I said I'd make some of my own reel knobs, I did, just never remembered to post pictures.
And Yes, they all hold up to reeling in a fish (or a friend.)
This one was made from an oak coat hanger piece. Just drilled the hole, sanded, stained and finished in pecan.


This was made from an oak dowel, drilled the hole, whittled and sanded to a paddle style. Getting the screw to set in it was a pain. Stained and finished pecan, also.


This one was made from the same oak dowel. Drilled the hole, sanded, stained in walnut and had to put 4 polyurethane coats on it to get it right.