubberised cork inserts at the end.

6 Do folding hook keepers break more easily than solid ones?

7 Which type of guides would best on this rod, ceramic or snakes?

Thanks in advance
AL

Hi AL

I'll try and answer the questions, though some are down to personal taste.

1. 2" butts can look a bit large. I usually make mine about 1.5". However this a personal taste thing.

2. Easier to glue the butt straight onto the blank.

3. The Fuji seats are very salt water resistant. However they still need to be rinsed off at the end of the day. Even stainless steel will rust eventually.

4. Which skeleton do you mean? If it has no metal on it, just plastic, then yes it is salt proof. Odd looking....if you like it....put it on. Its your rod.

5. I can make a handle for you. See my email.

6. I've not come across a broken solid hook keeper. I've been asked to take a few of the folding ones off rods for people though as they started to rattle.

7. Ceramics or snakes???? Now there's a question that may generate some answers. Totally personal choice. For me I go chromed wire every time. However, if the Ballista is a slightly slower and heavier blank, it won't affect things that much.

Hope that helps

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Steve Parkes

www.atomsix.co.uk

info@atomsix.co.uk

Terenzio silk fly lines

Atomsix furled leaders

previously
www.zenithflyrods.co.uk

Thanks, should explain why I want it to be salt water proof, I want it as a general stillwater trout and boat rod but I want it to be salt water proof as there's a river near my house that flowd into the esturary and by fishing in the esturary you at the mouth of the river you can get some sea trout.

Here's the skeleton reel seat I'm looking at.

Pacific Bay Graphite Skeleton Reel Seat with Cushion
The cork insert is linked on the page.

Whats the best way to work what sizes of rings to put on

Guide sizes - there may be a recommendation from the manufacturer if you ask. Or try downloading guidecalc
New Guide Spacing/Sizing program - Rod Building

Fine tuning spacing - it does make a difference
http://www.rodbuilding.org/library/staticguide.html

I'd have reservations about a cork spacer in the salt unless you intend to seal it. Probably a better seat choice:
PacBay Channel Lock Fly Reel Seats
Fuji Reel Fittings

Lots of 'how to' info here
Rod Building (Powered by Invision Power Board)

Good luck with the build.