Fenwick grip

[dunfly]

Two questions on a Fenwick grip. I really like the classic look of it and want to try one on a Tiger Eye 7'6" 3/4.

1. Is it appropriate for that light a rod? I tried a Ritz grip on one and really didn't like the feel.

2. What type reel seat would you use? The only way I can figure out to do it is with a flush mount seat, but the only one I can find is an A7C, which seems a little on the heavy side.

3. Should I forget the Fenwick and just go with a cigar grip (but I would still have the problem with the rear of the grip fitting the reel seat)?

[kbproctor]

Why not go downlocking? Then use what you want for the grip and not worry about it.

[Midwest Custom Fly Rods]

Fenwicks grips are perfect on 1-4wt rods. I have a little trick I do with seats on fenwick grips which comes out looking really nice. I use a Batson Nickle silver BUL5 hardware set when I do a fenwick grip. The BUL5 is designed to have a recessed front hood, but what I do is leave it exposed, then wrap the part of the hood area that would normally be covered by the grip with matching thread and trim. Then coat it with finish and once you do that the size is the same as the rear grip size so it flows perfectly from grip into the wrapped hood. Here's a pic of a couple I did to give you an idea of what I'm talking about.

Steve

[bazakwardz]

A downlocking seat might make it hard to balance a short, light rod. You would need a very light reel to make it work. So, a solution like Steve's would be the way to go.

[dunfly]

Thanks guys,

I think I am going to try Steves solution. It looks very good. I may try a UL3 instead of the BUL5, but wrapping the recessed part of the seat and mounting is flush looks like the way to go.

[kbproctor]

That does look slick.

[Betty Hiner]

REALLY slick!! I like it!!

[dollyvarden25]

Very nice touch Steve. Would like a better photo though.

[Lotech]

I know I keep posting pictures of this rod, but I really liked building it. The flush mount burled bubinga cap and ring seat fit and balanced perfectly. As I recall, I had to shorten the grip about 1".